Artistic Director

Position Summary:

The Houston Masterworks Chorus (HMC) seeks a part-time Artistic Director/Conductor for the 2025-2026 season to lead our 40-year old community non-profit. The candidate should have a strong interest in continuing HMC’s mission: Celebrating and connecting Houston through powerful, innovative music that uplifts and educates. 

 

HMC differentiates itself from other choirs with intentional collaborations and programming designed to expand the definition of what makes a masterwork. We partner with a range of musicians and demographics, reflecting the City of Houston and nurturing engagement with a broader audience.

 

The Artistic Director leads and directs all aspects of chorus performances and reports to the Board of Directors while working collaboratively with the staff and chorus volunteers. The position offers an unparalleled opportunity to work with an enthusiastic and skilled community chorus, while growing a personal network in Houston’s vast musical community.

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s in choral conducting or related field strongly preferred 
• Experience conducting an orchestra with singers 
• Passion for innovation and networking with local performing groups/artists 
• Experience and efficacy in long-range artistic planning 
• Skilled in relationship building, management, and conflict resolution 
• Connections in the Houston area a plus

 

Artistic Management:

• Provides recommendations on repertoire for HMC Board approval. Repertoire is expected to range from traditional choral offerings to innovative pieces partnering with non-traditional  groups. HMC performs 4-5 full concerts yearly, as well as 3-4 shorter outreach concerts at public venues such as libraries, non-profit centers and pop-up events.
• Develops, for board approval, a three-year plan of concert programming for HMC and chorus tours.
• Executes annual HMC Young Singer Competition in partnership with YSC chair and leadership.
• Participates in community activities and fundraising events that further brand visibility, chorus outreach and expand potential audiences. Supplies social media videos for the marketing team for concerts.

 

Audition and Rehearsal:

• Holds weekly rehearsals on Monday evenings during the season as well as any needed instrumental, soloist, and dress rehearsals.
• Selects and collaborates with section leaders to provide regular sectional rehearsals.
• Demonstrates efficient and advanced skills in rehearsal technique for singers from a variety of musical experiences and skills, while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere to encourage singer development and retention.
• Auditions/voices the full chorus regularly and new singers as required.
• Prepares scores for chorus, accompanist, orchestra, and soloists.
• Leads singer recruitment activities in collaboration with the chorus leadership.

 

Concerts:

• Works with staff to select appropriate venues for concerts and rehearsals.
• Selects and rehearses artistic personnel (soloists, instrumentalists, etc.) for concerts while working with quality, time, and budget considerations.
• Coordinates with the Stage Manager and staff on all matters regarding Chorus performance and venue logistics.
• Supplies concert program material for each concert to the staff, volunteers and marketing team.

 

Administrative/Board Relations:

• Working with staff and volunteers, develops a repertoire and partnerships plan annually for final  board approval. This plan provides the basis for the annual budget, as well as marketing and grant  efforts.
• Regularly attends committee meetings and presents reports to the Board of Directors regarding the status of the artistic programs and projects.
• Works collaboratively with program directors, staff, and volunteers.
• Inspires creativity and offers new ideas and directions that build on HMC’s progress in reflecting Houston’s diversity and demonstrates openness to the ideas of others.
• Operates within fiscal budgets and constraints.
• Participates in fundraising and donor cultivation activities as required.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

This part-time paid position assumes the candidate has supplemental sources of income. This is a non-exempt, salaried position; salary begins at $20,000 and is commensurate with education and experience.

 

Special Instructions to Applicants:

• Applications must include:
  • Personal letter of interest signed by the candidate
  • CV/resume
  • Repertoire list
  • Links to videos of programs and rehearsals conducted by the candidate
  • Names and phone numbers of at least three professional references
• Questions may be directed to [email protected]

No phone inquiries. You will receive an email confirmation once your materials are received.

 

Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.