County Ensemble Accompanist

Are you an accomplished accompanist with a passion for nurturing young voices? Hampshire Music Service is seeking a talented and enthusiastic individual to support the Hampshire County Youth Choirs. Rehearsals take place every Friday evening at the United Church in Winchester, where you'll play a vital role in shaping the musical journey of our young singers. This is more than just a role—it’s an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, inclusive musical community that values creativity, collaboration, and excellence.

As our accompanist, you’ll bring your exceptional sight-reading and accompaniment skills to a wide range of musical styles, from traditional choral works to contemporary hits. You’ll work closely with ensemble directors, contribute to performances and workshops, and help create a space where young musicians can flourish. If you’re passionate about music education, enjoy working with young people, and thrive in a dynamic ensemble environment, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in making music that inspires and empowers the next generation.

Ensembles provide an important role within Hampshire Music Education Hub. Our ensembles are highly regarded locally, nationally, and internationally. We know that, for many, ensembles are a safe space to belong, flourish, and shine where friendships and musical memories are formed that last a lifetime. We strive to be an inclusive Hub, celebrating all music genres and providing opportunities for children and young people. Our ensembles are highly valued by Hampshire County Council, recognising Hampshire Music Service as a centre of excellence in musical education.

The required working hours for this role are Fridays 17:00 - 21:00.

What you’ll do:

• Support the training and rehearsal of the County Youth Choirs through 120 hours of rehearsal over the year.
• Deliver exceptional accompaniment to the County Youth Choirs.
• Work alongside other HMS ensemble directors in shared performances, workshops and opportunities to develop close links that enable progression routes for pupils.
• Attend meetings of ensemble staff as appropriate.
• Ensure that the policies and requirements of HMS and HCC are met regarding health and safety, GDPR, and safeguarding.
• Ensure effective administration, in line with HMS processes, in all aspects of their ensemble.
• Deputise for members of staff if required.

What we’re looking for:

• Excellent accompaniment and sight-reading skills, with experience and understanding of accompanying voices is essential.
• The ability to ad lib accompaniments, transposing as necessary, for vocal warm-ups is highly desirable.
• Competency in accompanying in a range of musical styles, including traditional choral music, musical theatre, and contemporary popular music.
• A strong understanding of the role that choirs have in supporting the technical and musical development of members, particularly of the challenges that young singers face and the impact of changing voices through teenage years.
• The ability, or desire to develop one’s own conducting and rehearsal skills, with the willingness to lead and direct sectional rehearsals.
• Experience of working with young musicians within an ensemble setting is highly desirable.
• The ability to cope well under pressure.

Be part of a nationally recognised centre of excellence in music education. Work in a supportive, inclusive, and creative environment. Make a lasting impact on the lives of young musicians. Opportunities for professional development and collaboration.

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.