Job Title: Accompanist/Pianist (Voicefest Club)
Contract: Fixed Term - Freelance
Hours: 10 x 1.5hr singing workshops plus 1 x workshop & 1 x performance led by Horse McDonald
Responsible to: Angus Coull, Project Co-ordinator
Project dates: Mon 3 August - Mon 21 September 2026
Location: Brechin Cathedral, Brechin DD9 6EU
The post of Accompanist/Pianist(Voicefest Club) is a key public-facing member of the Voicefest 2026 team, responsible for collaboratively delivering a community engagement project that will tackle loneliness and social isolation amongst Brechin’s Elders (age 65+yrs). For our local Elders, many of whom feel that they are not properly recognised and valued, this project aims to allow them to be heard in very practical and real way at the heart of their community. An approach and methodology from the Accompanist/Pianist(Voicefest Club) that supports the delivery of this ethos, is essential.
The Accompanist/Pianist(Voicefest Club) will support the Singing Tutor (Voicefest Club) to deliver a song-focused programme for members of the Voicefest Club, a new community group comprising up to 30 local Elders aged 65+yrs. Working in collaboration with a project team comprising this post, Singing Tutor (Voicfest Club), Catering Crew, all under leadership of the Project Co-ordinator, the Singing Tutor (Voicefest Club) will assist in the delivery of each weekly Voicefest Club session, running every Monday morning from 10.00 – 13.00 (3hrs) Mon 3 August 2026 – Mon 21 September 2026 inclusive plus two additional Friday sessions - time tbc (4 & 11 September 2026 only).
Each weekly session will include a 1.5hrs singing workshop led by the Singing Tutor (Voicefest Club) in collaboration with the Accompanist/ Pianist (Voicefest Club), providing a stimulating, enjoyable activity designed to build confidence and improve the physical and mental well-being of this vulnerable group. In the final 3 weeks of the project, the Singing Tutor (Voicefest Club) supported by the Accompanist/ Pianist (Voicefest Club) will teach Voicefest Club members 3 songs written and arranged by acclaimed Scottish singer, Horse McDonald. The Singing Tutor (Voicefest Club) and the Accompanist/ Pianist (Voicefest Club) will then support Horse McDonald in the delivery of a programme comprising an in-person singing workshop for the Voicefest Club before a public sharing event in Brechin Cathedral on Sat 19 September 2026 as part of Voicefest 2026.
Key responsibilities and tasks
- provide musical accompaniment for 10 x 1.5hr singing workshops as part of each weekly Voicfest Club session during project dates and at times set by Voicefest CIC
- adopt a participation driven approach that is designed to enhance confidence amongst this group of vulnerable adults, aged 65+yrs
- work in collaboration with the Singing Tutor (Voicefest Club) to teach 3 Horse McDonald songs to the Voicefest Club members
- support Horse MacDonald in delivery of her workshop to the Voicefest Club members on Sat 19 Sept 2026
- support Horse MacDonald and the Voicefest Club members in the delivery of a public sharing performance on Sat 19 Sept 2026
· play a key role leading on Health and Safety compliance and promoting a safety-conscious ethos across the venue
· hold a current PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) certificate and ensure that Voicfest Club members are made aware of, and where practicable, are compliant with, Voicfest CIC Safeguarding policies and procedures
· following appropriate training, to act on occasion as a First Aider and Fire Warden
· participate actively in the project evaluation as set out by the Project Co-Ordinator, including filming of workshops sessions as content for an evaluation short film, to be shared on social media and Voicefest website.
· attend weekly team meetings to share news and project updates with the wider team
Terms & Conditions
Contract: Freelance contract
Dates: Mon 3 August 2026 – Mon 21 September 2026 incl.
Fee: £1250.00 incl of VAT and all personal expenses
Hours: 10 x 1.5hr sessions plus 1 artist-led singing workshop and 1 community performance
Base: Brechin Cathedral, Brechin, Angus, DD9 6EU
Weekly workshops will take place in Brechin Cathedral Church Hall
Voicefest 2026 workshop and sharing performance will take place in Brechin Cathedral
Pay: £125.00 per day
Work Location: In person
