Job Description / Duties

The University of South Carolina School of Music is accepting applications for Music Director/Conductor of Opera at USC and Collaborative Pianist. This tenure-track, 9-month position will start August 16, 2025 at the rank of Assistant or Associate professor.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Conduct fall and spring Opera at USC productions. This includes assisting in choosing repertoire and casts for the season, attending all room staging and onstage rehearsals, and attending casting auditions. Conduct all opera orchestra rehearsals and collaborate with the Director of Orchestras in determining orchestral versions and orchestra schedule. Supply supplemental coaching of singers cast in opera productions and coach student pianists on collaborative repertoire as needed. The successful candidate will maintain a record of performances, recordings, and publications at the regional, national and international level in accordance with tenure and promotion guidelines at the University of South Carolina.

Qualifications / Required Skills

QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree in conducting or collaborative piano is preferred. Significant professional experience as a conductor and coach as well as university level/young artist program teaching experience desired. The successful candidate will be an outstanding conductor with a broad knowledge of operatic and song repertoire. A commitment to recruiting students, promoting the opera program and experience with community engagement is desired.

Additional Information

APPLICATION: Apply at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/176494. Upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a list of repertoire conducted in public performance, and information for three letters of recommendation. In addition, please include contact information for two additional professional references. Submit links to video recordings, including approximately 15 minutes of recent rehearsal footage and 30-45 minutes from recent performances. Additional supporting materials should not be provided unless requested. The search process will continue until the position is filled, but priority screening will begin on or shortly after December 1, 2024.

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status,
genetics, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

Contact Information

Applicants should apply at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/176494.
Please send questions regarding the application requirements to Lgibson@mozart.sc.edu.

Employer Profile

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC: The University of South Carolina in Columbia, founded in 1801, is the flagship Carnegie Level R1 research institution of a seven-campus, fully accredited, state-supported system. The School of Music is an independent unit on campus and a dynamic leader for music and music education in the United States with a full-time faculty of 56, and a student population of 475.

The School of Music vision statement identifies five core values: the pursuit of Excellence; devotion to Student Success; the production of Music Leaders; preparation of the Musician-Educator; and the creation of Diversely Skilled Musicians. The school encourages applications from candidates who demonstrate interests and abilities that align with these values.