Vacancy: StAFCO Musical Director

St Andrews and Fife Community Orchestra (in collaboration with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra)

Appointment of Musical Director

The St Andrews and Fife Community Orchestra (StAFCO) invites applications for the post of Musical Director following the decision of Gillian Craig to step down after many years at the helm of the orchestra, which she has conducted since its founding.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a flourishing, inclusive community orchestra embedded within the cultural life of St Andrews, Fife, and the University of St Andrews, and to build on a strong artistic and organisational legacy.

About the Orchestra

StAFCO is the University of St Andrews Music Centre’s community orchestra, open to players of all ages and abilities. The orchestra is proudly un‑auditioned, welcoming newcomers and returners alongside more experienced musicians, and is valued for its warm, supportive atmosphere and varied repertoire.

As one player recently put it:

“Truly, playing in StAFCO has been wonderful. I hadn’t played my cello in years before joining. It’s been so great getting back into it, and it’s really a great group to be part of. I like how varied the repertoire is and how welcoming an ensemble you make it.”

The orchestra normally presents one major concert each semester, alongside occasional informal performances, and is supported administratively by staff at the Laidlaw Music Centre.

Rehearsals currently take place on Wednesday evenings, 7.30–9.30pm, during University term time.

Relationship with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Since 2009, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) has been Ensemble in Residence at the University of St Andrews. StAFCO enjoys a long‑standing and active collaboration with the SCO which includes:

  • Coaching sessions for StAFCO players led by SCO musicians
  • Performances involving SCO players and guest soloists, particularly in spring concerts
  • Ongoing joint activity and shared projects

As part of this appointment, the successful candidate will be supported by an SCO‑appointed mentor (“critical friend”) - an experienced orchestral musician and conductor - who will provide tailored, constructive guidance. The nature of this mentoring will respond to the conductor’s experience and may include rehearsal visits (in person or via video), reflective discussion, and broader artistic consultation.

The Role

The Conductor will:

  • Lead weekly rehearsals and concerts with energy, clarity, and musical sensitivity
  • Foster an inclusive, encouraging rehearsal environment suitable for mixed‑ability players
  • Work collaboratively on repertoire selection, balancing musical ambition with the interests and development of the orchestra
  • Continue and develop partnerships with community music organisations and outreach initiatives, in keeping with StAFCO’s ethos
  • Work closely with Music Centre staff and SCO colleagues to ensure continuity, quality, and sustainability

Person Specification

We welcome applications from conductors who:

  • Have experience of orchestral conducting (professional, community, educational, or a combination)
  • Communicate well with players of differing backgrounds and confidence levels
  • Value collaboration, listening, and relationship‑building
  • Are enthusiastic about community music‑making and musical outreach
  • Are open to reflective professional development through mentoring

Both early‑career and more experienced conductors are encouraged to apply.

Terms and Conditions

Rate of pay: £44.50 per hour (aligned with the Musicians’ Union teaching rate)

Additional paid hours are allocated for agreed administrative and preparation time

Appointment type: part‑time, hourly paid, freelance

Duration: open‑ended, subject to satisfactory annual review

Reviews are carried out by a small steering committee comprising representatives of the University of St Andrews Music Centre and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

How to Apply

Please email eef1@st-andrews.ac.uk a covering letter, CV, any links to videos of your work as a conductor, as well as a sample programme for a Spring concert. A recent performance by StAFCO can be viewed here

Closing date: 5 June 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an audition process on 20 June 2026 involving rehearsal with a small orchestra and discussion with the selection panel.

StAFCO values inclusivity and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.