Assistant Conductor

• Weekly meetings SDMC staff and artistic administration tasks: 3-4 hours
• Weekly Monday night rehearsals: 2.5-3 hours
• Weekly score study and preparation: 2 hours
• Concerts and events as scheduled in the season
• Additional hours for engagement events as scheduled throughout the season
• Hours may increase modestly during audition periods or concert weeks.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Artistic & Rehearsal Support

• Attend every scheduled rehearsal and concert during the season
• Assist the Music Director with musical preparation of the chorus
• Lead warm-ups, sectionals, or full rehearsals at the discretion of the Music Director
• Provide clear, candid, and respectful musical feedback when requested
• Serve as a trusted sounding board for interpretation, pacing, and rehearsal strategy
• Reinforce the Music Director’s artistic vision, rehearsal methods, and interpretive decisions
• Listen critically across all sections and identify balance, tuning, diction, and ensemble issues
• Organize and streamline rehearsal notes and communicate them clearly to singers

Conducting & Coverage

• Serve as cover conductor for rehearsals and concerts as needed
• Assist with seating and standing arrangements for the chorus
• Support rehearsal flow and room setup as needed

Auditions & Singer Support

• Assist with audition recruitment and outreach
• Pre-screen audition materials
• Serve on audition listening panels
• Communicate effectively with paid singers regarding section-specific needs, schedules, and updates
• Provide coaching support to soloists as needed

Programming & Guest Artist Support

• Assist the Music Director with repertoire planning and programming discussions
• Support guest artist engagement, preparation, and on-site coordination
• Act as a musical liaison between guest artists and the chorus as needed

Administrative & Collaborative Duties

• Maintain clear, timely communication with the Music Director and administrative staff
• Participate in weekly operations meetings as needed
• Support engagement and education programs as needed
• Collaborate with staff, board members, and partner organizations with professionalism and discretion

PREFERRED AND REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Required

• Advanced musicianship with strong conducting skills
• Demonstrated experience leading choral ensembles (collegiate, community, or professional/semi-professional preferred)
• Exceptional aural skills and ability to diagnose ensemble issues quickly
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• High emotional intelligence; ability to give and receive direct feedback
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Availability for all rehearsals and concerts throughout the season

Preferred

• Piano proficiency (ability to cover for accompanist as needed)
• Vocal background; ability to coach soloists
• Experience working with professional or semi-professional choruses
• Interest in community engagement or educational programming

Personal & Professional Attributes

The ideal candidate is:

• Knowledgeable, self-sufficient, and detail-oriented
• Collaborative, grounded, and secure in their role
• Comfortable offering honest musical input
• Respectful of artistic leadership while bringing independent musical insight
• Motivational and supportive of singers
• Aligned with SDMC’s values of excellence, community, creativity, trust, and joy

Work Environment and Schedule: This position offers a hybrid work structure, combining remote tasks with in-person attendance. Weekly in-person rehearsals are held at First United Methodist Church of San Diego (2111 Camino del Rio S.), with performances and other events taking place at various venues across San Diego County. Availability is required for weekly operations meetings, rehearsals, concert weekends and other events as scheduled (see the concert schedule at sdmasterchorale.org/2025-26-season/), and other events as required. Reliable transportation is required.