23rd January, 2026
Are you a visionary choral leader with a passion for nurturing young talent? Join our world-class Performing Arts team in the heart of the Waikato.
St. Peter’s is a leading independent co-educational day and boarding school delivering a transformative educational experience for aspirational learners and young leaders across Years 7 to 13.
By engaging the whole individual – through a philosophy of mind, body and spirit – we prepare well-rounded young people through progressive curricular and co-curricular pathways that allow them to pursue their passions and realise their potential.
Our students achieve outstanding academic, artistic and athletic outcomes and more over the course of their St. Peter’s Seven-Year Student Journey, supported by dynamic and highly-skilled teachers, progressive pedagogy and leading-edge facilities.
About the Role
The Head of Choral Music is responsible for the leadership and development of the school’s vocal program. This position oversees a comprehensive school-wide programme, nurturing students from Year 7 through to Year 13 across various skill levels.
The successful candidate will lead a team of vocal tutors, direct choirs and play a key role in the musical life of the school through chapel services, school productions and community performances. We are seeking a leader who is passionate about choral excellence, thrives in a collaborative environment and is committed to fostering a love for music in every student.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Direct and manage the school’s choral ensembles.
- Chapel Music: Create and embed a Chapel Choir and lead Year 7-13 chapel singing in collaboration with the Head of Instrumental Music and the Chaplaincy team
- Vocal Teaching: Provide one-on-one coaching and small group instruction as required.
- Production & Performance: Serve as the vocal coach for school productions and organise all choral performances, including concerts, chapel services, and off-campus tours or competitions.
- Team Management: Manage and lead a diverse team of vocal tutors across classical, jazz, musical theatre, and contemporary genres.
- Repertoire & Pedagogy: Select a balanced, creative, and diverse choral repertoire that promotes vocal excellence while remaining accessible and enjoyable.
- Administration: Manage the choral budget, coordinate auditions, and handle the logistics of choral events and travel.
- Community Engagement: Actively recruit and retain students within the choral program and foster an inclusive environment where students feel encouraged to express themselves.
Skills & Experience We are looking for a candidate with:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Music, Music Education, or Choral Conducting (preferred).
- Demonstrated success in directing choirs and teaching choral music, preferably in an independent or boarding school environment.
- Deep knowledge of vocal techniques, choral pedagogy, and a wide range of choral literature.
- Excellent conducting and rehearsal skills.
- Familiarity with piano accompaniment and vocal coaching.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage complex event logistics.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, parents, and students.
- A full and current New Zealand Car Driver’s Licence.
Our Ideal Candidate You are an enthusiastic, creative and visionary leader who can inspire a love of singing across the school. You bring resilience, adaptability and a commitment to maintaining a positive, disciplined learning environment. You value the unique demands of a boarding school community and are willing to contribute to the school's residential life and after-hours events.
Terms and Conditions - Status: Permanent, Full-Time.
- Workload: Up to 20 contact hours per week, balanced between teaching and ensemble direction.
- Flexibility: While standard hours are 8:15 am–4:45 pm, the role requires flexibility for evening and weekend events (e.g., productions and tours), with compensatory adjustments made throughout the year.
Why St. Peter’s? At St. Peter’s, you’ll be part of a community that values integrity, compassion, and excellence. You’ll work in a picturesque campus environment with modern facilities, surrounded by colleagues who are dedicated to making a difference in students’ lives.
If you are ready to lead a new chapter of vocal excellence at St. Peter’s, we would love to hear from you.
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