"HEAD OF ACADEMIC STUDIES IN MUSIC"

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

HEAD OF ACADEMIC STUDIES IN MUSIC

In a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts plays a unique and influential role in nurturing future generations of performing artists, including performers, practitioners, designers, and technicians. As a QS global Top 20 ranked institution, the Academy and its Schools of Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film & Television, Music, and Theatre & Entertainment Arts - form a vibrant centre of practice, production, teaching, and practice-as-research. Its outstanding reputation is reinforced by the quality of its performers and its partnerships with other centres of excellence locally, regionally, and internationally. Through international residencies, visiting artists, and alumni - including some of the most respected professionals in their disciplines, the Academy is committed to training future world-class performers and practitioners.

The School of Music at the Academy offers comprehensive full-time programmes, including Diploma, BMus, MMus, and a new doctoral degree (expected 2027), alongside its highly successful Junior Music Programme - comparable to the ‘Junior Schools’ of other world-leading conservatoires. In keeping with its conservatoire status, the School’s philosophy is centred on performance and reflects the unique cultural mix of Hong Kong, with emphasis on both Western and Chinese traditions. The School comprises the Departments of Strings, Keyboard, Voice, Woodwind/Brass/Percussion (‘WBP’), Composition, Chinese Music, Conducting and Cultural Leadership, Academic Studies and Junior Music.

The Head of Academic Studies in Music will be a distinguished educator and academic leader, dedicated to shaping the future of music education, academic, and contextual studies within the School of Music. Building on the department’s existing strengths, the Head will work collaboratively with other senior staff to drive forward innovative developments in music education and research. This includes overseeing and enhancing curricula across all programme levels (Junior Music, post-secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate), promoting interdisciplinary collaborations, and fostering an environment of excellence in teaching and research.

Reporting to the Dean of the School of Music, the appointee will provide academic leadership and quality assurance in contextual studies and musical research. The appointee is expected to lead curriculum development, course review, and enhancement of learning, teaching, assessment and feedback across all programmes, provide guidance to faculty, and strengthen the School’s international networks and collaborative projects.

Applicants should have:

(a) A recognised degree in Music or equivalent qualification (preferably a doctoral degree in music education, contextual studies, or relevant disciplines);

(b) A strong professional background and extensive professional experience as a music educator and/or researcher;

(c) In-depth knowledge of current trends in music education, contextual studies, and performing arts research, with a focus on innovative pedagogical approaches;

(d) Internationally recognised standing and a good industry network;

(e) An excellent teaching record in conservatoire/university contexts across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Experience of teaching on pre-college music programmes would be an advantage;

(f) A successful track record of leadership and ability within an educational institution or similar performing arts-based organisation, including experience in curriculum design, implementation, and programme development according to established quality assurance frameworks;

(g) Solid experience in managing teams and collaborative work in cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary contexts;

(h) The ability to advise and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects;

(i) Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills; and

(j) An excellent command of both written and spoken English. Fluency in Chinese (including Putonghua and Cantonese) is an advantage.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Appointment will be on a two-year renewable contract, subject to performance and mutual agreement. A gratuity payment equals up to 15% of the total basic salary earned during the contract period may be granted upon satisfactory completion of the full contract period. The amount of gratuity payable will be the sum which, when added to the Academy’s contribution to a Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme as required by the MPF Schemes Ordinance, equals 15% of the total basic salary drawn during the contract period. Fringe benefits include leave, medical, and dental benefits. The starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A non-accountable Cash Allowance will be provided to the eligible appointee. The expected commencement date will be 1 September 2026.

APPLICATIONS
To apply, please submit a completed Application Form (https://www.hkapa.edu/job-opportunity/head-of-academic-studies-in-music), together with a cover letter, curriculum vitae and copies of academic qualifications, to the Human Resources Office, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, No.1 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, or email (hro@hkapa.edu) on or before 21 December 2025. Please quote reference code 'H(AMS)' in the Application Form.

HKAPA is an equal-opportunity employer.

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