Job details

Rehearsals

Every Tuesday evening, 7pm-9.15pm, during term times (three terms of 10-15 rehearsals each year)

Location

Queen Mary University, Mile End, London, E1 4NS

Pay

£110 per rehearsal

£300 per concert (expect 3 a year)

£200 termly admin fee (3 a year)

Deadline for applications

Friday 11 April 2025, 5pm

Job to begin

September 2025

Job duration

Permanent contract, with a minimum term of one year

Music director's duties

Specific duties, to:

• Conduct rehearsals and performances of the ensemble ensuring the highest standards of performance.

• Liaise with composers and the ensemble’s librarian to ensure we have all necessary parts.

• Arrange for a suitable deputy conductor where necessary.

• Attend ensemble committee meetings.

With the ensemble committee, to:

• Maintain an open-access ensemble catering for mixed abilities.

• Create strategic artistic plans for the ensemble, including workshop, experimental and other relevant activities.

• Devise ambitious, creative concerts and other performances, showcasing and developing the ensemble’s abilities and CoMA’s high-quality repertoire.

• Carry out necessary planning and administration for the ensemble’s activities.

Person specification

ESSENTIAL

Qualifications:

• Musical qualifications or equivalent experience

Skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of contemporary music

• Conducting instrumental ensembles

• Planning rehearsals

• Experience of working with adult community / leisure-time musicians

• An ambitious and open-minded approach to music-making

Personal attributes:

• Ability to work under pressure

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Patience

• Ability to work as part of a team

• Excellent verbal and written communication

DESIRABLE

Qualifications:

• Conducting qualifications

Skills and abilities:

• Programming concerts

• Experience of commissioning

• Experience of teaching ensembles or individuals

Timeline

• Deadline for applications: Friday 11 April 2025, 5pm

• Interviews for shortlisted candidates: Late April

• Auditions: Up to three candidates will be invited to auditions on Tuesday 13 and 20 May, 2025, between 7pm and 9.15pm

• Appointment: Late May

• Job begins: The music director’s first term in charge will begin in September 2025. Before this they will also be invited to attend rehearsals and activities in June/July 2025 to ensure a smooth transition

Watch CoMA London perform Sky Above the Clouds by Angela Elizabeth Slater

How to apply

Please email the following to london@coma.org by 5pm on Friday 11 April, 2025, including “CoMA London music director application” in the subject line:

• A CV in PDF or word document format

• A letter in PDF or word document format answering the following questions at the indicated lengths:
  – Why do you want to be music director of CoMA London ensemble? (maximum 100 words);
  – Please describe your experience of working with adult leisure-time and community groups (maximum 75 words);
  – What is your approach to working with such groups to get the most out of them? (maximum 150 words);
  – What experience do you have of contemporary music and what do you think will be different about leading a contemporary music ensemble? (maximum 150 words)

• A video of you conducting. This must be a link to a video that the assessment panel can stream. We will not be able to download video attachments

If you have any questions at all, please email Matthew Gilley, chairman of CoMA London ensemble, at london@coma.org.