"Adjunct Instructor, Department of Music – Opera Vocal Coach"

Job Details

Summary:

The Department of Music at Virginia Commonwealth University seeks to hire a part-time, adjunct instructor position specializing in Opera Vocal Coaching for the Opera Theatre course (APPM 385) beginning on January 12, 2026.

The Department of Music offers the Bachelor of Music degree in Performance, the Bachelor of Arts, and the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. The department boasts a vibrant opera program that was founded 75 years ago. Throughout the years, the program has received many awards from the National Opera Association.

The successful candidate will be a dynamic vocal coach with high-level piano skills and a broad knowledge of repertoire and language at the University or professional level. The responsibilities of this position include:

• Serve as Vocal Coach for the opera program in coordination with the Voice faculty. Provide weekly private coaching to Undergraduate students.
• Prepare students for our fully staged spring opera production (Opera Theatre 385) including attending all musical rehearsal, with the possibility of extending the contract to room staging and onstage rehearsals in collaboration with the Opera Director.
• Maintain an active profile in vocal collaboration that engages the discipline at national level.
• A commitment to promoting VCU Music's opera program and experience with community engagement is desired.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree or equivalent professional experience with a national profile as a Vocal Coach/Collaborative Pianist.
• Thorough knowledge of languages, diction, and operatic literature.
• Experience preparing opera performances at the university or professional level.
• Record of excellence teaching students at the highest professional level.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate or ABD status at time of appointment.
• Experience assisting opera performances at the university or professional level.
• Evidence of leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills.

What to submit:

• a brief cover letter describing the candidate's qualification for the position
• a detailed curriculum vitae
• the names and contact information for three references

Please do not send recordings or any other additional materials at this time. References and additional materials may be sought for applicants as they advance through the search process.

Application review will begin on November 26, 2025, but the position will remain open until filled.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

FTE: Varies