Composer / Singer / Songwriter

Please read the Job Pack to find out more about Murmuration Arts and this role.

About Us

Murmuration Arts creates participatory, community-engaged oral history, theatre, dance, and multidisciplinary arts projects that collaborate with communities. Our work fosters connections and builds community through reminiscence on local and cultural heritage. Working with non-professional community participants is at the heart of what we do. We prioritise flexibility and responsiveness, ensuring participants remain central to our creative process.

We are committed to inclusivity and value lived experience in all its forms. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from the global majority, LGBTQIA+ communities, disabled individuals, and those from working-class or low socio-economic backgrounds.

About the Commission

We are seeking a Derby-based singer-songwriter to compose, perform and record A Lullaby for Derby , using material generated by local mothers. Murmuration Arts has previously created six lullabies (examples available in Stockton and Brighton ).

This project is part of a broader Derby-wide initiative working with local parents called Nightlight Lullabies Derby . Our Artistic Director, Marion Duggan, will lead six creative writing workshops with mothers at one of the Derby Family Hubs.

The material generated in these workshops will serve as the foundation for the new lullaby.

Responsibilities

• Co-write and compose one original lullaby based on material generated by workshop participants.
• Collaborate with the Artistic Director (Marion Duggan) and Sound Designer (Helen Atkinson).
• Record the lullaby using your own vocals and professional recording equipment (recording studio rental must be included in the fee if required).
• Integrate the lullaby with the Sound Designer’s composition, which includes recorded voices of the mothers.
• Share drafts during the six-week writing period to keep the mothers engaged in the creative process.
• Oversee the final production and mix of the lullaby.
• Provide the final lullaby in digital format for playback in The Crescent Moon installation, part of the Nightlight Lullabies exhibition at Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
• Attend the Private View at Derby Museum and Art Gallery on 23 September 2025, where the lullaby will be played for the mothers.
• Provide feedback on the process after the project.
• Participate in a weekly progress meeting with Marion (Mondays, 11 : 00 –11 : 30 AM, or at a mutually convenient time).

Key Dates

Terms and Conditions

How to Apply

You may apply in any of the following formats :

Include one referee / reference in your application. Send your application to [email protected]

In your cover letter / audio recording explain why you are interested in this role and highlight your experience.

Interview Process

If shortlisted, you will be contacted to arrange an interview, which will take place either via Zoom or in person in Derby.

We anticipate interviewing 2 – 3 candidates.

Before the interview, you will receive :

As a small team, it may take a few days to finalise our decision.

For more information about Murmuration Arts, visit our website or follow us on Instagram or Facebook .

Nightlight Lullabies Derby is created and produced by Murmuration Arts. Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England. In partnership with Derby Museums and The Royal School For The Deaf Derby. Supported by D-Youth Hub, Action Deafness and Family Hub Derby.

J-18808-Ljbffr