What are the responsibilities and job description for the Part-Time Faculty: DRA 108-418 Vocal Techniques Majors & Non-Majors Fall 25 - Spring 26 position at Syracuse University?
Job Description
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 2025 and Spring 2026 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.
Qualifications
Practicing artist.
Responsibilities
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume/curriculum vitae and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
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 2025 and Spring 2026 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.
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.
- Specific course assignments will be based on enrollment needs and demonstrated ability to teach level-appropriate skills.
Practicing artist.
Responsibilities
- Meet students for twelve weekly, thirty-minute lessons per semester, according to mutually agreed-upon schedule.
- Present 3-8 studio classes each semester (number of classes dependent on enrollment).
- Participate in end-of-semester juries.
- 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.
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume/curriculum vitae and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
