Sound Beginnings Lead: Manchester Cathedral

Sound Beginnings Lead

This pioneering role will support the sustainability of the Cathedral Choir by creating a pathway for children from the earliest ages to become choristers. The Sound Beginnings project will do so primarily by four means:

• working with local schools to support the teaching of singing and create enthusiasm for the Cathedral choir;
• initiate a Small Sounds project with a toddler group focused on singing (see www.cathedralmusictrust.org.uk/programmes/small-sounds)
• developing via a programme of recruitment and running the Junior Cathedral Singers for six- to eleven-year-olds, inspiring children to become choristers;
• organising ‘Be a Chorister for a Day’ (BACFAD) events, to attract children to the choir;

The post holder will be responsible for creating networks to feed the above activities, including work with Chetham’s School of Music, which Cathedral choristers attend; the local Music Hub; Manchester Diocesan Board of Education; and local schools.

The full project is to be launched in September 2026. Before that, during the summer term of 2026, the role holder will be expected to begin to establish relevant relationships with local institutions and networks, identify schools with which initially to work, make detailed plans, undertake training for the Small Sounds project, and establish base-line metrics for reviewing the effectiveness of the various elements of the role. The role holder will become immediately responsible for the Junior Singers and the organisation of BACFADs.

For further information and full details of how to apply, please click here

The application form can be downloaded here

The Confidential Declaration Form can be downloaded here

Send completed forms to Neil Holland, Chief Operating Officer. Forms may be submitted via email to neil.holland@manchestercathedral.org or by post to:

Neil Holland
Manchester Cathedral,
Victoria Street,
Manchester
M3 1SX

The deadline for applications is 16 February 2026, 12 noon.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted on 18 February 2026.

To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact the Reverend Canon Ian Jorysz, Canon Precentor: canon.precentor@manchestercathedral.org