The Music Matters (And So Does Your Music Director)

Ask yourself this: does your choir conductor have the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to lead your group?

If the answer is no — why are they conducting your choir?

Recent research shows that thirty percent of male choir MDs have no qualifications or formal training in choral direction. And many are paid less than minimum wage. I once saw a job advert offering £400 a year. That’s less than £4/hour!

You wouldn’t hire a dentist who hadn’t been to dental school. So why is Ted from the baritones now waving the baton?

Musical leadership matters. It’s not about elitism — it’s about standards. Younger singers will be drawn to choirs where they’ll learn. If your rehearsals are stagnant, slow, and uninspiring, that’s a leadership issue.

Invest in your conductor. Pay properly. Support their development. And if they’re not delivering? Be brave. Make a change.

At Peterborough Male Voice Choir, we’ve seen the transformation professional leadership can bring. I’ve mentored directors across the country who have now built thriving, modern choirs. And they’re not flashy. They just know what they’re doing — and have the space and trust to do it.

Respect your conductor. Or hire someone you can.