Choir Leader:
Job Description

Overview

Role: Choir Leader – Phoenix Choirs Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh (Venue TBC)

Hours: ~3–4 hours per week (Term-time evenings, approx. 38 weeks a year) + Concert dates

Pay: £160 Solo rehearsal / £80 Shared rehearsal (Freelance contract)

Reports To: Kat Brooks, The Phoenix Choir

​

About the Choir

Singing is for everyone—and we’re growing!

The Phoenix Choirs are a vibrant family of choirs across Edinburgh. Right now, we’re an umbrella of six groups: an auditioned Soul Choir, three non-auditioned Community Choirs, and two Kids & Youth choirs. We run on a simple ethos: music should be high quality, soulful, passionate and above all full of joy and energy. We make sure to bring this into both rehearsals and performances!

​

​

About the Role

Our adult choirs are currently full, so we’re launching a brand-new fifth adult choir in January!

We’re looking for a dynamic, encouraging and confident Choir Leader to step in, uphold the Phoenix ethos and energy, and bring their own unique flavour to this brand new group. 

​

​

What the Role Looks Like

You’ll start by shadowing Kat and the team in November and December to get a feel for our style and how our choirs run, then jointly run the new choir from January to Easter, and then fully take the reins from April onwards!

• Weekly Rehearsals: Lead energetic term-time rehearsals, teaching uplifting, soulful arrangements (use our extensive arrangement bank or bring your own!).

• Showtime: Direct your choir at end-of-term performances—including massive joint concerts at venues like The Usher Hall.

• Collaboration: Work side-by-side with a brilliant accompanist during rehearsals, with total back-office support handling the admin for you.

​

​

​

Who You Are

• A Confident Singer & Harmony Lover: You have a great voice and feel totally at home with harmonies. (Don't worry if you haven't arranged before—we’ll coach you on creating arrangements and teaching in the "Phoenix" style!). We are not looking for someone to lead in a classical “choral” fashion - we are looking for a 

• A Natural Performer & Leader: You bring big energy, read the room effortlessly, and know how to make people feel encouraged and inspired.

• Reliable & Committed: You can commit to weekly term-time evenings in Edinburgh.

• Keyboard skills are a bonus, but not essential! You will have an accompanist working with you during the rehearsals.

​

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a warm, supportive, and musical community.

• You’ll receive mentorship on choir direction as well as help with session planning and teaching. You’ll also have full support in the organisational and financial admin - The Phoenix Choir will cover aspects such as venue hire and choir bookings. 

• Access to a large library of arrangements + freedom to create your own in keeping with the Choir’s style

• Opportunities for extra paid cover work and future choir expansions.

• Great opportunity to get started in Choir Leading, or add regular work to a professional music portfolio.

​

Prospective Timeline

• Applications Close: Tuesday 20th October

• Interviews & Auditions: End of October

• Training & Shadowing: November & December (~8 sessions)

• Joint Choir Launch: January – Easter

• Full Leadership: April onwards

​

How to Apply

Send your CV and a brief cover letter or note (or a quick 1-2 minute video introducing yourself/singing) to kat@thephoenixchoir.com by Tues 20th October . Tell us why you’d fit right into the Phoenix family!

When picking our shortlist, we’ll be assessing on or looking for the below, so please do keep in mind: 

• Why Phoenix? What draws you to leading a community choir, and why now?

• Your Musical Vibe & Passions: What kind of music gets you up on your feet? (Bonus points if you love soulful, uplifting tunes!).

• Your Experience: Tell us about your background—whether that’s performing, leading groups, or your own experiences of singing in choirs.

• Your Musicality: Your confidence with vocal harmonies and overall musicianship.

• Your Availability & Goals: We want someone who can be a steady, regular face for our singers each week during term-time. Tell us what else you’re working on and how Phoenix fits into your current commitments and future plans (e.g., if you have major touring plans or trips away coming up, please do let us know).