OPERA Iowa Music Director
DESCRIPTION
Des Moines Metro Opera seeks a Music Director for the 2027 OPERA Iowa troupe. Ideally, the artist selected will return to DMMO during the 2027 Festival Season as the Apprentice Pianist/Coach.
OPERA Iowa dates: February 01, 2027 – May 05, 2027
As part of a 10-week regional arts education tour, OPERA Iowa performances will include touring productions of Hansel and Gretel vs. The Witch (written and adapted by Joshua Borths with music by Humperdinck) and Pinocchio (arranged by John Davies with music by Mozart, Donizetti, Offenbach and Pergolesi). Responsibilities include musical preparation and direction from the piano for all touring production performances, performing in aria concerts, leading classroom workshops and master classes, and overseeing logistics while on tour.
The OPERA Iowa Music Director will receive coachings and career mentorship from Allen Perriello (Director of Artistic Administration) during their residency.
The ideal candidate will have outstanding pianistic abilities, an interest in opera, a desire to grow as a vocal coach, and a collaborative spirit for creative leadership and teamwork.
The Music Director should have a valid driver's license and be comfortable sharing van driving responsibilities during the tour. All OPERA Iowa artists are expected to assist with moving the production (sets, costumes, props, lighting) in and out of performance spaces with the help of the technical director and local volunteers. This could include regular lifting of 25 pounds without assistance and larger, heavier set pieces with assistance.
As a member of a talented staff of musical coaches and stage directors in the 2027 Festival Season, the Apprentice Pianist/Coach serves as the chorus rehearsal pianist for all productions, coaches assigned scenes within the Apprentice Artist Program for singers, and may be assigned to assist on one mainstage production.
Desired Start Date: February 1, 2027
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $650 - $650 Weekly
During the OPERA Iowa tour, the Music Director receives:
A $650 per week stipend (paid bi-weekly) and furnished housing.
A travel stipend.
A per diem and hotel lodging while touring.
Please note that dates and compensation for the 2027 Festival Season will be discussed separately and outlined in a separate agreement.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please send the following to Allen Perriello, Director of Artistic Administration, aperriello@dmmo.org:
Current résumé (PDF).
A list of three professional references: name, professional affiliation, email address (no written recommendation letters).
Two video files which display you in collaboration with one or more singers, made within the last 12 months.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Applicants must either be a U.S. citizen or be authorized to work in the United States through the engagement period.
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026