Part-Time Lecturer, Vocal Arts - Musical Theatre

The University of Southern California Thornton School of Music invites applications for an anticipated opening for a Part-Time Lecturer in Vocal Arts – Musical Theatre for the fall 2024 semester, beginning August 16.  This is a non-tenure track, part-time faculty position for the fall 2024 semester only.   Continuation beyond the initial period of appointment will be determined based on programmatic needs.

For more than 130 years, the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music has prepared students for exceptional careers and a life in music as performers, composers, industry leaders, professionals, and educators. Founded in 1884 and today the oldest continually operating cultural institution in Los Angeles, USC Thornton is internationally recognized as one of the finest conservatories and music schools in the U.S. Led by the Dean, Dr. Jason King, who joined Thornton in 2023, the school blends the rigors of a traditional conservatory-style education with the benefits of a leading research university. USC Thornton offers students a full range of musical disciplines across a demanding, innovative curriculum, and the opportunity to work with a faculty of national and international renown.

Duties

The successful candidate will teach the following course:

MUSC 200mgw, The Broadway Musical: Reflections of American Diversity, a 4-unit General Education lecture-based course with an enrollment of 100 to 150 undergraduate students.  This course presents the Broadway Musical as a catalyst for inquiry into human diversity, cross-culturalism, and significant social and political issues.  A teaching assistant and graders are assigned to assist with this class.  Currently scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00-5:50pm. 

Additional instructional duties may be assigned, based on the qualifications of the applicant.  Additional teaching duties could include one or more of the following:

• MPVA 402, Musical Theater Workshop, a 3-unit performance class with an enrollment of 10-15 students; and/or

• Individual Instruction in Musical Theatre Vocal Performance.

Successful candidates will possess expertise in the history and cultural impact of the Broadway Musical genre, and experience teaching large lecture format courses at the University level.  Experience in the performance of musical theatre, and the pedagogy of vocal performance techniques, highly desirable. Conversancy with the Learning Management System of Brightspace is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s Degree in music history, music performance or related field.  Prior teaching experience at the college or University level. 

Preferred Qualifications

A DMA (Doctorate in Musical Arts) in music or related field; 3 or more years’ experience teaching at a college or university; experience in performance of musical theatre, vocal coaching, or vocal pedagogy highly desirable.  Equivalent professional experience may be substituted for education. 

Compensation

The hiring range for the 4-unit MUSC 200 course is $9,600 to $13,000 per semester.  When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply through the USC online system at www.usc.edu/jobs and are asked to provide:

A cover letter

CV

Email addresses for a minimum of three references who may be solicited for reference letters

Please do not send other materials; additional materials may be requested at a later date.  Materials will not be returned.

Review of applications will begin in immediately.

The University of Southern California is an equal-opportunity educator and employer, proudly pluralistic and firmly committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding persons of every race, gender, creed, and background.