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Choral Director Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Choral Director information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$29.7K

$78.1K

$416.8K

How much do choral director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for choral director in Riverside, CA is $78,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $69,400.00 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.

What job categories do people searching Choral Director jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Choral Director jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Choral Director jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Choral Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Choral Director job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,110 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Specialized Professional Advisor-Arts (Jurupa Hills HS Choir Assistant) APXC#1744.27

Fontana Unified School District

Fontana, CA • On-site

$22.40/hr

Part-time

Posted 21 days ago


Fontana Unified School District rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 631 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Job Summary
The Choir Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the school choir program by helping during rehearsals and performances, assisting with choir instruction and helping manage choir operations. Knowledge of choral music and an ability to work collaboratively with students and the Choir Director. The ideal candidate is dedicated to fostering musical growth and creating a positive learning environment
Requirements / Qualifications
Comments and Other Information
ANY APPLICANT WHO ATTEMPTS TO DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY CONTACT INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS WITH THE INTENT OF INFLUENCING THE DECISION OF THE BOARD WILL BE CONSIDERED DISQUALIFIED FROM CANDIDACY FOR THIS POSITION.
The Fontana Unified School District prohibits discrimination, intimidation, harassment (including sexual harassment), or bullying based on a person's actual or perceived ancestry, color, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender expression, gender identity, immigration status, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For questions or complaints, contact Equity Compliance Officer: Craig Baker, Associate Superintendent, Student Services at 9680 Citrus Avenue, Fontana CA 92335 (909) 357-5000 extension 29194 TitleIX@fusd.net;Title IX Coordinator: Caroline Labonte, Director, Certificated Human Resources, at 9680 Citrus Avenue, Fontana CA 92335 (909) 357-5000 extension 29045 TitleIX@fusd.net; and 504 Coordinator: Troy Cox, Coordinator, Alternative Education, at 9680 Citrus Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335 (909) 357-5000, extension 29077 504Coordinator@fusd.net.
El Distrito Escolar Unificado de Fontana prohíbe la discriminación, la intimidación, el acoso (incluyendo el acoso sexual) o acoso escolar basado en lo actual o percibido de una persona como; la ascendencia, el color, la discapacidad, la raza, la etnia, la religión, el género, la expresión de género, la identidad de género, el estado migratorio, el origen nacional, el sexo, la orientación sexual o la asociación con una persona o grupo con una o más de estas características reales o percibidas. Para preguntas o quejas, comuníquese con el Oficial de Cumplimiento de Equidad: Craig Baker, Superintendente Asociado de Servicios Estudiantiles en 9680 Citrus Avenue, Fontana CA 92335, (909) 357-5000, EXT 29194, TitleIX@fusd.net y la Coordinadora del Título IX: Caroline Labonté, Directora de Recursos Humanos Certificados, en 9680 Citrus Avenue, Fontana CA 92335, (909) 357-5000, EXT 29045, TitleIX@fusd.net; y Coordinador de la Sección 504: Troy Cox, Coordinador de Educación Alternativa, en 9680 Citrus Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335 (909) 357-5000, extensión 504Coordinator@fusd.net

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