Assistant Professor of Music - Voice

Mercer University • Macon, GA

98d

About The Position

The Townsend School of Music at Mercer University seeks an experienced and versatile Assistant Professor of Music – Voice (Soprano, Mezzo-soprano preferred) with specialized expertise in Opera and Musical Theatre direction. This position will primarily focus on teaching applied voice, stage direction of two to three opera and musical theatre productions per academic year, assisting with relevant classes, and enhancing the musical skills of undergraduate and graduate students in the vocal studies area. The successful candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of vocal repertoire, pedagogy, and performance practices in both genres. This is a full-time, tenure track appointment, with full benefits. The initial contract will commence August 2026.

Requirements

• Will hold an earned doctorate in music with demonstrated commensurate professional experience, along with evidence of successful teaching and creative activity/research.
• Proven ability to provide applied instruction to university-level students.
• Demonstrated experience with operatic and musical theatre stage direction, performance practices, and the teaching of acting for the lyric stage.
• Proven ability to organize and produce opera and musical theatre productions.
• A broad knowledge of the Western Classical art song, oratorio, operatic, and musical theatre repertoires.
• Language and diction competency, consistent with working in the Western Classical vocal traditions.

Responsibilities

• Teach applied voice: Excellence in teaching a diverse array of styles within the voice studio, including Western Classical and musical theatre, as well as art song, oratorio, and other vocal styles.
• Provide specialized instruction in vocal repertoire for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Guide students in preparing repertoire for jury examinations and recitals, ensuring adherence to specified requirements regarding memorization, language, style, and inclusion of diverse composers.
• Encourage student familiarity with the work of contemporary composers through performance, listening, or collaboration with composition students.
• Maintain and expand a comprehensive knowledge of vocal literature across historical periods and national styles for both performance and teaching.
• Serve as co-director of Mercer University Opera producing and stage directing two to three opera and musical theatre productions per academic year.
• Liaise with university and community theatre professionals to secure production personnel and materials.
• Maintain an accurate record of production spending and maintain a specified yearly budget.
• Liaise with the Dean, the Executive Assistant to the Dean, and the Vocal Studies Chair on all financial activities.
• Provide academic advising to music majors.
• Participate in faculty governance within the School of Music and the University.
• Actively recruit voice students for the School of Music.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents)
• Generous retirement contributions
• Tuition waivers
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Technology discounts
• Schedules that allow for work-life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree