Collaborative Piano Coordinator (HR Title: Senior Accompanist)
Southern Methodist University Inc

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

SMU Meadows School of the Arts educates visionary artists, scholars and arts and communications professionals to create sustainable and transformative impact on both local and global society. Today, the Meadows School has achieved prominence as one of the foremost arts education institutions in the United States and offers training in an unusual mix of the arts - visual (art and art history), performing (dance, music, and theatre) and communications (advertising, film and media arts, corporate communication and public affairs, and journalism) - as well as a preeminent program in arts management and arts entrepreneurship.

The Division of Music is a professional, comprehensive institution devoted to the advancement of performance and scholarship, the preparation of the next generation of music professionals, and service in the artistic life of our community, nation, and world. The faculty of internationally acclaimed artists, scholars, and educators care deeply about their students and work collaboratively to serve the mission of the Division.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Collaborative Piano Coordinator acts as the primary accompanist for the Division of Music's vocal undergraduate and graduate programs. This person accompanies voice students in entrance auditions, performance classes, recitals, end of semester juries, and certain competitions. Coordinator responsibilities include assigning all adjunct accompanists and student accompanists to instrumental and vocal studios and classes, serving as coach for student accompanists when necessary, and implementing and overseeing student recital accompanist policies.

Essential Functions:

• Collaborate on performances with vocalists for repertoire in student lessons, recitals, and juries. This demands familiarity with a wide range of repertoire, and requires fastidious attention to their partner and self-awareness. Provides regular and prompt attendance at scheduled rehearsals, lessons, performances, or similar events to perform collaborative pianist duties.
  
• Schedule and oversee 9 professional and 6 student piano accompanists for over 1000 hours of work annually for weekly private lessons, recitals, juries, and auditions as well as in choirs and classes. Manage class and performance logistics, including arranging substitutes when needed. Provide coaching to student accompanists when needed. Vet and recommend new accompanists for hire.
  
• Accompany prospective students during 4 annual audition days. This demands repertoire familiarity, exceptional sight-reading skills and time spent researching trends and new material.
  
• Utilizes best practices to rehearse and perform student recital material at a high caliber that is reflective of SMU and the Division of Music.
  
• Evening/weekend hours will be required for auditions, rehearsals and performances
  
  
• Occasional travel to regional competitions may be required.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor of Music degree or a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree is required. A Master of Music with a specialization in collaborative piano is preferred.

A minimum of five (5) years of experience is required. Experience as a collaborative pianist is required. Experience as a manager communicating with and overseeing other employees or students is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Candidate must be able to demonstrate piano proficiency with excellent sight-reading skills.

Candidate ability to collaborate and perform with individuals and groups in a wide variety of musical styles and genres, particularly vocal repertoire, is a plus.

Candidate familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by August 29, 2024.

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

---