Lead Vocal Coach

THMM is launching a structured Artist Development Programme designed to develop emerging and developing artists through vocal development, artist identity, musicianship, performance preparation and professional career readiness.

We are looking for an experienced, professional and development-focused Lead Vocal Coach to become part of the programme's core artist-development team.

About the Role

The Lead Vocal Coach will be responsible for the structured vocal development of artists enrolled in the THMM Artist Development Programme.

This is not simply a private singing-teacher role.

THMM's vocal-development model combines:

• individual vocal coaching;
• small-group Vocal Development Labs;
• individual vocal assessments;
• performance preparation;
• progression assessments; and
• collaboration with the wider artist-development team.

The balance between individual and group coaching will depend on the artist's programme level, individual needs and stage of development.

The successful candidate will work alongside the Artist Development Programme Manager and Music Director to ensure that vocal development forms part of one coordinated artist-development journey.

THMM Vocal Development Structure

Every active artist receives structured weekly vocal development, but this does not necessarily mean a private one-on-one lesson every week.

Vocal development may include:

Individual Vocal Coaching

Used for:

• initial vocal assessment;
• individual technical development;
• specific vocal challenges;
• repertoire-specific coaching;
• personalised exercises;
• vocal-health concerns within the coach's professional scope;
• Stage Readiness preparation;
• performance-specific preparation.

THMM Vocal Development Labs

Small-group sessions designed to develop skills that can be effectively taught and practised collectively.

Labs may include approximately 6–8 artists, depending on programme requirements.

Group development may cover:

• breathing;
• posture;
• warm-up technique;
• ear training;
• pitch exercises;
• rhythm;
• harmony;
• diction;
• articulation;
• projection;
• listening skills;
• healthy vocal habits;
• ensemble work;
• microphone technique;
• performance stamina;
• collaborative vocal work.

The Lead Vocal Coach must therefore be comfortable delivering both one-on-one coaching and structured small-group development.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct individual vocal assessments for new programme applicants.
• Deliver structured one-on-one vocal coaching.
• Facilitate small-group THMM Vocal Development Labs.
• Identify individual vocal-development priorities.
• Develop breath support, pitch, tone, resonance, range, diction, control and stamina.
• Promote safe and healthy vocal practices.
• Apply vocal technique to the artist's actual repertoire.
• Prepare artists vocally for rehearsals and live performance.
• Develop suitable group exercises and Vocal Lab content.
• Assign appropriate individual practice exercises.
• Monitor and document artist vocal progress.
• Complete short session reports following individual coaching sessions where required.
• Provide relevant group-session observations.
• Contribute to monthly artist-development reviews.
• Provide technical vocal input into quarterly progression assessments.
• Participate in Stage Readiness assessments where required.
• Identify vocal concerns and recommend appropriate intervention within professional scope.
• Collaborate with the Music Director regarding repertoire, keys and performance preparation.
• Communicate relevant progress and concerns to the Artist Development Programme Manager.
• Assist THMM in maintaining a consistent vocal-development standard across the programme.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

• technically strong;
• an excellent teacher and communicator;
• confident coaching individuals and groups;
• patient and encouraging;
• disciplined and structured;
• professional and reliable;
• punctual;
• organised;
• confident providing constructive feedback;
• comfortable working with different vocal abilities and experience levels;
• able to explain vocal technique practically and clearly;
• capable of adapting their coaching approach to individual artists;
• comfortable facilitating small groups;
• passionate about developing emerging artists;
• comfortable working as part of a multidisciplinary artist-development team.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• professional vocal-coaching experience;
• strong knowledge of contemporary vocal technique;
• experience providing one-on-one vocal coaching;
• experience facilitating group vocal training, workshops, choirs, ensembles or similar group development;
• ability to work with different voices and skill levels;
• understanding of healthy vocal practices;
• experience preparing singers for performance;
• strong teaching and communication skills;
• ability to assess and document vocal development;
• professional conduct and reliability.

Advantageous Qualifications & Experience

The following would be advantageous:

• Vocal Pedagogy qualification.
• Music qualification.
• Performing Arts qualification.
• Relevant teaching qualification.
• Professional singing/performance experience.
• Experience working with emerging or developing artists.
• Recording/studio experience.
• Experience working alongside bands or Music Directors.
• Experience conducting vocal assessments.
• Experience preparing singers for auditions, showcases or professional live performances.
• Experience designing vocal workshops or group-development programmes.

Experience across contemporary genres such as:

Pop R&B Soul Gospel Jazz Contemporary Commercial Music will be advantageous.

Important: We Are Looking for a Coach, Not Just a Singer

THMM is not simply looking for someone with an excellent voice.

We require an excellent vocal-development professional, teacher and facilitator.

The successful candidate must be able to identify and explain:

• what an artist is doing technically;
• why a vocal issue may be occurring;
• how it can be improved;
• what the artist should practise;
• how progress will be measured; and
• how vocal technique translates into professional performance.

They must also understand when an issue requires individual attention and when development can appropriately take place within a group environment.

How the Role Fits into THMM

At THMM:

The Vocal Coach develops the voice.

The Music Director develops the music and performance.

The Artist Development Programme Manager manages and develops the overall artist journey.

The Lead Vocal Coach must therefore be comfortable working collaboratively rather than operating an isolated coaching programme.

Reporting & Working Relationship

The Lead Vocal Coach reports functionally to the Artist Development Programme Manager and works closely with:

• Music Director;
• Administration Coordinator;
• Chief Executive Officer;
• relevant programme specialists.

Contract Structure

This is an independent contractor / sessional appointment.

The successful candidate will be contracted according to the operational requirements and student capacity of the THMM Artist Development Programme.

The structure may include:

• recurring individual coaching sessions;
• scheduled small-group Vocal Development Labs;
• initial artist assessments;
• monthly or quarterly development reviews;
• Stage Readiness assessments;
• performance-specific preparation;
• workshops or masterclasses;
• additional coaching by prior agreement.

The final coaching schedule and contracted capacity will be agreed between THMM and the successful candidate.

Remuneration and commercial terms will be discussed with shortlisted candidates and confirmed in the formal independent contractor agreement.

Expected Availability

The successful coach should be able to provide reliable recurring availability for the programme.

This may include:

• agreed week