Director of Opera Studies and Open-Rank Assistant / Associate Professor of Music

Lawrence University of Wisconsin, a selective undergraduate liberal arts college and conservatory of music located in Appleton, Wisconsin, invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Director of Opera Studies and open-rank Assistant/Associate/Professor of Music to begin September 1, 2026. Candidates should hold a master’s degree or doctorate at the time of their appointment.

The Director of Opera Studies leads the Opera Studies Program and is responsible for coordinating with the Theatre Department on performance scheduling and all design and technical needs. The Director will engage in classroom teaching of performance skills, acting for singers, opera workshop, with the possibility of other teaching responsibilities, depending upon the candidate’s interests and qualifications and institutional needs. Additional responsibilities include all service-related activities associated with a tenure-track position including student advising, recruiting, developing relationships with music educators, and participating in committee assignments. The candidate will also be expected to occasionally teach courses outside of their primary discipline, such as First-Year Studies. This is an endowed position that carries with it dedicated funds for professional development.

The ideal candidate will have a background in opera and demonstrated excellence in stage direction for music theater (opera, operetta, musicals) and in teaching acting for singers, with a demonstrated commitment to creativity broadly defined and an interest in advancing the evolution of this art form. Experience producing and directing new works is desirable. Experience with community engagement and collaborations is preferred. Experience as a director with professional opera companies as well as collegiate teaching or work with young artist programs is also preferred. Lawrence University is committed to a close relationship between the Conservatory and the College, so strong support of the ideals and goals of a broad liberal arts education is expected. An ability to collaborate with professors across a wide variety of disciplines is highly desirable.

Candidates should submit the following at https://lawrence.peopleadmin.com/: cover letter, statement of teaching philosophy, curriculum vitae (including representative list of directed repertoire), links to video recordings (preferably of both rehearsal and performance), and names and contact information for three individuals who can be solicited for letters of recommendation at a later stage of the search process. Candidates who advance may also be asked to submit representative programs.

Serving approximately 360 music majors, the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music, founded in 1874, is a distinguished undergraduate program offering preparation for professional careers in music within the intellectual environment of a liberal arts college. The Conservatory has an enviable reputation for producing outstanding musician-scholars, and our robust double degree program attracts fine musicians who have strong interests in a multitude of academic areas. We are seeking applicants who will thrive in this stimulating musical and academic environment.

Consideration of candidates will begin October 1st, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

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