CTX4168. Opportunity: Music Director, River City Pops, 2025-2026 Season
River City Pops is seeking a Music Director!
River City Pops, Austin’s premier show choir, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Music Director for its upcoming 2025-2026 season. River City Pops (RCP) is a nonprofit organization that has been entertaining family audiences in Austin, TX since 1984. The group is composed of approximately twenty adult voices who love to sing and perform just for the fun of it! Visit our website and check out the evolution of RCP via a video montage of our past productions.
River City Pops has been entertaining family audiences in Austin, TX, since 1984.
The group is composed of twenty-five voices, give or take a few, who love to sing and perform just for the fun of it!
RCP is a non-profit arts organization. Our performers do not make a single dime. Instead, we use our show profits, City of Austin Cultural Arts Division grant money, and fundraising to support local artists - musicians, directors, stage managers and crew, lighting and sound technicians, etc.
This is an annual contract position with the opportunity for renewal each season. We are committed to diverse and inclusive hiring and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and gender identities. Currently, the group is planning a spring show ata to-be-determined date and location.
The Music Director oversees the musical aspects of River City Pops and contributes to theartistic vision along with RCP’s volunteer Board of Directors. While many aspects of the show are proposed, rehearsed, and directed by members, the group is seeking an external professional to help elevate the quality and lead the musical direction of the production. This person is integral to ensuring the group is fully prepared for each performance and worksclosely with the Board to coordinate rehearsals.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
● Teaches the group music involved in the show and/or gigs at assigned rehearsals
● Provides accompaniment at assigned rehearsals where music is being taught
● Facilitates vocal warm-ups for practices and performances
● Conducts group at performances, if necessary
● Provides guidance to specialty groups on musical aspects of their numbers
● Provide recordings, vocal tracks, and accompaniment tracks as needed
● Determines vocal assignments for the group to ensure proper blend and membercomfort
● Attend meetings and contribute to the selection of show material and arrangements
● Provide musical insight to member-led elements of the show
● Participate in tech/performance week as part of the artistic and production teams
● Works within the constraints of established budgets
● May be asked to attend special board meetings and weigh in on special issues as deemed necessary by the Board
RCP Culture
The Music Director plays a central role in setting the tone for rehearsals and working relationships. They are expected to uphold a high standard of professionalism, maintain appropriate boundaries, and approach key decisions with fairness and integrity. At River City Pops, we value a positive, collaborative environment where all voices are respected and ideas are welcomed. The Music Director is expected to actively uphold and contribute to this culture of collaboration, working closely with members, the Board, and the creative team to foster an inclusive and supportive space. We are looking for a leader who brings respect, thoughtfulness, and professionalism to every aspect of the role.
Qualifications & Expectations
● Collaborative, upbeat, and community-minded, with experience working with performers of varied skill levels. Experience working with adults is a plus!
● Strong communication and organizational skills; able to lead rehearsals and share clear updates to the group
● Background in music direction or similar experience, with a commitment to artistic excellence
● Professionalism in all interactions, including sound judgment, discretion, and support for RCP’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion
● Comfortable using digital platforms such as Google Suite and Slack
Anticipated Time Commitment and Pay Range
While production schedules may vary from season to season, River City Pops typically rehearses on weekday evenings between 7:00–9:00 PM, with occasional extended rehearsals starting at 6:00 or ending at 10:00 PM as needed. Rehearsal frequency may increase closer to performances, and the overall schedule is shaped by factors such as venue availability andproduction scope. The Music Director can expect to commit 4-12 hours per week during the rehearsal process with flexibility depending on the show’s needs. Each production includes adedicated tech week and one performance weekend. Compensation ranges from $40–$75 per hour, commensurate with experience.
How to Apply
Interested individuals should fill out this form, submit a resume, and write a short, thoughtful cover letter that addresses their experience and how they are a good fit for the position. We will begin reaching out to applicants to schedule interviews in September.
Questions? Contact president@rivercitypops.org
