VCUarts Adjunct Instructor, Department of Music - Opera Vocal Coach

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 69,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University seeks a part-time, non-credit adjunct instructor specializing in Opera Vocal Coaching beginning January 19, 2027. The department offers B.M. Performance, B.A., and B.M. in Music Education with a storied opera program.

The candidate will coach vocalists, coordinate with the Music Director, and prepare students for fully staged opera productions, including rehearsals and potential onstage duties; emphasis on repertoire knowledge and diction is 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.

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 VCU music opera program and experience with community engagement is desired.

Skills

Vocal coaching

Piano skills

Repertoire knowledge

Language/diction knowledge

University-level teaching experience

Education

Master's degree or equivalent professional experience with a national profile as a Vocal Coach/Collaborative Pianist

Job description

Job Description / Duties

The Department of Music at Virginia Commonwealth University seeksto hire a part-time, non-credit adjunct instructor specializing inOpera 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 MusicEducation. The department boasts a vibrant opera program that wasfounded 77 years ago. The program has received numerous awards fromthe National Opera Association.

The successful candidate will be a dynamic vocal coach withhigh-level piano skills and a broad knowledge of repertoire andlanguage at the University or professional level.

The responsibilities of this position include:

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

Qualifications / Required Skills

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree or equivalent professional experience with anational profile as a Vocal Coach/Collaborative Pianist.
• Thorough knowledge of languages, diction, and operaticliterature.
• Experience preparing opera performances at the university orprofessional level.
• Record of excellence teaching students at the highestprofessional level.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environmentof respect, professionalism and civility with a population offaculty, 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 interpersonalskills.

What to submit:

• a brief cover letter describing the candidate's qualification forthe position.
• a detailed curriculum vitae.
• the names and contact information for three references.

Please do not send recordings or any other additional materials atthis time. References and additional materials may be sought forapplicants as they advance through the search process.

Application review will begin on October 9, 2026, but the positionwill remain open until filled.