Assistant Conductor

Posted:
Feb 24, 2026

Assistant Conductor

San Diego Master Chorale - San Diego, CA

Part‑time

Salary: $30.00 - $40.00 Hourly

Final date to receive applications:
Mar 6, 2026

The Assistant Conductor serves as the primary artistic partner and support to the Music Director, contributing to the musical excellence, rehearsal effectiveness, and artistic integrity of the San Diego Master Chorale (SDMC). This role prioritizes conducting skill, exceptional listening skills, musical judgement, and trusted collaboration. The Assistant Conductor focuses on listening across sections, supporting singers, reinforcing artistic decisions, and serving as a sounding board for the Music Director.

The Assistant Conductor is present at all rehearsals and concerts and plays a key role in rehearsal leadership, communications, auditions, and artistic logistics. Singing in the SD Master Chorale is not a requirement of this role.

• Weekly meetings with SDMC staff and artistic administration tasks: 3‑4 hours
• Weekly Monday night rehearsals: 2.5‑3 hours
• Weekly score study and preparation: 2 hours
• Concerts and events as scheduled in the season
• Additional hours for engagement events as scheduled throughout the season
• Hours may increase modestly during audition periods or concert weeks.

• Attend every scheduled rehearsal and concert during the season
• Assist the Music Director with musical preparation of the chorus
• Lead warm‑ups, sectionals, or full rehearsals at the discretion of the Music Director
• Provide clear, candid, and respectful musical feedback when requested
• Serve as a trusted sounding board for interpretation, pacing, and rehearsal strategy
• Reinforce the Music Director’s artistic vision, rehearsal methods, and interpretive decisions
• Listen critically across all sections and identify balance, tuning, diction, and ensemble issues
• Organize and streamline rehearsal notes and communicate them clearly to singers

• Serve as cover conductor for rehearsals and concerts as needed
• Assist with seating and standing arrangements for the chorus
• Support rehearsal flow and room setup as needed

• Assist with audition recruitment and outreach
• Pre‑screen audition materials
• Serve on audition listening panels
• Communicate effectively with paid singers regarding section‑specific needs, schedules, and updates
• Provide coaching support to soloists as needed

• Assist the Music Director with repertoire planning and programming discussions
• Support guest artist engagement, preparation, and on‑site coordination
• Act as a musical liaison between guest artists and the chorus as needed

• Maintain clear, timely communication with the Music Director and administrative staff
• Participate in weekly operations meetings as needed
• Support engagement and education programs as needed
• Collaborate with staff, board members, and partner organizations with professionalism and discretion

• Advanced musicianship with strong conducting skills
• Demonstrated experience leading choral ensembles (collegiate, community, or professional/semi‑professional preferred)
• Exceptional aural skills and ability to diagnose ensemble issues quickly
  
  Excellent oral and written communication skills
• High emotional intelligence; ability to give and receive direct feedback
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Availability for all rehearsals and concerts throughout the season

• Piano proficiency (ability to cover for accompanist as needed)
• Vocal background; ability to coach soloists
• Experience working with professional or semi‑professional choruses
• Interest in community engagement or educational programming

• Knowledgeable, self‑sufficient, and detail‑oriented
• Collaborative, grounded, and secure in their role
• Comfortable offering honest musical input
• Respectful of artistic leadership while bringing independent musical insight
• Motivational and supportive of singers
• Aligned with SDMC’s values of excellence, community, creativity, trust, and joy