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Public Administration & LegalISCO 2652

Choirmaster/choirmistress

A choirmaster or choirmistress is a person who directs the various aspects of how a vocal ensemble performs, and sometimes an instrumental one: a choir, a chamber group, a larger ensemble. The role covers what the group sings, who sings it and how it sounds in performance.

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Rate 5 of the 22 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

manage musical staff

work with soloists

develop musical ideas

supervise music groups

study musical scores

About choirmaster/choirmistress

Choosing the music comes first. The choirmaster selects the works the ensemble will perform, which is a judgement about the singers as much as about the repertoire. Working with music librarians is part of this: the librarians supply the scores and parts the ensemble performs from.

Much of the role is work with the performers. The choirmaster arranges the singers, deciding who stands where so the sections balance, works with soloists on their individual parts, and conducts guest soloists. The choirmaster also communicates the aspects of the performance to the ensemble, so that everyone works towards a shared interpretation.

Living composers belong to the work too. The choirmaster works with composers and engages them, which can mean commissioning a piece, preparing a first performance or settling with the composer what a notation is asking the singers to do.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (22)

musical genresmusical genresDifferent musical styles and genres such as blues, jazz, reggae, rock, or indie.subject of music coachingsubject of music coachingThe techniques used to coach students in different music related fields such as voice, dance or musical instrument.music literaturemusic literatureLiterature about music theory, specific music styles, periods, composers or musicians, or specific pieces. This includes a variety of materials such as magazines, journals, books and academic literatu...musical theorymusical theoryThe body of interrelated concepts that constitutes the theoretical background of music.manage musical staffmanage musical staffAssign and manage staff tasks in areas such as scoring, arranging, copying music and vocal coaching.work with soloistswork with soloistsCommunicate with solo artists and concert masters to discuss and prepare for performances.develop musical ideasdevelop musical ideasExplore and develop musical concepts based on sources such as imagination or environmental sounds.supervise music groupssupervise music groupsDirect music groups, individual musicians or complete orchestras at rehearsals and during live or studio performances, in order to improve the overall tonal and harmonic balance, dynamics, rhythm, and...study musical scoresstudy musical scoresStudy musical scores and develop various interpretations.engage composersengage composersEngage services of professional composers to write the score for a music piece.plan musical performancesplan musical performancesSchedule rehearsals and music performances, arrange details such as locations, select accompanists and instrumentalists.coordinate performance tourscoordinate performance toursSchedule planning for a series of event dates, plan timetables, organise venues, accommodations and transportation for longer tours.collaborate with music librarianscollaborate with music librariansCommunicate and work together with music librarians to ensure permanent availability of scores.conduct guest soloistsconduct guest soloistsGuide guest solo musicians in addition to ensemble members.position musiciansposition musiciansPosition qualified musicians within musical groups, orchestras or ensembles, to obtain a correct balance among instrumental or vocal sections.manage fundraising activitiesmanage fundraising activitiesInitiate fundraising activities managing the place, teams involved, causes and budgets.work with composerswork with composersCommunicate with composers to discuss various interpretations of their work.select vocalistsselect vocalistsSelect vocalists and individual singers for solos.select musical performersselect musical performersOrganise auditions and select performers for musical performances.read musical scoreread musical scoreRead the musical score during rehearsal and live performance.communicate performance aspectscommunicate performance aspectsUse body gestures to shape the music, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, colour, pitch, volume, and other live performance aspects.strive for excellence in musical performancestrive for excellence in musical performanceContinually commit to perfecting your instrumental or vocal performance.
Optional (7) — show
business management principlesbusiness management principlesPrinciples governing business management methods such as strategy planning, methods of efficient production, people and resources coordination.cultural projectscultural projectsThe purpose, organisation and management of cultural projects and related fundraising actions.art-historical valuesart-historical valuesThe historical and artistic values implied in examples of one's branch of art.develop cultural activitiesdevelop cultural activitiesDevelop activities adapted to the outreach and/or audience. Take into account difficulties and needs observed and identified from the perspective of enhancing curiosity and general capability to acces...participate as a performer in the creative processparticipate as a performer in the creative processClarify the extent to which the performer, as a member of the team, should be involved in the creative process, adapting yourself to different leadership styles. Understand choreographer's/director's ...collaborate with choreographerscollaborate with choreographersCollaborate with choreographers in order to learn, develop or to redefine and/or modify dance moves and choreographies.organise cultural eventsorganise cultural eventsArrange events in cooperation with local stakeholders which promote local culture and heritage.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

musical conductor17 shared essential skillsmusic director9 shared essential skillslyricist4 shared essential skillsmusic arranger4 shared essential skillsmusic instructor4 shared essential skillsrépétiteur4 shared essential skillsmusic teacher3 shared essential skillsmusic teacher secondary school3 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a choirmaster/choirmistress do?

Choirmasters/choirmistresses manage various aspects of the vocal, and sometimes instrumental, performances of musical groups, such as choirs, ensembles, or glee clubs.

What skills does a choirmaster/choirmistress need?

A choirmaster/choirmistress needs 22 essential skills, including musical genres, subject of music coaching, music literature, musical theory, manage musical staff.

Will AI replace choirmaster/choirmistress jobs?

The AI disruption score for choirmaster/choirmistress is 6/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: coordinate performance tours, musical theory, manage fundraising activities. Most resilient: engage composers, conduct guest soloists, read musical score.

AI Replacement Risk

6/ 100
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Quick Facts

SectorPublic Administration & Legal
ISCO GroupLegal, social and cultural professionals
Essential Skills22

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