Head of Music Staff / Chorus Master

Job Summary
The Head of Music Staff position undertakes a leadership role for various musical aspects of the organization. S/he will serve as chorus master and play mainstage musical rehearsals, keyboards in performances as needed, and conduct offstage banda and chorus selections. S/he will also be responsible for planning and creating schedules for the Resident Artists, and making music staff assignments, as well as playing Company auditions. S/he may also be called upon to create and/or host Company lectures, presentations and musical events.

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.

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
Main Stage Productions

Serves as chorus master for rehearsals, performances, and participates in the chorus audition process and chorus casting assignments.
Principal main stage production accompanist.
Conducts banda/offstage chorus and plays keyboards or continuo when called for by the score.
Assists guest conductors by taking orchestra and artist notes as well as balance notes.
Make music staff assignments as needed.
Assists in organizing and preparing musical score version, cuts and orchestra parts for each production.

Learning Department / Education

Serves as Music Director, conductor and Accompanist for Learning Department productions as assigned.

Resident Artist Program

Serves as primary mentor and coach for Resident Artist Coach-Accompanist, if one is engaged.
Assists in repertoire selections and in creating musical programs for the Resident Artists.
Coaches Resident Artists in their vocal assignments, roles and study roles, and serve as their primary musical advisor.
Creates schedules for Resident Artists’ lessons masterclasses, coaching and other activities.

Overall Organization

Creates, hosts and serves as a representative of the Company for public education/outreach performances and events.

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, typically occurring from mid-August to mid-May), in which residency in the Kansas City metro area is required. Regular office hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Rehearsals, performances, and other Company events are often held during evenings, weekends, and 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 events.

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.

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.

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.