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Choral Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Choral Director information

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$29.6K

$77.9K

$415.6K

How much do choral director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for choral director in Reston, VA is $77,892.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $69,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a choral director?

A choral director—or choir director—directs or conducts an ensemble of vocal musicians called a choir. As a choral director, your responsibilities include leading the choir during rehearsals and performances. Also, you hold auditions for potential members of the group and choose which songs the choir will perform at various concerts and events. Leadership skills are essential for this career because the director is the leader of the choir, and qualifications include a degree in a music related field, along with formal training as a musician.

What does a choral director do?

A Choral Director is responsible for leading and managing a choir or vocal ensemble. They select music, rehearse singers, and conduct performances, ensuring that the group achieves a cohesive and expressive sound. Choral Directors also teach vocal techniques, interpret musical scores, and sometimes arrange or compose music for their choir. Their role involves both musical leadership and organizational skills, working with singers of varying ages and abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a choral director?

To thrive as a Choral Director, you need strong musical knowledge, conducting skills, and a background in vocal pedagogy, usually supported by a degree in music or choral conducting. Familiarity with music notation software (such as Finale or Sibelius), rehearsal techniques, and sometimes piano proficiency are typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and motivational abilities are essential soft skills for inspiring singers and managing group dynamics. These skills ensure cohesive performances, foster artistic growth, and create a positive rehearsal environment for the choir.

What are some common challenges choral directors face when working with diverse vocal abilities within a choir?

Choral Directors often encounter the challenge of managing singers with varying levels of experience and vocal technique. Balancing the needs of seasoned vocalists with those newer to choral singing requires effective rehearsal planning, personalized feedback, and adaptable repertoire selection. Directors typically utilize sectional rehearsals, vocal warm-ups, and peer mentorship to foster a cohesive sound while supporting individual growth. Navigating these dynamics helps build a stronger ensemble and enhances the overall performance quality.

What is the difference between Choral Director vs Choir Conductor?

AspectChoral DirectorChoir Conductor
CredentialsMusic degree, teaching certification often preferredMusic degree, conducting training
Work EnvironmentSchools, community groups, churchesConcert halls, rehearsal spaces, churches
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, religious organizationsOrchestras, choirs, musical ensembles
Common Search IntentLeading school or community choirsConducting performances or rehearsals

While both roles involve leading vocal groups, a Choral Director typically oversees choir programs in educational or community settings, focusing on instruction and repertoire selection. A Choir Conductor primarily leads performances, focusing on conducting during concerts. The roles often overlap, but the Choral Director emphasizes education and program management, whereas the Choir Conductor emphasizes performance and conducting skills.

More about Choral Director jobs

What job categories do people searching Choral Director jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Choral Director jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Choral Director jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Choral Director job openings:

Choral Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Choral Director job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,892 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Assistant Technical Director/ Audio Engineer

Washington National Cathedral

Washington, DC

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Washington National Cathedral is seeking a full time Assistant Technical Director/Audio Engineer (ATD/AE). This dynamic position will work closely with the Technical Director to implement and execute all audio visual experiences for the Cathedral.


This position is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all audio and projection systems in the Nave of the Cathedral, Perry Auditorium, Bethlehem Chapel, and other locations where Audio/Visual equipment may be required including outdoor events on the Close. Possessing a high standard of excellence, this person will have strong audio engineering techniques, and technology experience; experience mixing choral and orchestral music, and a strong ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast paced and high stress environment.


Requirements

TECHNICAL OPERATIONS:

- Plan and execute in collaboration with the Technical Director and Worship and Music departments to meet audio and projection requirements for regular and special worship services.

- Check wireless microphone operation and coordinate wireless frequencies and determine the number of participant microphones necessary. 

- Perform periodic spectrum analysis.

- Select and set up microphones for rehearsals and concerts. 

- Strive to maintain the highest of standards by ensuring that all technologies provide outstanding performance and customer benefit.

- Coordinate with external media and provide audio feeds.

- Collaborate to oversee operation, integrity and preventative maintenance of Audio System, and operation of hearing assistance system.

- Assist Technical Director with ongoing operation, repair, testing and appropriate configuration of all consoles, microphones, amplifiers and other related equipment.

- Order additional equipment (video projectors, speaker systems, projection screens, etc) as needed. 

- Work with outside vendors to integrate rentals with Cathedral Systems.


CREATIVE OPERATIONS:

- Confer with the Technical Director and other stakeholders to achieve the desired sound for worship services, concerts, lectures, and other special events. 

- Create audio plan to ensure appropriate coverage.

- Work closely with the Director of Video Operations and crew to provide video coverage to the plasma monitor system and internet/web cast. 

- Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances; prerecorded events and rehearsals; using audio mixing consoles to ensure appropriate synchronization and equalization of all dialogue, music, and sound effects. 

- Assist with video recording in Cathedral as needed.


ADDITIONAL PROJECTS:

- Assist Technical Director to maintain Cathedral Audio Archives from the 1950's to the present on various Digital Media. 

- Other duties as assigned.



The areas of the Cathedral this position will be responsible for are:

  • Nave Sound Control Console
  • Auditorium Projection and Sound Control Room
  • Bethlehem Chapel Sound System
  • North Triforium Digital Control System
  • South Triforium Digital Control System
  • North Triforium Video Control Center (Shared responsibility with Video Director)
  • S3 Technical Director/Audio Engineer Office and Digital Editing Suite
  • 7th Floor Media Archives
  • Resurrection Chapel Media Patch Bay and Audio/Video Distribution Center
  • Great Choir PreAmp/Patchbay/Storage Room
  • Northwest Cloister Amplifier and Patchbay Room
  • South Balcony Press Feed
  • Three Portable Sound Systems, and Various Video Projectors, Monitors and other assorted A/V equipment.



MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Bachelor's Degree in sound design or a related field of study. 
  2. Substantial knowledge of sound engineering techniques and technology.
  3. 5+ years experience in audio/acoustics system development and/or technical direction.
  4. Previous supervisory experience.
  5. Proven proficiency in computer based digital audio workstations. 
  6. Proficient in programming and operation of Digital Audio Consoles i.e.Yamaha CL3.
  7. Proficient in operation of video and streaming technology.
  8. Acute hearing is required.


ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

ABILITIES:

  1. Ability to work collaboratively in a high stress, fast paced, deadline-driven team environment.
  2. Ability to exercise independent judgment, balance competing responsibilities, and complete assignments in a timely manner.
  3. Proven Ability to record and edit on digital audio workstations..


KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  1. Background in electronics, audio engineering and music. 
  2. Experience in choral, gospel, and orchestral music. 
  3. Knowledgeable in many facets of electronics and computer technology.  
  4. Highly developed interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written.
  5. Initiative to develop and implement strategic and/or operational planning improvements.  


EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

  1. A MS degree or related experience is preferred.
  2. Proficiency with Video production and Streaming Technology.


WORKING CONDITIONS:

  1. The position requires a flexible schedule, routinely working outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends and occasional holidays.
  2. The position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending and stooping in the performance of daily activities.
  3. Acute hearing is required.
  4. The need to lift, drag, push and pull Audio Visual equipment and other materials weighing up to 60 pounds is required.



Washington National Cathedral is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create a more diverse and inclusive atmosphere for all. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.


We support an inclusive workplace where associates excel based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.


Washington National Cathedral seeks individuals who are committed to our mission. We appreciate interest from those who will contribute to an atmosphere in which diversity is valued and supported.


Apply