Head of Music, Chorus Director and Principal Coach of the Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio
DESCRIPTION
ARIZONA OPERA
Head of Music, Chorus Director and Principal Coach of the Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio
Arizona Opera is seeking a highly creative, communicative, organized, and dedicated Head of Music to join its team as the company builds on its 50+ year legacy toward a vision centered on community, education, collaboration, artistic excellence and innovation.
Founded in 1971, Arizona Opera is a cornerstone of the arts and culture community in Arizona, serving both Phoenix and Tucson with a mission to connect and inspire its communities through artistically vibrant programs and productions that combine music, storytelling, and the human voice. Over the years, Arizona Opera has become known for its innovative productions, prolific education and community-centric programming, and commitment to both classic and contemporary works.
At the heart of Arizona Opera’s vision is a deep commitment to creating transformative experiences through the power of opera. This commitment is evident in Arizona Opera’s mainstage productions, its community engagement initiatives, and its education programs that reach across the state, bringing the art form to diverse audiences and inspiring future generations of artists and opera lovers alike.
Like many performing arts organizations around the country, Arizona Opera is navigating the challenges of the post-pandemic landscape, including issues affecting attendance and contributed income. To address these challenges, Arizona Opera has recently adopted a new strategic plan, focused on financial and organizational sustainability, education, community engagement and collaboration.
Now in its 18th year, the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio plays an essential role in AZO’s artistic profile, bridging the gap between academic studies and a professional career. Studio Artists are in residence throughout the season, performing both on the main stage and across Arizona, while receiving well-rounded personalized instruction designed to propel each artist to the next stages of their career.
Job Title: Head of Music, Chorus Director and Principal Coach of the Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio
Location: Phoenix Arizona
Department: Artistic
Reports To: Director of Artistic Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Classification: Full-time/Exempt
Salary: $65-70K, commensurate with experience
Summary: The Head of Music manages the musical preparation of all mainstage productions and execution of all musical activities. As Principal Coach of the Marion Roose Pullin Studio, they collaborate with the President and General Director and the company’s Director of Artistic Operations in the selection of the Studio Artists, in order to develop the optimal pathway for artistic and professional growth for each Studio Artist, including casting within each AZO mainstage season. As Chorus Director, they prepare the Arizona Opera Chorus musically and oversee the chorus’ progression through the staging and performance process.
Essential Functions:
- Manages the musical preparation for all mainstage productions, including coordination and oversight of primary and secondary pianists on each production.
- Manages the quality of musical preparation and execution of all mainstage activities
- Assists with season planning, budgeting, staffing, casting, training, and execution of artistic department goals
- Assists with the selection of Studio Artists, including the application process and pre-screening
- Manages the musical and linguistic development of the Opera Studio, including selecting guest faculty and arranging master classes
- Serve as primary coach for the Opera Studio
- Establishes cuts, editions, and musical changes for each production, in conjunction with the Director of Artistic Operations, Guest Conductors, and Guest Directors
- · Oversees distribution of musical rehearsal notes from the conductor in rehearsal room and in the theater
- Plays for and coordinates repertoire with principal artists and Studio Artists for ancillary events
- Maintains list of local coaches/pianists for events
- Collaborates with the Director of Artistic Operations to oversees the music library, including ordering and maintaining orchestral and piano/vocal scores
- Prepares and distributes the Arizona Opera Chorus scores, prepares the Chorus musically, prepares Chorus payroll bimonthly, maintains a knowledge of the AGMA CBA, and adheres to established policies and procedures in management of the Chorus.
- Assists in developing the artistic department budget
- Manages all music rentals
- Assists the Orchestra Librarian in distributing and maintaining orchestra parts
- Plays for mainstage auditions
- Speak at ancillary cultivation or performance related events as requested
- Works in conjunction with all other departments to schedule appropriate performance opportunities for Studio Artists
- Assist Development with donor cultivation when requested
Non-Essential Functions:
- Other related duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibility:
- Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio Artists, in collaboration with the Director of Artistic Operations
Qualifications/Certificates/Licenses:
- Vast knowledge of operatic repertoire and experience as a coach/conductor in the operatic field
- Excellent organizational skills and experience as a pianist/coach at the international level
- Candidate must be available most evenings and weekends
Competencies:
- Excellent project management and people skills
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to present in public
- Creative, detail oriented, excellent organizational and self-management skills, and ability to multi-task, adapt, and work in a fast-paced work environment
- Ability to work flexible hours, including regular travel, evenings and weekends
Computer Skills:
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite Excel, Outlook, Power Point and Word
Physical Demands:
Extended periods at workstation, using a keyboard, viewing a computer screen and communicating by telephone and in person. Extended periods sitting and playing piano. Some special event set up and breakdown is required. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. Travel by car required.
Work Environment:
Work environment is generally quiet, and in an office setting but intensifies during periods when the Company is in season. Also see Physical Demands section above.
Travel/Other Requirements:
Primary residency in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area is required. Reliable transportation required and must be able to travel statewide. Reliable transportation required and must be able to travel statewide. Flexible schedule that will require working some nights and weekends to attend events, performances, rehearsals, etc. This position requires air travel.
TO APPLY: Send cover letter, resume and names and contact information for three references to hr@azopera.org.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.
The Arizona Opera is an Equal Opportunity employer. The Arizona Opera does not discriminate against an Employee or candidate for employment because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin or nationality, age, disability, veteran status, marital status or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, engagements, assignments, training, discipline, termination, promotions or other conditions of employment or career development. We offer Reasonable Accommodations where necessary to candidates for employment and to our qualified employees with disabilities.
SALARY RANGE: 65000 - 70000
Desired Start Date: January 1, 2026
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $65,000 - $70,000 Annual
Arizona Opera offers a benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off (sick, vacation, holidays), and life and long-term disability insurance.
HOW TO APPLY
Send cover letter, resume and names and contact information for three references to hr@azopera.org.