Musical Directors

theatreWashington; Leesburg, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Virginia Performing Arts (NOVAPA) in Leesburg, Virginia, seeks an experienced Musical Director for youth theatre productions. You will teach vocal material, guide healthy singing, and collaborate with the Director and Choreographer to prepare students for a polished performance.

The role requires strong piano skills, ability to read and teach standard notation, and a commitment to working with children and teens. Evening and weekend availability and reliable transportation are expected.

Qualifications

• Experience as a musical director, vocal director, accompanist, music educator, or vocal coach.
• Strong piano skills are strongly preferred. Applicants should indicate their level of piano proficiency.
• Ability to read and teach standard musical notation and vocal scores.
• Knowledge of musical-theatre vocal styles and healthy vocal technique.
• Experience working with children and/or teenagers.
• Strong rehearsal-management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Degree or formal training in music, musical theatre, music education, or a related field is preferred but not required when supported by significant experience.
• Evening and weekend availability is required. Must have reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Teach vocal music, harmonies, rhythms, diction, dynamics, and musical interpretation.
• Prepare and lead organized music rehearsals.
• Collaborate with the Director, Choreographer, Production Manager, Technical Director, and other production-team members.
• Assess vocal ranges and capabilities during auditions or the early rehearsal process.
• Make appropriate vocal-part assignments in coordination with the Director.
• Adapt or redistribute vocal material when necessary and properly authorized.
• Teach healthy vocal practices appropriate for children and teenagers.
• Prepare rehearsal tracks, vocal materials, or practice resources when required.
• Track musical progress and identify material needing additional rehearsal.
• Coordinate with accompanists, musicians, sound staff, and microphone personnel.
• Attend production meetings, sitzprobe, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances as required.
• Communicate attendance, preparedness, vocal-health, behavioral, or scheduling concerns to the appropriate NOVAPA administrator.
• Maintain professional boundaries and comply with NOVAPA’s child-safety and professional-conduct policies.
• Refrain from making unauthorized promises concerning casting, solos, refunds, schedules, or policy exceptions.

Skills

Musical director

Vocal director

Accompanist

Music educator

Vocal coach

Piano skills

Music notation

Vocal technique

Youth experience

Rehearsal management

Education

Music degree or training

Job description

Northern Virginia Performing Arts (NOVAPA) is seeking experienced and collaborative Musical Directors for youth musical-theatre productions at our Leesburg, Virginia location.

The Musical Director will teach the production’s vocal material, support healthy and age-appropriate singing, and collaborate with the Director and Choreographer to prepare students for a polished theatrical performance.

Responsibilities:

• Teach vocal music, harmonies, rhythms, diction, dynamics, and musical interpretation.
• Prepare and lead organized music rehearsals.
• Collaborate with the Director, Choreographer, Production Manager, Technical Director, and other production-team members.
• Assess vocal ranges and capabilities during auditions or the early rehearsal process.
• Make appropriate vocal-part assignments in coordination with the Director.
• Adapt or redistribute vocal material when necessary and properly authorized.
• Teach healthy vocal practices appropriate for children and teenagers.
• Prepare rehearsal tracks, vocal materials, or practice resources when required.
• Track musical progress and identify material needing additional rehearsal.
• Coordinate with accompanists, musicians, sound staff, and microphone personnel.
• Attend production meetings, sitzprobe, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances as required.
• Communicate attendance, preparedness, vocal-health, behavioral, or scheduling concerns to the appropriate NOVAPA administrator.
• Maintain professional boundaries and comply with NOVAPA’s child-safety and professional-conduct policies.
• Refrain from making unauthorized promises concerning casting, solos, refunds, schedules, or policy exceptions.

Qualifications:

• Experience as a musical director, vocal director, accompanist, music educator, or vocal coach.
• Strong piano skills are strongly preferred. Applicants should indicate their level of piano proficiency.
• Ability to read and teach standard musical notation and vocal scores.
• Knowledge of musical-theatre vocal styles and healthy vocal technique.
• Experience working with children and/or teenagers.
• Strong rehearsal-management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate while meeting individual deadlines and responsibilities.
• Degree or formal training in music, musical theatre, music education, or a related field is preferred but not required when supported by significant experience.
• Evening and weekend availability is required. Must have reliable transportation.

All selected candidates must complete NOVAPA’s background-screening process, child-safety training, and required onboarding before beginning work.

Production: Sweeney Todd, Hadestown, Frozen, Little Mermaid, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Mean Girls, How to Train Your Dragon, Trolls

• Three professional references-including last 2 supervisors
• Description of piano proficiency
• Relevant performance recordings, production credits, or portfolio materials
• General evening and weekend availability