Commitment: Weekly (Part-time, 1.5 hours a week plus prep and performances)
Location: The Glad Foundation, 1006A Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow
Are you passionate about creating opportunities for young people to access the joy of music? We’re looking for a dynamic and creative Kids Choir Leader to guide our weekly children’s choir for ages 5–11! This is an informal, fun-focused group where the joy of singing and creativity come first. The leader will not only direct music and lead rehearsals but also collaborate with our young participants, fostering a real sense of creative empowerment. If this sounds like you, The Glad Foundation would love to hear from you!
About the Glad Foundation
We are a Southside Glasgow-based charity committed to ensuring that young people, regardless of their background or ability, can engage meaningfully with music creation. Since 2015, we’ve worked with schools and community groups to deliver a wide-ranging programme of music activities, empowering young people to connect with each other and their community. Our current programmes include: The Annette Street Drummers, a longstanding samba bateria-style street band focussed on serving children from some of the most disadvantaged backgrounds in Scotland; the Glad Kids Choir, an accessible choir for ages 5 - 10; Glad Days, an event series showcasing our programmes; and one-off music workshops that run throughout the year for all ages and abilities.
More About the Role
The Kids Choir Leader will design and lead our weekly singing sessions for ages 5 - 10. These sessions aim to foster confidence and creativity in young people from diverse backgrounds, some of whom may be experiencing multiple barriers. The goal of the sessions is to cultivate a sense of joy in music through singing, using an approach that encourages play, creativity, and co-creation. You will be in charge of creating the content, which can be anything from more traditional choir songs, to playful jingles you write together, to rhythmic games and activities. We are looking for someone who is kind, approachable, creative, and who relates to young people with equity and respect, engaging children as capable contributors.
This is an ongoing programme, and we are looking for a minimum 1 year commitment, with the contract acting from September 2025 to June 2026.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead weekly choir sessions for children aged 5–11 in a fun, inclusive, and engaging way.
Facilitate musical games, warm-ups, and vocal exercises suitable for the age group.
Collaborate with the children to create or adapt content—songs, lyrics, themes, and performance ideas.
Encourage participation, creativity, and confidence in each child, regardless of skill level.
Plan and prepare for informal performances or sharings with families or the wider community (e.g. seasonal events).
Communicate with parents and caregivers as needed, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment.
What We’re Looking For:
Experience working with children, especially in group or musical settings.
Musical ability (e.g. singing, piano or guitar playing, basic music arranging).
A playful, patient, and encouraging approach to leadership.
Creativity and a willingness to co-create with kids, not just lead them.
Strong communication and organisational skills.
(Optional but a plus) Background in music education, theatre, or youth work.
Time Commitment:
3:15 - 4:45pm Fridays during school term starting mid-September (approximately 28 sessions, plus an allowance for prep time)
Attendance at 2 - 3 performances throughout the year
Rate of Pay:
You will be paid the Musician’s Union rate for teaching (currently £44/hour for teaching and prep, and £144.50/performance), to be paid on a self-employed basis.
Structure
This role is overseen by the Project Manager, in collaboration with the Glad Foundation Board of Directors. There is also potential to access support staff if needed (an assistant or accompanist) - this will be discussed with you at the interview stage.
To Apply:
Please send your CV and a cover letter about your experience and why you’d love to lead our Kids Choir to Leif Jarvey at info@thegladfoundation.co.uk.
Post closes on August 20th, 2025 at 11:59pm, with interviews taking place the week of August 25.
If you would like to speak to someone about the role, please contact Leif at info@thegladfoundation.co.uk.
In order to carry out the role, the successful applicant must be registered with the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme in Scotland. The Glad Foundation can cover the cost of your application.