Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts-Halifax, Nova Scotia
Compensation
: $5,800 per contracted period
Position Type
: Contract (September - June)
Application Deadline:
July 18, 2025, 11:59pm
Application Procedure
: Resume and cover letter via email or Indeed
About the Seton Conservatory Choir
The Seton Conservatory Choir is one of the best mixed voice choirs in Nova Scotia. With its 30 year history and relatively small size, this auditioned choir has achieved an excellent balance and blend of voices through a choral sound of high vocal quality.
The choir is performing a wide variety of music from classical to contemporary and regularly premieres new works by Canadian composers. In addition to its two concert programs per year, Seton performs for special events such as Festival 500, an international choral festival held in St. John's, NL, and the 100-Year Memorial Concert commemorating the Titanic disaster. Past and future concerts are performed in November and May at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, where all rehearsals are held. All choir members are registered members of the Maritime Conservatory.
In 2018 Seton initiated a Choral Scholar program which awards a free one-year membership in both the choir and the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts. Our first Choral Scholar was Ryan Harris. Choral Scholarships were recently awarded to Nick Leblanc and Andrew Pottie.
About the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts
For nearly 140 years, the Maritime Conservatory has been at the heart of music and dance education in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. We are a Canadian registered charitable organization committed to nurturing Nova Scotians of all ages in the performing arts from our youngest Kindermusik participants to our Silver Swans ballet dancers and Music Therapy clients.
Our dedicated faculty, including more than 80 experienced instructors and a growing team of Music Therapists, supports a wide spectrum of learners and clients. Based in a historic landmark building, the Conservatory is a vibrant community hub of creativity and artistic growth.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an Musical Director to lead our mixed-voice choir who is passionate about choral music, community-building, and performance. The Musical Director works closely with the choir's leadership and Conservatory administration to create relevant and engaging opportunities for performance and education that will challenge and encourage the choir to grow musically and artistically. The Musical Director will be responsible for concert programming, regular rehearsals with the choir and collaborative pianist, coordinating an annual outreach/fundraising event, auditioning prospective choir members, securing sponsorships and donations, purchase and distribution of music and licenses, and other creative and administrative duties.
The Musical Director will also be a de facto member of the Conservatory's Voice Department in choral teaching, and collaborate with the Head of the Voice Department and Dean of Music to help develop and steer new choral programming at the Conservatory.
Key Responsibilities
Programming and Performance
Program two concerts per year to be held at the Conservatory's Lilian Piercey Concert Hall, traditionally in November and May
Coordinate one outreach/fundraising event annually to support the choir and Conservatory's mission
Collaborate with other Conservatory departments, students, events and performances whenever possible
Purchase relevant scores and sheet music and maintain the choir's sheet music library
Rehearsals and Auditions
Schedule and facilitate weekly rehearsal with choir members and a collaborative pianist during the 2025/26 concert season (30 weeks, September - May)
Hold auditions for new choir members as necessary (first round in September)
Prepare parts and other materials for choir members when required
Work within the Conservatory events calendar and observe building and holiday closures and other relevant events such as Convocation
Promotions and Fundraising
Ensuring the financial success of the choir by assisting in event promotion and promoting ticket sales
Secure relevant and appropriate sponsorship for the concert series, individual concerts, or other sponsorship opportunities in collaboration with the Conservatory's Dean of Music and/or Executive Director
Coordinate outreach and fundraising initiatives to help fund the choir and choral program development at the Conservatory
Communication and Administration
Report to the Dean of Music and Voice Department Head on matters relevant to the choir and any choral programming derived therefrom
Correspond with choir administration including an informal board of directors and choir membership
Liaise with any sponsors, donors, audience members, and community members where and when possible and appropriate
What We're Looking For
Must-Have Skills & Attributes
Experience conducting groups of similar size and level (mixed-voice preferred)
Experience conducting choral and orchestral ensembles
Experience with creative/accessible concert programming and long term planning
Engaging, welcoming, and positive attitude and personality
Collaborative spirit and creative thinking in regards to choral program development
A commitment to music education and strong understanding of vocal pedagogy
Intricate knowledge of choral repertoire, particularly accessible repertoire
Experience working closely with collaborative pianists
Familiarity with the Halifax arts community, particularly the choral community
A long-term vision for the choir's growth and evolution of choral programming within the Conservatory
Assets (Not Required but Great to Have)
Strong communication and presentation skills, verbal and written
Strong organizational skills
Experience coordinating and creating fundraising and outreach opportunities
Comfortable liaising with community members, stakeholders, and donors
Qualifications
Minimum post-secondary undergraduate degree in music, music education (equivalent experience may be considered)
2+ years experience in choral conducting
Proven track record of successful ensemble and musical leadership
Why Join Us?
Unleash your creativity by programming and executing the choir's 2025/26 season
Work with enthusiastic, dedicated, and experienced choir members
Engage in high-level music education and performance opportunities
Integrate into the Conservatory's network with perks such as free practice space and community collaborations
Collaborate with an in-house administrative team, designers, social media marketers and more to help achieve your vision
Join a historic institution and make your mark in the Conservatory's ~140 year history
Network and collaborate with other dedicated faculty across departments at the Conservatory
To Apply:
Send a cover letter and resume by email to
music.dean@maritimeconservatory.com
by 11:59pm on July 18, 2025
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 10 months
Pay: Up to $5,800.00 per year
Benefits:
Casual dress
On-site parking
Flexible language requirement:
French not required
Schedule:
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed
Education:
Secondary School (preferred)
Experience:
choral conducting: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person