Music Director: New Zealand Secondary Students' Choir

About Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand & NZSSC
Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand (CANZ) is the home of three national choirs and a national choral academy:
• New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir (NZSSC) – A national choir for high school students.
• New Zealand Youth Choir (NZYC) – A premier national choir for singers aged 18–25.
• Voices New Zealand – A professionally run national chamber choir.
• Aotearoa Choral Academy (ACA) – A national choral academy for singers aged 13-25. 

CANZ also delivers a national outreach programme that includes young conductor training, community and school outreach, an annual composition competition and mentoring. 

What We Offer
• The opportunity to shape the artistic future of one of New Zealand’s most prestigious national choirs.
• The chance to work with exceptional young singers and support their artistic and personal growth.
• A supportive professional environment within Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand, with access to an extensive network of choral professionals.
• The opportunity to lead regular national and occasional international tours.

New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir (Learn more at: nzsschoir.com) 

The New Zealand Secondary Students Choir (NZSSC) has a distinguished international reputation, having won multiple awards and performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues since its inception in 1986. 
NZSSC gathers each school holidays for a week of rehearsals and concerts throughout the country, with the 2-year cycle culminating in a tour to an international choir festival or competition.

The Role: Music Director, New Zealand Secondary Students Choir
Reports to: Chief Executive and/or artistic representative, Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand
Location: New Zealand (travel required for rehearsals and tours)
Contract: Fixed Term – Project based 2027 & 2028 with opportunities for extension
Remuneration: Daily rates for project work plus retainer, commensurate with experience 

Key Responsibilities 

Artistic Leadership 
• Develop and implement an inspiring artistic vision for vision for NZSSC.
• Select repertoire that showcases musical excellence and reflects the cultural identity of Aotearoa.
• Devise a two-year programme pathway for NZSSC within agreed budget parameters.
• Collaborate with composers, musicians, and other artistic partners.
• Contribute as member of CANZ Artistic Advisory Group to the overall artistic direction of the organisation.

 Rehearsal & Performance Direction
• Lead all high-quality rehearsals and performances.
• Facilitate professional level vocal training and musicianship development for choir members.
• Conduct national and international tours, recordings, and special projects.
• Work with the production and management teams to optimise rehearsal efficiency and scheduling. 

Singer Development & Engagement
• Mentor and develop young singers, fostering individual and collective growth.
• Provide artistic leadership that supports diversity and inclusion.
• Foster a collaborative culture working with vocal coaches and music educators to achieve artistic excellence, vocal health, and continuous development. 

Collaboration & Partnerships
• Work with Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand leadership to plan programming and tours.
• Commission new works that advance the ensemble’s repertoire and identity.
• Engage with the wider choral, classical music, and arts communities in Aotearoa and internationally. 

Engagement & Representation
• Serve as an ambassador for NZSSC at public, media, and donor events.
• Work with the CANZ team to contribute to audience development strategies and fundraising efforts.
• Support outreach initiatives and recordings that extend the impact of the choir's work. 5. 

Person Specification Essential Criteria:
• Proven experience in choral conducting at a high national level.
• Deep understanding of choral repertoire, vocal technique, and ensemble training.
• Experience leading a school, youth or professional choral ensemble.
• Strong commitment to fostering young musical talent.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills.
• Understanding of Te Ao Māori and Pasifika musical traditions, or a willingness to deeply engage in these areas.
• Experience in planning & delivering performances at a level to take to the international stage. 

Desirable Criteria:
• Familiarity with the New Zealand and to some extent international choral scenes.
• A track record of commissioning and performing new choral works