Situated in the beautiful Finger Lake region of New York, the Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance invites applications for a multi-year renewable notice appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre Music Direction and Performance to begin Fall 2025. Ithaca College has a strong commitment to principles of diversity and, in that spirit, actively encourages applications from groups underrepresented in higher education.

Position Description: 

We seek a dynamic teacher, pianist, coach, and conductor with excellent musicianship and professional experience in musical theatre. Teaching responsibilities may include courses for students of varying levels of ability and experience such as: Musical Theatre Workshop I-IV (including fundamentals, rep and styles, ensemble, audition and advanced techniques); Senior Ensemble Showcase preparation and performance; Intro to Musical Theatre Performance (for non-musical theatre majors); and American Musical Theatre History. 

In addition to classroom teaching, the person in this position will music direct at least one musical theatre production per academic year, providing conducting and orchestral leadership in collaboration with directors, choreographers, student designers, stage managers, and theatre artists as part of a robust production program; they will coach students on musical theatre selections for review, recommend appropriate repertoire, and tutor students in music theory/musicianship.

This faculty member will also participate in departmental, school, and college recruitment and service, including pre-screening and auditioning/accompanying prospective students, accompanying general auditions, and serving on appropriate committees in the practice of shared governance. Future duties may include accompanying dance classes, curating cabaret experiences for musical theatre majors, and advising students. 

We seek individuals who share our commitment to embrace inclusive ideas and practices in all they do – from materials, current events and history taught in courses, to de-colonizing the curriculum, our production season, and our points of view towards admissions, recruitment, and retention. Furthermore, we seek colleagues whose methods and pedagogy incorporate consent-forward practices. 

Qualifications: 

A terminal degree in the appropriate discipline (such as an M.M. or M.F.A.) or a B.F.A., B.M., or B.A. with significant or distinguished professional experience is required; an ongoing record of professional activity is also required. 

The ideal candidate will possess a foundation of training and expertise as a conductor/pianist/coach with excellent musicianship, conducting, and sight-reading skills; a comprehensive knowledge of musical theatre history and repertoire, including current trends in the industry; the ability to work effectively with undergraduate students from diverse communities, cultures, and backgrounds; prior collegiate-level teaching experience or the professional equivalent is preferred and will be taken into account. 

About Us: The Ithaca College Center for Theatre and Dance, housed within the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, combines conservatory style training with a broad education in the liberal arts. Degree programs include four B.F.A. pre-professional programs (acting, musical theatre, stage management, and theatre production & design), a B.S. in theatre administration, a B.A. in theatre studies, and minors in Theater or Dance. The Center is consistently ranked among the top undergraduate programs in the nation by The Princeton Review and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). Our robust production season includes plays, musicals, dance, and opera in three venues housed in the Dillingham Center for the Performing Arts.

Our learning community is committed to significant actions fostering conscientious, accessible, and antiracist practices, curriculum, and policies, so marginalized voices are amplified and LGBTQIA+ identities are valued and represented. Our culture, decision-making, and communications are led by shared governance, accountability, transparency, and representation, towards a goal of meaningful, impactful change.

Application Instructions: 

Review of applications will begin October 17, 2024. Apply online and attach a cover letter (see details below), current CV and professional résumé, and the names and contact information of 5 professional and/or academic references. 

The cover letter (1000-word limit) should include a description of the knowledge base and skill set that a musical theatre performer needs as they enter the profession and how equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging manifest in your practice and your classroom/studio. 

Questions about the online application may be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (607) 274-8000 or humanresources@ithaca.edu. Screening of applications will begin October 17 and the search will remain open until filled.

Ithaca College is building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the College is appreciated. 

Visa sponsorship will be considered  for this position.

Hiring Range: $61,000 - $64,000, dependent on discipline, qualifications and experience.

We pride ourselves on providing our benefit-eligible employees with comprehensive benefits, including:
    • Healthcare including vision and dental
    • Generous Paid Time Off Policies
    • 403B Retirement Savings Plan with Matching Employer Contribution 
    • EAP
    • Flexible Work Plans
    • Educational Benefits
    • Career-Enhancing Trainings
    • For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit https://www.ithaca.edu/human-resources/employee-benefits-wellness 

In an effort to promote campus safety and the security of College resources, Ithaca College will, consistent with the requirements of the law and prudent practices, conduct criminal background investigations per College policy. This position is subject to a criminal background check. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of the criminal background check.