Musical Director | The Noteables 

The Noteables are looking for a new Musical Director who’ll bring musical rigour, great energy and enough charisma to make Monday night rehearsal the highlight of people’s week. You’ll know when to drill a tricky rhythm, when to park it for another day, and when to celebrate the fact that everyone has finally nailed that impossible chord. And if you like dogs, bad puns and a good choral double entendre, even better. 

About us 

We’re a London-based a cappella choir who love great music, big harmonies, big laughs and a bit of drama. We take our singing seriously, ourselves slightly less so.

We’re looking for a creative, confident MD who can help us take our sound and performances to the next level. You’ll shape our repertoire and musical identity, develop our singers and create performances that sound fantastic, look great and leave people wanting more.

We’re collaborative and love having a voice in what we sing, but we also want someone with musical conviction who is happy to say, “I’ve got an idea. Trust me.”

Most importantly, we want someone who can challenge us to be better without making rehearsals feel like hard work. 

The role 

You will:

  • Set the choir’s musical direction and standards, developing a strong, cohesive a cappella sound.

  • Source and select exciting repertoire, balancing member suggestions with your musical judgement.

  • Lead weekly Monday rehearsals and prepare the choir for gigs, competitions, festivals and other performances.

  • Develop vocal technique, musicianship, harmony, blend, tuning, interpretation and performance skills.

  • Teach music clearly by ear and using written music.

  • Give constructive feedback that helps singers improve while keeping rehearsals positive and encouraging.

  • Lead soundchecks and performance-day rehearsals.

  • Develop staging, movement and performance skills where appropriate.

  • Take overall responsibility for the choir’s musical preparation and performance readiness.

  • Confidently and effectively audition prospective members, assessing musicality, vocal ability, harmony, rhythm, blend and suitability for the group.

  • Select appropriate voicings, solos and featured parts to make the most of individual singers.

  • Work with the choir leadership team on repertoire, rehearsals and performances, including sourcing suitable gigs and venues where required.

  • Prepare rehearsal resources such as MIDI files where required. 

What we’re looking for 

Essential 

  • Experience directing or leading a choir, vocal ensemble or a cappella group.

  • An excellent musical ear and strong vocal knowledge, particularly around harmony, pitch, rhythm, blend and tuning.

  • Experience teaching singers with different levels of ability.

  • Strong communication, rehearsal and organisational skills.

  • Experience selecting repertoire for a vocal ensemble.

  • A genuine passion for contemporary vocal and a cappella music.

  • Confidence in auditioning singers and giving constructive feedback. 

Desirable

  • Contemporary a cappella directing or arranging experience.

  • Experience with vocal percussion, choreography, staging or movement.

  • Experience preparing groups for competitions or festivals.

  • Familiarity with MIDI or digital rehearsal tools. 

The person 

We’re looking for someone who is:

  • Creative and ambitious with ideas and energy to keep developing the choir.

  • Collaborative and open-minded, willing to listen, learn and respond to feedback.

  • Musically confident, able to make clear decisions and lead from the front.

  • Patient and encouraging, while maintaining high standards.

  • Organised and reliable, with a good understanding of the realities of a member-led choir.

  • Fun, with personality, humour and the ability to make people look forward to Monday nights. 

Commitment 

You’ll lead weekly rehearsals and attend key performances, soundchecks and preparation sessions. You’ll need to be consistently available for Monday rehearsals and allow appropriate time outside rehearsals for musical preparation, repertoire planning and sourcing gigs/venues where required. The exact rehearsal schedule, fee and scope of arranging and other responsibilities will be agreed with the successful candidate. 

How to apply 

Please email admin@thenoteables.co.uk with the following:

  • A brief introduction and outline of your musical experience.

  • Details of relevant choirs, vocal ensembles or a cappella groups you have directed.

  • Examples of arranging, musical direction or performance work (e.g recordings, videos), where available.

  • Your availability and expected fee.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal conversation and practical rehearsal/audition session.