CSO Vocal Specialist

Posted: 03/10/2025

Closing Date: 30/10/2025

Job Type: Casual

Location: Newcastle Region

Job Category: Advertising, Arts & Media

The Catholic Schools, Diocese Maitland-Newcastle is seeking an ASPIRE Casual Vocal Specialist (approx. 12 hours per week for the duration of the Aspire Production Program) to join the ASPIRE team from February 2026.

ASPIRE is the creative and performing arts program of the Maitland/Newcastle Catholic Schools. Focused on nurturing creativity and artistic expression, ASPIRE offers a wide range of initiatives including in-school workshops, performance support, and professional development for staff. The program also leads special projects in areas such as songwriting, scriptwriting, theatre devising, and choreography. Each year, ASPIRE produces an original stage production, inviting students to audition and participate through various ensembles—dance, design, drama, music, and production—providing a vibrant platform for young artists to shine.

Working under the direction of the ASPIRE Musical Director, the Vocal Specialist will utilise their skills and knowledge of vocal technique and harmony to ensure the development of young perfomers within the ASPIRE program. They will also manage the rehearsal of the vocalists and assist them in learning assigned choreography and dramatic elements.

EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA

• Ability to articulate a clear understanding of and a personal commitment to Catholic education and the mission of the church through Catholic schools
• Experience as a performer in a vocal ensemble and as lead vocalist/soloist.
• Ability to read traditional notation and play piano for basic accompaniment and technical exercises.
• Deep understanding and experience teaching vocal technique including the areas of breathing, voice production, projection, diction, aural skills and singing harmonies.
• Studio teaching experience with the ability to identify technical problems then work with young performers to refine their own vocal technique.
• Ability to demonstrate and teach high quality performance practice skills including use of phrasing, technique, and movement for expression.
• Experience in teaching simple choreography for performance.
• Experience leading a variety of vocal ensembles.
• Music industry experience (Desirable).
• Experience working with instrumentalists (Desirable).
• Ability to play other instruments (Desirable).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number
• Tertiary qualification or equivalent in music
• High level vocal proficiency of at least 6th Grade AMEB level.