Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera

Tenure Status: Tenure Track
Department: School Of Music - 270000

Minimum Qualifications

The candidate must hold a doctoral degree in vocal performance, vocal pedagogy, or related field (DMA or DM). Candidates who are ABD will be considered, and all degree requirements must be completed by July 31, 2026.

The successful candidate will show evidence of experience in directing and managing opera/musical productions at the community, collegiate, or professional level. The candidate must also show evidence of at least two years experience of teaching applied voice in both classical and musical theatre styles of singing at the collegiate level, and evidence of accomplishment on stage as a professional singer and/or director.

Areas of Interest (No Minimum Level Required)

The Hayes School of Music seeks candidates who possess experience with managing budgets, collaborating with production managers, overseeing set design and construction, with evidence of, or an innovative plan for, recruitment strategies.

License/Certification Required
N/A

Description of the Department or Unit

The Hayes School of Music is home to more than 420 students and 60 full‐time faculty members. It offers undergraduate degrees in music education, music therapy, music industry studies, and music performance, with concentrations in instrumental or vocal performance, music theory/composition, jazz, and sacred music. Graduate programs are offered in music therapy and music performance, with concentrations in instrumental or vocal performance, collaborative piano, music composition, and conducting. Supported by the Hayes Endowment for Musical Excellence, the school is part of Appalachian State University, an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Dedicated to preparing musicians for professional careers, the Hayes School of Music cultivates performers, composers, educators, therapists, conductors, scholars, and music industry professionals who will shape the future of musical leadership at the state, regional, and national levels. The school is committed to equipping graduates to thrive in a rapidly evolving musical landscape and in an inclusive, innovative, and multicultural world.

The Erneston Music Library, located in the Broyhill Music Center, supports the curriculum of both the Hayes School of Music and the University. Alongside books, scores, and recordings, the Special Collections Research Center in Belk Library houses an expanding collection of rare books and manuscript materials related to classical music. Highlights include the scores of conductor Hans Schwieger, the original manuscripts of composer Tui St. George Tucker, and the Matanya Ophee Collection - one of the world's largest collections of 19th‐century guitar music.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Appalachian State University Hayes School of Music invites applications for a tenure-track position, Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera, with appointment starting fall 2026.

The voice area in the Hayes School of Music is a vital resource to the School and the community. We seek a dynamic stage director and applied voice instructor who demonstrates a commitment to enriching our performance community with an appreciation and understanding of a broad range of operatic and musical styles, vocal literature, as well as pedagogy and performance practices. This includes the programming and teaching of diverse repertoire and that of historically underrepresented composers.

Responsibilities:

• Opera Direction: Direct the Appalachian Opera Theatre and Opera Workshop. Duties will include casting and directing one fully-staged production with orchestra in collaboration with the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra director and one scenes performance with piano each year in alternating semesters.
• Production Management: Manage aspects of production including scheduling auditions, rehearsals, coordinating and overseeing production elements (sets, costumes, venue contracts, and lighting, hiring and collaborating with production staff, and managing budgets).
• Collaboration: Collaborate with the voice area, graduate assistants, other music faculty members, and academic units to promote interdisciplinary learning opportunities among the students and the broader community. Work alongside the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra Director to select a show each year.
• Applied Voice Instruction: Teach applied voice to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in the Hayes School of Music. Prepare students for degree recitals, roles in operatic and musical theatre productions, and additional performance opportunities. Lead weekly studio class.
• Recruitment: Collaborate with colleagues in outreach and recruitment efforts within the state and across the region.

The Hayes School of Music maintains a closely-knit community of engaged learners and performers (faculty, staff, and students), who seek to provide a mutually supportive environment to nurture musicians pursuing professions in music education, performance, music therapy, and music industry studies at the undergraduate level and performance and music therapy at the masters level.

The Hayes School of Music is interested in candidates who have a demonstrated commitment or the potential to provide leadership in teaching, scholarly/creative activity, and service that builds an equitable and diverse academic environment. The successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in the responsibilities of faculty membership, including prospective student and ensemble auditions, student mentoring, curriculum development and assessment, service activities, meeting attendance, timely communications, advising, and recruitment.

In the Hayes School of Music, full-time tenure eligible or tenured faculty members are expected to teach 24 full-time equivalent hours (FTEs) per academic year. A faculty member may request up to 6 FTEs annually for extensive scholarly or creative activity. Additional teaching and non-teaching duties will be assigned as needed in the voice area and Hayes School of Music.

Proposed Date of Hire: 08/10/2026
Suggested Salary Range: Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Evaluation of Applications Begins: 03/02/2026

To apply, visit https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/53102