VCUarts Adjunct Instructor, Department of Music - Opera Vocal Coach

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 96,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University seeks a part-time, non-credit adjunct instructor specializing in Opera Vocal Coaching, starting January 19, 2027. The role supports a robust opera program linked to multiple bachelor programs and a history of awards.

The successful candidate will bring high-level piano skills, broad language knowledge, and a national profile in vocal coaching. Responsibilities include coaching for fully staged operas and coordinating with the Music Director and Stage Director.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent 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.
• Commitment to fostering an environment of respect and civility across diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Vocal Coach for the opera program in coordination with the Music Director.
• Prepare students for fully staged opera productions, including rehearsals and possible onstage involvement with staging collaboration.
• PromoteVCU music opera program and experience community engagement.

Skills

Vocal coaching

Collaborative piano

Diction & languages

Opera literature

University teaching

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Doctorate or ABD preferred

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.

Responsibilities

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.

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.

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