ANCA Recommended Rates of Pay for Conductors & Accompanists

(Current from February 2025)

The Australian National Choral Association seeks to encourage and advocate for the equitable remuneration of choral conductors and accompanists. 

The ANCA National Council, following a recent survey of members, has updated its Recommended Rates of Pay. This is a response to the regular requests ANCA receives about how much conductors and accompanists might be paid. The matrix has been produced following consultation with members, similar music organisations recommended minimum rates of pay and referral to the relevant legislation.

This document contains recommendations only as a guide for choir organisers and conductors and is not intended to be used in any other way. It is intended as a starting point for choral organisations to pay conductors and accompanists fairly, to sustainably operate their choirs, and to benefit all singers and the wider choral landscape in Australia.

The Australian National Choral Association encourages organisations to:

• Pay conductors and accompanists fair rates as trained professionals and/or experienced musicians
• Consider their long-term viability - if conductors and accompanists are not paid, or are underpaid, the choir may find it difficult to replace them
• Consider a membership/fee structure for choristers to support operating costs (music, conductors, accompanists) and build an expectation that being a member of a choir will involve some cost (just as playing an instrument does)
• Put in place fixed term arrangements/contracts for conductors with a regular review process built in to benefit the overall development of the choir
• Actively support the professional development of their conductors and accompanists

Conducting and Musical Skills: What is a Conductor? 

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Appropriate level of musicianship
• Knowledge of rehearsal technique
• Knowledge of the voice
• A good understanding of singers
• Ability to select appropriate repertoire for the choir
• A high level of reliability and initiative
• Ability to inspire and motivate others
• A thorough understanding of organisations (how to delegate, how to work in a team)

Competence Matrix Preamble

All rates represent regular work and include preparation time.

All rates quoted are per hour (exclusive of GST) as most member responses acknowledged hourly rates of pay.

Those paid per call, with a minimum call of 2 hours (Mon-Sat) and 3 hours (Sun), can expect to be paid less per hour.

One-off engagements for either rehearsals or performances, may attract higher rates by negotiation with choir management/organisers.

Musicians who are employed as private contractors may charge GST in addition to these rates.

Under the government’s Superannuation Guarantee, super  is now compulsory  in addition to the rates below for all full-time, part-time, casual employees and should be paid by all corporations and incorporated associations (minimum 11.5% 2024-2025).

Sunday rates, travel and meal allowances should be considered in addition to these rates for specific circumstances.

Rates of pay for a Salaried Employee may be 10-15% below these rates.

Practitioners who engage in regular (at least annual) choral-specific PD should be expected to charge an additional $10-15/hour above the quoted rates.

Conductor Competence Matrix

Notes on the Matrix:

• Categories with * indicate the minimum allowable under the Live Performance Award

• Categories with ** indicate that performance fees may be higher than the regular hourly rate

• The pay range provides flexibility and reflects varying rates of pay currently existing within the    sector and across states

• Individual conductors may negotiate higher fees than recommended, in any situation, if they are in a position to do so

Accompanying and Musical Skills: What is a good Choral Accompanist?

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Excellent pianist
• Excellent vocal or instrumental accompanist
• Excellent sight reader
• Competence in reading open choral scores
• Ability to follow a conductor
• Ability to adjust playing to suit the vocal forces
• Understanding of the rehearsal process
• Ability to work collaboratively with conductor and singers

HIGHLY DESIRABLE SKILLS

• Ability to take a sectional rehearsal
• Language/pronunciation skill
• Understanding of how to play an orchestral reduction

Accompanist Recommended Rates of Pay

(all rates quoted are per hour, GST-free and for a minimum 2 hour call)

*This category reflects the minimum rate advised by the Live Performance Award , an absence of post-secondary qualifications but not necessarily the ability and experience of the accompanist