Univ of Memphis

The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis seeks an experienced artist-teacher for a tenure-track faculty appointment as the musical director of opera, to begin August 2022. The School of Music’s Vocal Arts Area is a highly collaborative, multidimensional area of the Performance Studies Division offering the BM, MM, AD and DMA degree programs. The accomplishments of candidates for this position must reflect their commitment to working with an inclusive student population, and their ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural academic goals of the university.

Responsibilities:

Assist in repertoire selection and casting for all opera performances.

Coach singers in preparation for performance and audition opportunities.

Rehearse and conduct the opera orchestra for all performances.

Conduct main-stage operas each year.

Accompany public performances and selected rehearsals.

Be responsible for the musical integrity and execution of all opera events.

Mentor student pianists and vocalists.

Teach diction at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Minimum Position Qualifications

Master’s degree with significant professional experience required, ABD or doctorate preferred.

Documented national or international experience and expertise coaching singers from the piano in the standard and contemporary operatic repertoire.

Demonstrated proficiency in keyboard arts.

Demonstrated proficiency in ensemble conducting.

Extensive language/diction skills encompassing Italian, French, and German. Additional skills in Russian, Czech, and/or Spanish desired.

Teaching experience at the highest level of excellence at the graduate and/or professional level with a proven record of student successes.

Demonstrated commitment to pedagogy and recruitment.

A strong interest in and experience with community engagement, music entrepreneurship, music leadership, and/or other nontraditional career models is desirable.

The accomplishments of candidates for this position must reflect their commitment to working with an inclusive student population, and their ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and collective mission, vision and operating standards of the School of Music.

Candidates should submit an application. Additional items required at time of application include the following:

Cover letter

CV

Professional Resume (optional)

Statement of teaching philosophy

Complete contact information (address, phone, and email) for three professional references

Video examples

10-15 minutes of vocal coaching from the piano

10-15 minutes of piano performance (collaborative preferred, solo acceptable)

10-15 minutes of conducting (operatic preferred, orchestral acceptable)

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Preference will be given to candidates that apply by October 13, 2021. Review of applications may continue until a successful candidate is named.