Part-Time Faculty: DRA 108-418 Vocal Techniques for Musical Theater and Nonmajors (Fall 26 Spr 27)

The Department of Drama within the College of Visual and Performing Arts seeks a Part-time Instructor to teach DRA 108-418 Vocal Techniques for Majors and Non-Majors, during the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters.

Part-time instructors are needed to teach private lessons in vocal technique for musical theater majors and nonmajors in the Department of Drama (Majors: DRA 118, 218, 318, 418, Nonmajors: DRA 108, 308). These courses include the study of correct fundamentals of vocal production and performance skills appropriate to musical theater singing and are based on developing a thorough understanding of the musical theater literature. More advanced students will then understand and apply principles of classical singing to jazz, pop, rock, and Broadway styles of the 20th and 21st centuries (Contemporary Commercial Music).

For freshman and sophomore musical theater majors, instructors will be required to build on foundational skills presented and developed in Musical Theater Practicum and Foundations of Musical Theater courses. These skills include music reading, sight-singing, rhythmic accuracy, and song analysis.

Instructors will also help prepare students at all levels for auditions, evaluations, and productions within the Drama Department.

Specific course assignments will be based on enrollment needs and demonstrated ability to teach level-appropriate skills.

About The College of Visual and Performing Arts

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship, and commentary. We provide the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action. To learn more about the college, our distinguished faculty, and our program, please visit our websites at www.syr.edu, www.vpa.syr.edu.

This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.

Qualifications

• MM in Vocal Performance or Pedagogy; demonstrable experience teaching contemporary commercial music; and knowledge of musical theater repertoire.
• Extensive professional and/or teaching experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degree. Performance background in theater desirable.
• Preference will be given to candidates with excellent piano skills, and a demonstrated commitment to the advancement of equity, aesthetic diversity, and cultural wealth.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Practicing artist.

Responsibilities

• Meet students for twelve weekly, thirty-minute lessons per semester, according to mutually agreed-upon schedule.
• Present biweekly studio classes each semester (number of classes dependent on enrollment).
• Participate in end-of-semester juries.

In addition:

• Developing and/or updating a class syllabus.
• Preparation of lectures, projects or other student assignments.
• Maintaining regularly scheduled office hours.
• Presenting instruction based on the competencies and performance levels of the course.
• Meeting all designated class periods.
• If you are unable to meet your class due to illness or emergency, you should exercise your best effort to reschedule the class or to obtain a substitute.
• You must also notify the department chair of your absence and of your plan to cover the class.
• Submitting completed mid-semester progress reports and final grades according to University regulations.
• Grading student assignments and exams in timely manner.
• Providing departmentally sanctioned forms for completed student evaluations.
• Building a positive rapport with students and other faculty.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume/curriculum vitae and cover letter.