Description

            Head of Music Staff and Chorus Master                                                 

Reports to:    Director of Artistic Administration

Status:          Exempt, Full-time, Regular (nine month in residence schedule: August through May)

Advises:        Resident Artists and Resident Artist Coach-Accompanist (if one is engaged)

Job Summary: The head of music staff is responsible for various musical aspects of the organization. They will serve as chorus master, lead mainstage musical rehearsals, play keyboards in performances as needed, and conduct offstage banda and chorus. Duties range from mentoring the resident artist coach-accompanist to curating musical programs for the resident artists and the learning department. They will also be instrumental in planning schedules for the resident artists, making music staff assignments, and playing for company auditions and occasional donor or gala events. They may also be called upon to create and/or host company lectures, presentations, and musical events. This is a full-time 9-month position, mid-August through mid-May.

Accomplish the objectives of Lyric Opera of Kansas City and the Artistic Administration Department:

•        Support the Company’s mission to make Lyric Opera of Kansas City indispensable to the public through transformational opera experiences and broad service which captures the hearts and minds of our communities.
•        Strive to create a culture that emphasizes quality, continuous improvement, and high performance. 
•        Maintain and present a positive attitude with artists, public, supporters and staff.

Essential Functions of the Position:

 Mainstage Productions

•      Serves as chorus master for rehearsals, and participates in the chorus audition process
•      Principal mainstage production accompanist
•      Conducts banda/offstage chorus and plays keyboards or continuo when
•      Assists guest conductors by taking orchestra and artist notes as well as balance notes
•      Makes music staff assignments as needed

Resident/Apprentice Artist Programs

•          Serves as chorus master for rehearsals, and participates in the chorus audition process
•      Principal mainstage production accompanist
•      Conducts banda/offstage chorus and plays keyboards or continuo when
•      Assists guest conductors by taking orchestra and artist notes as well as balance notes
•      Makes music staff assignments as needed

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

Some of the work is of a sedentary nature, sitting at a desk (or piano), using a computer, phone and other office equipment. Work will also require standing and directing chorus during rehearsal periods. Must be able to move and lift items up to 50 pounds. While most of work occurs in relation to a long-term plan, will be required to be flexible to changing priorities and additional projects that can require overtime and must have the ability to manage short term deadlines.  

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This position is full-time, exempt, regular (nine months of the year,39 weeks), typically occurring from mid-August to mid-May, and residency in the Kansas City metro area is required. Regular office hours are 9am to5 pm, Monday through Friday. Rehearsals, performances, and other company events are often held in the evenings, on weekends, and on holidays, as well as during the regular workday. Work will take place during each of these times. Work will require attendance at performances and other company event

Performance Measures: 

The following are key items that will be utilized to evaluate performance of the work:

•        Quality of musical performance at rehearsals and mainstage productions and in role as chorus master.
•        Ability to contribute to our team in a timely manner with well-researched and considered plans.
•        Ability to research and curate high-quality programming for Explorations and Resident Artists.
•        Successful mentoring of Resident Artists and Resident Artist Coach-Accompanist.
•        Ability to be an effective representative of the Company for public events.

Remuneration

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Lyric Opera offers a rich and varied benefits package.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume, along with a list of references and salary requirements, in confidence [email protected]. Candidates must pass a background screening. Lyric Opera of Kansas City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

•        Master’s degree in collaborative piano, piano, with experience in choral conducting. 
•        Three to five years of experience in a professional opera setting, including choral conducting.
•        Excellent pianist required with previous coaching experience.
•        Experience coordinating musical programs. 
•        Ability to collaborate with staff, professional colleagues, and supporters.
•        Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
•        Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including; Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point).
•        Residency in Kansas City required during Nine-Month period.

The ideal candidate will have an existing network of colleagues in the opera industry (conductors, musicians) and be able to recruit music staff when needed.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of this position. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.