Vacancy for Music Director

One of Northumberland’s leading a capella choirs, Coquetdale Chamber Choir is looking for an experienced Music Director to take over from John Casken who created this choir in 2009 and has shaped it into the highly competent amateur choir that it now is.

John is stepping down after sixteen years. We hope the new Music Director will be able to take over completely with effect from the summer of 2026 following a hand-over period in the Spring.

The Choir currently has 24 singers and is based in the charming village of Rothbury, Northumberland, where our weekly rehearsals are held in the United Reformed Church, a central location in the village with easy parking. The Choir is run by a small committee which includes the Music Director.

Our repertoire includes sacred and secular music spanning Renaissance to Contemporary. We also regularly perform pieces which John has composed, some especially for the choir. The choir’s commitment to the work of living composers is central to what we do and we pride ourselves on being able to present programmes that are both interesting and challenging.

We usually give performances in the Autumn/Winter, Spring and Summer in venues across North Northumberland, many of which are historic churches with excellent acoustics which complement our programmes.

 Click here  for an illustration of past programmes in an illustrated  Gallery

We also hold an annual open Workshop in January - details opposite - which is the main recruitment drive for new members, although we welcome anyone who would like to give us a try at any time.

The Music Director

This vacancy creates a rare opportunity to work with an adventurous and very capable choir, one that is known for its friendliness and sociability, and a choir that John has found immensely rewarding and cooperative.

We hope to attract someone who is keen to follow in John’s footsteps to continue developing competent singing skills and performing to the highest possible standards, while bringing to the choir their own ambition for its development.

Above all, the new Music Director will need to match the enthusiasm and commitment that John has personally brought to the choir, which in turn inspires the same enthusiasm and commitment from the members.

Terms

Fees – by agreement with the Committee

Application Process - CLOSING DATE – 18 JANUARY 2026

If you are interested in this position, please write to us via info@coquetdalechamberchoir.org.uk

If you would like to discuss the position over the phone, let us have your contact details and John will get in touch with you.

If you wish to proceed with an application, write with information regarding your experience of working with choral groups, why you are interested in applying, and include your CV.

We anticipate that shortlisted applicants will attend at least two rehearsals in the Spring, one of which they will be expected to lead.