Department Summary:

Drake University's Department of Music (School of Fine Arts) is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Music Department's mission is to provide a center for the study and understanding of music that develops students' intellectual, practical, and expressive abilities by emphasizing professional preparation, collaborative learning, and critical thinking, and musical communication. Drake University seeks to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.

Drake offers the best of both worlds: a department that is large enough to support a vast range of musical activities, but small enough that students receive highly personal attention. We pride ourselves on providing big-school opportunities in a small-school environment, and our graduates are well-trained and well-rounded musicians who are highly competitive in a wide range of vocational fields.

For more information about the department, visit: https://www.drake.edu/music/ 

Job Summary:

Drake University is a private, not-for-profit institution committed to cultivating a learning and working environment of inclusive excellence. The Department of Music is excited to launch a search for a full-time Teaching Associate in Voice beginning August 2026. Teaching duties assigned, commensurate with the candidate’s expertise, to include Studio Voice with a weekly voice class (undergraduate music majors, music minors, and non-major participants); required core courses as needed by the Department (Diction, Vocal Pedagogy, Vocal Literature). Other expectations include recruiting; building and maintaining positive strong community ties; attending voice juries and collaborating with the Voice Area.

This position is a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure-track, salaried appointment and includes Drake’s full benefit package. The teaching load is 18 hours per week.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree or Artist’s diploma at Graduate level required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to applicants with a record of successful teaching at the University level; training in classical and musical theater singing techniques, proficient piano skills, an active profile within their professional organizations (i.e., NATS, MTNA), and an ability to teach and connect with a diverse student population. The successful candidate will be a team player who demonstrates a commitment to the ongoing growth and excellence of the studio voice, choral, and opera programs.

Job Duties:

• 60% - Teaching studio voice to undergraduate students (music majors, music minors, non-music majors). Teaching weekly one-on-one lessons, administration of and attendance at weekly studio classes/departmentals, preparing students for recitals, competitions, etc. 12 hours contact time per week teaching assignment each semester (15 weeks per semester).
• 30% - Teach one 2-credit course (MUS 075/076 - Diction) each semester, and Vocal Literature (rotates every other fall).
• 5% - Attendance at Studio Classes/Departmentals/Recitals. 
• 5% - Administrative and recruitment duties in conjunction with the music department and voice area faculty.