The principal task of the Head of Music is to plan and realise music in Birmingham Cathedral as a significant part of its liturgical life and, both within and without this context, to place the Cathedral’s music at the heart of the wider community.

Within that framework, the main duties of the Head of Music may be outlined as follows:

• to recruit and train members of the Cathedral Choirs in order to ensure the high standard of performance expected;
• to play the organ to a high standard;
• to manage the Departmental Budget in consultation with the Canon Precentor;
• to oversee the Music Outreach Programme;
• to administer the department efficiently, working with the Liturgy and Admin Officer;
• with the Canon Precentor, to take part in the pastoral oversight of Choristers and staff;
• to prepare and create the Music Lists and Calendars, having agreed choir holidays with the Canon Precentor to be approved by the Dean;
• to work closely with the Canon Precentor in order that the music and liturgy of the Cathedral can be effective in partnership;
• to attend meetings - such as the Dean’s Executives meeting – on an ongoing basis;
• to be responsible for arranging or giving the ‘in house’ Concerts and other
• musical/choral events, including the bi-weekly Monday Lunchtime Recital series;
• to have responsibility for the recruitment, preparation and participation of visiting choirs in consultation with the Canon Precentor;
• to act as line manager to the Organ Scholar, Assistant Head of Music and other staff as appropriate;
• to take an active part in the musical life of the Diocese, acting as a resource for the Bishop and ambassador for the Cathedral and its music;
• to manage the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy of the Cathedral and ensure that it is implemented and adhered to by all staff and volunteers in the department;
• to be responsible for the implementation, where applicable, of the policies and procedures contained in the Staff Handbook;
• to plan and execute successful choir tours which will help strengthen relationships with other cathedrals and grow the reputation of Birmingham Cathedral on the national and international stage;
• to provide a rota of ‘duty Organist’ from the Departmental Staff for every Sunday and also at occasional offices during choir holiday periods;
• to ensure that the Cathedral’s organs and other instruments are maintained and tuned;
• to be a member of the Parents of Birmingham Cathedral Choristers Committee.

See further details at the link below.