Music Director (Newton, MA)

Date Posted: 
July 5, 2023
Organization Name: 
JourneySongs
Contact Email: 
bertiejaxon@me.com
Salary Range: 
$2500
Job Description: 

JourneySongs Seeking Music Director

Job Description OVERVIEW:

JourneySongs is an interfaith hospice choir located in Newton, Massachusetts,

committed to singing at bedside for the comfort of people who are terminally ill, those

with serious illness, and for caregivers and loved ones. We are volunteers who sing in

private homes, local nursing homes, hospitals, hospice facilities, both regularly and by

special request, and for local memorial services.

We believe in the healing power of music and the importance of community presence

during life’s transitions, choosing songs that are meaningful to the patient and their

family. Our repertoire of songs is drawn from many different faith and world traditions: it

includes chants, rounds, spirituals, hymns, and classical music.

JourneySongs invites applications for the position of Music Director, who fuses our mission of music and spiritual depth with enthusiasm, proficiency, and humble curiosity. The Music Director guides the group’s musical practice in rehearsals and memorial services, and informs practice around bedside sings.

Reports to:
Mentors and Coordinates: Benefits:
Period:
Stipend:

RESPONSIBILITIES

Steering Committee Substitute musical leaders None
August 15 - June 15 $2,500

  • Lead rehearsals twice per month on Sunday afternoons (3:30 - 5 p.m.) in Newton

  • Ensure the learning and polishing of music, and periodically lead bedside “sings” in a

    number of contexts: hospice facilities, private homes, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

  • Coordinate performances at memorial services and outreach singing

  • In consultation with group members, curate repertoire to best meet the needs of

    patients, their families, and singers.

  • With Steering Committee, explore ways to expand JourneySongs’ reach (i.e.,

    through recordings and a digital presence).

  • Create a nurturing, supportive, and empathic learning environment with high musical

    expectations

  • Actively participate with the Steering Committee to strategize in the areas of

    membership, marketing, budget, and space needs

  • Share strategies for singing without books, from heart not head

    REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Music (voice, music education, or related field)

  • Demonstrated ability and interest in adult and “aging” vocal pedagogy, choral techniques, and diverse instructional strategies

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  • Ability to work as a member of a team

  • Sensitivity to spiritual aspects of music-making and an empathic approach to

    bedside singing

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s Degree in Music (choral conducting, music education, or related field)

  • 2 years of successful experience in a community choral setting

  • Experience in music-making outside the concert hall

    To submit an application, please send a cover letter, resumé, and list of three references to Brett Jackson at bertiejaxon@me.com.

    Interviews to be scheduled summer, 2023
    For more information on JourneySongs, please visit www.journeysongs.org

 

Link to organization website