The Metropolitan Police Choir is seeking an inspiring and enthusiastic Musical Director to lead our long-established and thriving choir into its next chapter.

With a proud history spanning more than 150 years, the choir has been a valued part of the Metropolitan Police family for generations. Ten years ago we became a mixed-voice choir and today we have around 60 members, comprising a welcoming mix of current and retired police officers and police staff. As a registered charity, we are committed to promoting choral music, supporting musical participation and contributing to the wider community in London through our performances and activities.

We perform a varied and engaging repertoire, ranging from traditional choral works to contemporary pop arrangements and musical theatre medleys. The choir presents two major concerts each year, in the summer and at Christmas, alongside regular performances at Metropolitan Police events. We also sing at a range of venues across London and are honoured to participate in some prestigious events, including the Commissioner's Carol Service in Westminster Abbey.  As part of our 10^th Anniversary celebrations we recorded an album, “10 Years On the Beat”, over a weekend – hard work but extremely rewarding, and the result is available on streaming services.

Rehearsals take place weekly on a Monday evening at Holy Sepulchre Church, Holborn – the National Musicians' Church and a truly exceptional venue in which to rehearse and perform. We enjoy a strong and valued relationship with Holy Sepulchre, supporting its community outreach through local events, such as their informal Musicali-Tea concerts.

The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and directing rehearsals and performances, selecting music that is both enjoyable and appropriate for the choir, and creating a positive, supportive environment that encourages learning, confidence and engagement across the membership.

Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds. Applicants should have experience of directing adult mixed-voice choirs, excellent musicianship, strong communication skills and the ability to inspire singers of varying experience and ability.

This is a wonderful opportunity to work with a friendly, committed and sociable choir with a unique heritage, a charitable purpose and an important place within the Metropolitan Police community.

Fees will be paid in line with Musicians' Union rates for rehearsals and performances.  Please note some performances are during the daytime as well as in the evenings, mid-week or weekends.

The Musical Director is expected to:

• Take all rehearsals for concerts and events
• Conduct all public performances, unless agreed otherwise
• Liaise with the Accompanist and the Committee to ensure all the musical elements of the rehearsals are covered
• Plan all rehearsals to ensure the choir’s readiness for performances is achieved
• Meet new members to conduct a voice test and agree which part they will sing
• Work with existing members on an ad hoc basis to ensure the musical quality of the choir is maintained and that members are singing their most appropriate voice part
• Advise on the vocal balance of the choir and whether any action needs to be taken to maintain overall balance
• Work with the committee to select and plan the repertoire
• Work with the committee to choose which events to support and to help with some aspects of planning and organising
• Attend committee meetings when required, these are sometimes in person and held on rehearsal evenings before the rehearsal or may be online (Teams meetings) at other times
• Actively promote the choir through local and established networks as well as their own personal networks

Musical Director – Professional Requirements

• Professional musical training
• Experience in training and conducting large mixed choirs for excellent public performance
• Experience in conducting a variety of types of music
• Ability and knowledge to recommend suitable and balanced musical programmes
• Demonstrate and work within the financial constraints of an amateur choir and charity and plan accordingly
• Focus of continual training and improvement of the choir’s vocal sound

Musical Director – Personal Qualities

• Committed, energetic, enthusiastic and adaptable
• Patient and willing to work with singers with varied sight reading abilities to get them to performance standard
• Ability to work with the committee to improve and maintain high standards with the choir, whilst respecting the choir’s purpose
• Committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
• Punctual, reliable and well organised
• Demonstrate strong and clear communication skills
• Have a good sense of humour
• Be willing to make a strong commitment to the Metropolitan Police Choir and participate in joint concerts with other organisations and occasional social events

Contract

Initially for a three year period, renewable for a further three year period ongoing, subject to the agreement of the Musical Director and the committee.  There will be a probation period of six months, during which the contract may be terminated by either party giving one months’ notice.  Once the probation period is over, the contract may be terminated by either party by giving six months’ notice.

The Musical Director will be expected to contribute to discussions about their own performance and contribution at least every six months.

Given the choir's close association with the Metropolitan Police and its participation in high-profile public and ceremonial events, the successful candidate will be expected to meet appropriate standards of integrity and suitability. Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide evidence of a recent DBS check or be willing to undergo a DBS check as part of the appointment process.

Remuneration: in line with the Musicians’ Union, reviewed every September. Currently (25/26):

• 2 hour rehearsal: £151.17
• Single Performance (max 3 hours) plus rehearsal on the same day (max 3 hours): £263.15
• Double Performance: two performances plus a single rehearsal: £381.25

Application Process:

• Vacancy advertised until 30 September 2026
• Applications received by 1700 hours Wednesday 30 September 2026
• Applications reviewed and shortlisted by Friday 9 October 2026
• Interviews for shortlisted applicants w/c 19 October 2026
• Selected shortlisted candidates to take trial rehearsal with the choir late October/early November – several options will be available
• Successful candidate offered Musical Director position no later than end of November 2026
• New Musical Director takes up appointment 1 January 2027

Applications

Please send your application by e-mail to the Choir Vice-Chair, Stevie Bull at Stevie.Bull@met.police.uk.

If you have any questions about the application process then please address them to Stevie at the same e-mail address.

Your application should include the following:

• A covering letter explaining why you are applying for the role and what you feel you can bring to the Met Police Choir
• Personal details, contact information, education and background
• CV of experience
• Your vision for the choir in one year’s time and three years’ time
• References and testimonials from 2 professionals and one other choir will be required if you reach the interview stage

Thank you for your interest in our choir and we look forward to receiving your application.