VCUarts Adjunct Instructor, Department of Music - Opera Vocal Coach

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Music seeks a part-time, non-credit adjunct instructor specializing in Opera Vocal Coaching starting January 19, 2027. The role supports a vibrant opera program with a history of awards and a broad repertoire.

The candidate will coach voices, collaborate with the Music Director, and prepare students for staged productions. Responsibilities include attending rehearsals, assisting with staging, and promoting VCUmusic opera on campus and in the

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent professional experience with 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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Vocal Coach for the opera program in coordination with the Music Director.
• Prepare students for our fully staged opera production including attending all musical rehearsal, with the possibility of extending the contract to room staging and onstage rehearsals in collaboration with the Opera Stage Director and the Music Director.
• A commitment to promoting VCUmusic opera program and experience with community engagement is desired.

Skills

Vocal coaching

Collaborative pianist

Opera languages/diction

University-level teaching

Education

Master's degree or equivalent professional experience

Doctorate or ABD status

Job description

Job Description / Duties

The Department of Music at Virginia Commonwealth University seeks to hire a part-time, non-credit adjunct instructor specializing in Opera Vocal Coaching beginning on January 19, 2027.

The Department 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 77 years ago. The program has received numerous 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 Music Director.
• Prepare students for our fully staged opera production including attending all musical rehearsal, with the possibility of extending the contract to room staging and onstage rehearsals in collaboration with the Opera Stage Director and the Music Director.
• A commitment to promoting VCUmusic opera program and experience with community engagement is desired.

Qualifications / Required Skills

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.
• 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 October 9, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled.