• A really good musical ear is necessary. You need to be able to hear all the vocal parts (including inner voices like alto and tenor) and be able to tell if the singers are singing the correct notes.
• Good rhythmic ability. Pianists, singers and Adventist musicians are often rhythm-challenged. The choir director must be able to keep his or her own beat and help pianists and singers find the same beat. (Take heart. Sometimes just adding the physical movements of conducting patterns improves one's sense of rhythm.)
• Reading music is necessary for anyone who wants to teach any new music. If your music reading skills are less than optimal, you will need a really good  accompanist who can practice with you to make up for your lack of reading skills.
• While it is possible to direct a choir if you're a non-singing  musician,  having  a knowledge of vocal technique is extremely helpful.
• You need a working knowledge of conducting patterns and  conducting techniques.  If you have never directed before, or are out of practice, you must practice until you can conduct each musical piece automatically.
• You need to be able to plan what music will be needed and how much  rehearsal time will be needed to get it learned.  This requires knowing your church's projected schedule and its needs and paying attention to the group's collective musical abilities--including whether or not singers actually get to rehearsals.
• Can you match music  with  choristers'  abilities? They will be bored if it's too easy and frustrated if it's too difficult. Choosing Music.

Other Abilities and Character Traits

• Being Prayerful is your most important key to being a successful choir director.
• Enthusiasm is catching. You church, your singers, everyone needs to catch it from you.
• Optimism is what keeps you from getting discouraged. 
• Persistence is how you keep going even when things go wrong or discouragement has won a battle. 
• Be a Cheerleader! If you believe in your people they won't let you down. 
• Flexibility is what you need to be able try new things whenever something doesn't work as planned. Always go for a "Plan B" or "Plan C" if needed.
• The ability to Compromise on everything except the intent of the music and the Person it's supposed to glorify.
• Can you Communicate? Remember  that real  communication requires more listening than talking.
• Can you Get Along with pastors, board members, church members, and especially singers? Getting along requires lots of communication and compromise.
• Tips   and  Practical Suggestions  for music directors.
• Are You Practical? Are you satisfied keeping all your choices within the range of easy possibility for both your choristers and the church you serve?
• Are You Patient? Can you wait for people to learn? Or do you [mistakenly] expect un-trained singers to keep up with you?
• Are You Willing to Take the Time that is necessary to start, organize and keep a choir going?
• ***Are you Able to Get a Commitment from the pastor, the church, and the singers? If you don't get long-term commitments, your choir will only last until the next combined job changes, scheduling conflicts, and $$ crunch.