10-12 hours is an EXTREMELY low estimate of the amount of hours that job would take.  The planning and managing of the choirs alone minus the pre-school teaching would be 10-12 hours. With lesson planning for the pre-school teching component and teaching hours, I think it's more of an 18-20 hour per week job.  I'd say $15,00.00-$20,000.00 would be fair. That's what a job in my area with those requirements would pay.

 

I agree with Mary Jane that your estimate is too low.  Assume 7 hours/week to direct the choir, and add on from there.  Communication (with the directors of the other choirs, with the director of the preschool, with church staff) always takes more time than you realize.  Don't forget the prep for the pre-school teaching.  Eighteen hours might be high, maybe 15 hours/week is more reasonable for what you are asking for. Good luck!

 

Patti Mangis

Director of Music

Presbyterian Church of Western Springs

Mike,

I appreciate that you are giving this position the important attention and and dedication it deserves.  What these children receive, obviously, is foundational in your community - choral and beyond. I have done similar jobs, and I agree with Patti and Mary Jane.  Remember that in addition to communicating with the teachers and directors - possibly your pastor as well - this person will have to communicate with parents quite regularly.  There will quite likely be discussions of how to address special needs, varying talent levels.  At the pre-school age, these things are not so apparent, because they are developing at individual rates. ("Will my child ever be able to sing on pitch?" "How can you address my child's [hyperactivity/potential autisim/shyness/diva attitude/tendency to belt/holler/you-name-it] ?"  Not to mention woking with the parents who love/want to sing, but try to be self-sacrificing and give that opportunity to their child - who may or may not wish it.)

I found that I was spending more than 10 hours for one small choir.

Will this person have an accompanist?  If not, practice hours might be added.  If so, a few minutes are needed to work with this person outside of rehearsal.

What about take-home practice tools, such as cds, or emailing mp3 files?  All this takes time to prepare.

Depending on the level of dedication you expect, it might well be 10 months, or all year (even though the groups would only meet Sept-May.)  S/he might need to attend workshops for professional development, and/or conduct Music/Arts Camps, or lead music for Vacation Bible School-type activities..?

If this person will have lots of truly competent volunteer help (not folks who take over, or have to be walked through each task, but are ready supporters), then Patti's recommendation of 15 hours ($225 per week, $17,000 per year, give or take..) might be adequate.

However, given today's families and their hectic schedules, tendency to not read emails, take sudden weekend vacations,   I think Mary Jane's hours and figures are more realistic - especially if you want someone who is well-trained, experienced,  and competent.  (Also, don't forget that youngsters tend to grow out of their robes in a matter of weeks - someone's got to keep up with those measurements! :)

Best Wishes!

Lucy (15 years experience with children's choral groups)