The Director of Music directs and manages the Choral Foundation, comprising of Lay Clerks, boy and girl choristers and other musicians. The Director oversees the training of choristers, the development and formation of the Lay Clerks, the other Cathedral choirs (the leadership of which are delegated to other members of the Department) and the wider musical ecosystem of the Cathedral. The Director sets the standard of musical excellence by personal example.
The Director of Music serves as the first lay minister of the Cathedral, working closely and creatively with the Precentor and Dean, as well as being a member with them of the Senior Executive Team (‘SET’), to shape the worship and mission of the Cathedral. The Director is principal adviser to Chapter on musical matters.
The salary being offered for this role is £45,000-£50,000 per annum, depending on experience, reviewed annually. The better performance of the duties of this role requires accommodation in the Cathedral Close, which is provided rent-free. A utility allowance of £3,000 per annum, a taxable benefit, is paid by monthly instalment to subsidise the cost of heating an old house. Further benefits to this role are 44 days holiday per year, which includes public holidays and four ‘Chapter Days’, and an 8% employer contribution to pension.
To find out more information about the role please see the candidate application pack below.
The closing date for this role is 17th November 2025, and auditions and interviews will be held 14th-16th January 2026, with overnight accommodation provided for two nights, if desired. The first two days will be devoted to auditions and to conversations to enable you to appreciate the potential of the role, with formal interviews on the 16th.
Further details about what this will involve will be provided, should you be invited to interview.
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Recruitment@winchester-cathedral.org.uk.