Head of Music

Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic new Head of Music to join the festival team. Waterperry is a fast moving opera festival that offers an accessible programme of work. The role will suit a candidate who is a freelance musician, with flexibility throughout the year to allow them to take it on.

This is a one-year fixed term, freelance contract from 1st October 2026 to 31st September 2027, with possibility of renewal, at approximately £6,000 per annum (c.52 days work across the year). A standard working day is 10-6pm though there will be flexibility to suit the role requirements. The role reports to the Artistic Director & CEO and Festival Music Director, and works closely with the whole team.

The role provides administrative and artistic leadership within the Waterperry team. It involves working alongside the core team in preparation throughout the year ahead of the festival, and working alongside the Festival Music Director and Music Staff to fulfil a high level of artistic quality during the festival. The role is required to represent the festival throughout the year and be an ambassador for the company in the industry, working to boost the presence and reputation of the work done by the festival.

The role is expected to cover scheduling, auditions, supporter events, musical preparation for the festival (scores), maintaining an active presence at all rehearsals throughout the London rehearsal period, supporting music staff and playing or conducting rehearsals as required, and maintaining an active presence across the festival at final rehearsals and performances. We are looking for a proven track record as a repetiteur for an opera company, with the ability to play piano, conduct or sing as required across the festival.

You will have knowledge of how an opera company works and the operatic canon, excellent people skills, attention to detail and experience of scheduling. You will be self-motivated and detail-oriented, with a methodical approach to work and the ability to take initiative, an enthusiastic team player committed to supporting colleagues and fostering a positive work environment, with excellent time management skills and multitasking.

Commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusivity in the workplace and passion for WOF's mission.

Proven track record as a repetiteur for an opera company. Ability to play piano, conduct or sing as required across the festival. Knowledge of how an opera company works. Knowledge of the operatic canon. Excellent people skills, with ability to work well with colleagues across multiple departments. Excellent attention to detail and experience of scheduling. Self-motivated and detail-oriented, with a methodical approach to work and the ability to take initiative.

Enthusiastic team player, committed to supporting colleagues and fostering a positive work environment. Excellent time management skills, capable of multitasking and prioritising effectively. Commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusivity in the workplace. Passion for WOF's mission, vision, and values.

The role provides administrative and artistic leadership within the Waterperry team. It involves working alongside the core team in the preparation throughout the year ahead the festival, and working alongside the Festival Music Director and Music Staff to fulfil a high level of artistic quality during the festival. The role is required to represent the festival throughout the year, be an ambassador for the company in the industry by working to boost the presence and reputation of the work done by the festival.

The role is expected to be involved in the following areas:
General artistic planning throughout the year Scheduling Auditions Supporter Events Musical preparation for the festival (scores, scheduling) Maintaining an active presence at all rehearsals throughout the London rehearsal period – supporting music staff and playing and conducting rehearsals as required Maintaining an active presence across the festival at all final rehearsals and performances.

Contact for more info : joh