Becoming a high school choir director: where to start?

I've always loved choir and I’m considering directing one at the high school level. How do I get started in this field? What qualifications or experience would help me secure a job as a choir director?

To become a high school choir director, you'll generally need to follow a path that includes education and experience in both music and education fields. Here's a proposed roadmap to reach your desired role:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s degree: You'll first want to earn a Bachelor's degree in education with a focus in music, or in music education. These programs offer courses in music theory, attentiveness to the needs of students at different age levels, and often include instruction on various instruments. Remember to take advantage of opportunities to gain exposure to choral music.

2. Obtain certification: Upon graduating, you'll need to obtain a teaching certificate or license, which typically requires passing a state examination. Certificates are usually grade-specific, and most states have separate certifications for K-12 music education.

3. Gain experience and hone your skills: Directing a choir isn’t just about education and background knowledge. It's also about hands-on experience in conducting and managing a group. Consider gaining experience through assistant positions, church choirs, or community choruses. You can also attend workshops or conferences for music educators and choir directors.

4. Master’s degree (Optional): While not necessarily required, a Master’s degree in music education or choral conducting can make you a more attractive candidate, especially for competitive positions. These advanced programs grow your expertise in choir direction and can offer encriching hands-on experiences.

5. Stay Informed: The field of music education is constantly changing with new research and techniques being discovered. Join professional organizations such as the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) or the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) to stay abreast of new findings and network with other professionals.

Remember that passion and patience are key in this field. It can take time to build the experience and knowledge necessary to become a successful choir director. Good luck!