Director, Vocal Studies

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

228d • $18,000 - $19,000

About The Position

This position is designed with two goals: to help develop the technical and artistic skills of individual student singers, and to support the various choral ensembles within the Department of Music Performance Program. The Director of Vocal Studies is expected to provide individual and/or small group instruction, coachings, and workshops for student musicians accepted into the Vocal Studies program; prepare repertoire suggestions and supplemental activities to promote the development of each student's musical skills and understanding; schedule additional workshops, master classes, and performance opportunities as appropriate; develop and offer a series of workshops on basic principles of proper singing, appropriate for singers in the University Chorus, Motet Choir, and Women's Ensemble who have not had previous instruction in voice; be available to coach occasional rehearsals of those large choral ensembles, as requested; and arrange supplemental activities to promote a sense of camaraderie within the Vocal Studies program, and to encourage students' further study and involvement in the musical arts. This position is part-time, non-benefits eligible.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• MA or MM. Advanced degree in vocal performance from an accredited conservatory.
• Significant performance experience as a solo and choral singer in a variety of settings.
• A minimum of three years experience teaching private voice lessons, preferably in a college or university setting.
• Leading vocal studio classes and/or group coaching sessions.
• Broad knowledge of solo vocal repertoire, from Baroque through contemporary.
• Knowledge of various pedagogical approaches for teaching private vocal students.

Responsibilities

• Plans and executes auditions, workshops, masterclasses, performances, and other relevant activities for students interested in developing their vocal skills.
• Clearly outlines expectations for participation in the Vocal Studies Program, with two available tracks: regular participation and advanced participation.
• Conducts auditions at the start of the academic year to evaluate the abilities of interested student musicians.
• Accepts an appropriate number of musicians into the formal program in Vocal Studies.
• Recommends or assigns repertoire appropriate to the current skills and artistic preferences of those individual students.
• Sets up a schedule for individual coaching sessions, available to all interested vocalists in the Program.
• Provides group coaching sessions or studio classes on a regular basis throughout the academic year.
• Arranges a variety of recital opportunities and showcase concerts for Vocal Studies student musicians.
• Develops and offers a series of workshops on basic principles of proper singing.
• Works closely with the directors of the choral ensembles to create, schedule, and revise group sessions.
• Leads occasional specialty sessions during rehearsals for the large choral ensembles.
• Advises student performers on planning and scheduling individual recitals and advanced musical study.
• Tracks student attendance and engagement for those students who opt for transcript recognition.
• Submits grades (pass/fail) to the Registrar at the end of each academic quarter.
• Works within a modest operating budget available for the Vocal Studies program.
• Submits stage diagrams, equipment requests, and additional requirements for concert performances.
• Contributes ideas and feedback for the ongoing development and improvement of the Vocal Studies Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Master's degree