Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Mixed Voice • Motets • Performance Practice

Secular Music

Term from Choir Direction industry explained for recruiters

Secular Music refers to non-religious music used in everyday life, including pop, classical, folk, and other genres not specifically created for religious services. In choir directing, it means working with music that isn't connected to worship or spiritual practices. This distinction is important because many choir director positions require experience with both sacred (religious) and secular repertoire to serve different performance needs. Having secular music experience shows versatility in handling various musical styles and ability to work in different settings like schools, community choirs, or entertainment venues.

Examples in Resumes

Directed 50-person community choir performing Secular Music and holiday programs

Expanded choir's repertoire to include both Secular Music and sacred pieces

Created arrangements of popular Secular Music for youth choir performances

Typical job title: "Choir Directors"

Also try searching for:

Music Director Choral Conductor Vocal Music Director Ensemble Director Community Choir Director School Choir Director

Where to Find Choir Directors

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Online Communities

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you balance a diverse repertoire of secular music for different audience preferences?

Expected Answer: A senior director should discuss experience selecting music that appeals to various age groups and tastes, while maintaining artistic quality and appropriate difficulty levels for the choir.

Q: How do you approach arranging popular secular music for choir performances?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of vocal arrangement techniques, copyright considerations, and ability to adapt contemporary music to suit different choir sizes and skill levels.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What strategies do you use to teach contemporary vocal techniques?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods for helping choir members transition between different singing styles, including proper breathing, voice projection, and maintaining vocal health.

Q: How do you select appropriate secular repertoire for different performance venues?

Expected Answer: Should discuss considering acoustics, audience type, event purpose, and choir capabilities when choosing music programs.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's your experience with different genres of secular music?

Expected Answer: Should show familiarity with various music styles like pop, jazz, folk, and classical, and basic understanding of their distinct characteristics.

Q: How do you teach a new secular piece to your choir?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic rehearsal techniques, breaking down parts, teaching rhythm and melody, and helping singers learn their specific vocal parts.