Welcome to the Music Director Search Page!
Masterwork is now accepting applications for the position of Music Director, with a start date of September 2024. Please see below for more information regarding Masterwork and the application process.
About Masterwork Chorus
Masterwork Chorus is an auditioned volunteer chorus of approximately 100 voices and is dedicated to enriching and supporting the cultural life of the community through high-quality choral performances. Founded in 1955, the chorus has a rich history of performing not only the masterworks, but also a diverse range of choral literature spanning a variety of musical periods and styles, including seldom-performed, lesser-known choral works. The chorus is also known for its annual performances of Handel’s Messiah in northern New Jersey and Carnegie Hall. The chorus typically performs four concerts each year in a mix of venues from large concert halls to intimate church settings. In addition, the Masterwork Women’s Ensemble is a select chamber ensemble of 24 voices that generally performs more challenging and/or intimate choral works in two or three concerts per year and community venues. Masterwork also has an active community outreach program that includes small ensemble performances at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities twice annually, as well as a series of community Summer Sings, and a December Messiah sing.
The Position
This is a part-time, paid position.
The successful candidate will have a thorough knowledge of choral music across multiple styles, and proven experience conducting a volunteer chorus and professional orchestra. He/she will have outstanding conducting, teaching, and vocal pedagogy skills, and the ability to consistently take the chorus to a high level of artistry and achievement. As Music Director, he/she will work in a collaborative environment with Masterwork’s Board of Trustees and staff and will be able to leverage contacts in the local music community as necessary to further Masterwork’s goals. The successful candidate will also have the ability to positively interact and connect with chorus members, with Masterwork’s audience (through, for example, pre-concert lectures), and with donors and friends of the chorus at occasional fund-raising events.
The Music Director will make Masterwork a high-priority professional commitment, although it is understood that Masterwork may not be the Music Director’s only professional activity.
Position Responsibilities
The Music Director:
- Reports to the President of the Board of Trustees.
- Has artistic jurisdiction over The Masterwork Chorus, Inc. and all of its artistic activities.
- Provides artistic oversight for the Womens’s Ensemble, ReachOut!, Summer Sings and educational activities.
- Plans the Chorus’s music programs with approval by the Music Committee. A program year typically consists of a fall or midwinter program, a series of Messiah concerts and two spring concerts.
- Works with an orchestra contractor, selects soloists, and arranges for supporting singers as needed and as budget allows.
- Operates within a sound fiscal budgetary environment with consideration to financial constraints. Works with the Finance Committee to prepare a budget prior to submitting repertoire options to the full Board of Trustees for discussion and approval. Provides regular updates to the Finance Committee throughout the season to review spending plans and adherence to budget.
- Conducts regular Chorus rehearsals every Wednesday evening. In the event the Music Director must miss a rehearsal, coordinates rehearsal plan with the Assistant Director. Arranges for sectional rehearsals as necessary and appropriate.
- Participates in fund raising events to meet with donors at the request of the Board of Trustees.
- Auditions prospective members. Periodically re-hears sections to adjust the size and composition of the group for a better blend. The decision to admit new members or move existing members to a new voice part is at the discretion of the Music Director. The decision not to re-admit an existing member is at the discretion of the Music Director under consultation with the President and the Membership Committee.
- Attends quarterly Board of Trustee meetings as a non-voting member. Occasionally attends other committee meetings as necessary.
Application/Audition Process
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to president@masterwork.org no later than October 31, 2023. Applicants should be prepared, to submit rehearsal and performance videos, sample programming and relevant references. Other materials may also be requested of applicants as they move through the selection process. Details regarding the submission of additional materials will be provided if and when the materials are requested. It is anticipated that, as part of the selection process, two or three candidates will be invited to serve as guest conductors for one rehearsal each during January 2024.
Masterwork provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.