OPERA Iowa Music Director
DESCRIPTION
Des Moines Metro Opera seeks a Music Director for the 2025 OPERA Iowa troupe (February 3 through April 29, 2025). Ideally, the artist selected will return to DMMO during the 2025 summer season as the Apprentice Pianist/Coach.
As part of an 8-week regional arts education tour, OPERA Iowa performances will include touring productions of Cinderella (written and adapted by Joshua Borths with music by Rossini and Massenet) and The Billy Goats Gruff (arranged by John Davies with music by Mozart, Rossini and Donizetti). Responsibilities include musical preparation and direction from the piano for all touring production performances, performing in aria concerts, leading classroom workshops and master classes, and overseeing logistics while on tour.
The OPERA Iowa Music Director will receive coachings and career mentorship from Allen Perriello (Director of Artistic Administration) during their residency.
The ideal candidate will have outstanding pianistic abilities, an interest in opera, a desire to grow as a vocal coach, and a collaborative spirit for creative leadership and teamwork.
Artists should have a valid driver's license and be comfortable sharing van driving responsibilities during the tour. Artists are expected to assist with moving the production (sets, costumes, props, lighting) in and out of performance spaces with the help of the technical director and local volunteers. This could include regular lifting of 25 pounds without assistance and larger, heavier set pieces with assistance.
As a member of a talented staff of musical coaches and stage directors in the 2025 summer season, the Apprentice Pianist/Coach serves as the chorus rehearsal pianist for all productions, assists as a pianist for one mainstage production and serves as a coach for scenes assigned within the Apprentice Artist Program for singers.
SALARY RANGE: 550 - 550
Desired Start Date: February 3, 2025
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $550 - $550 Weekly
Artists are also provided furnished housing, a travel stipend, and per diem and hotel lodging while touring.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please send the following to Allen Perriello, Director of Artistic Administration, aperriello@dmmo.org:
Current résumé (PDF).
A list of three professional references: name, professional affiliation, email address (no written recommendation letters).
Two video files which display you in collaboration with one or more singers, made within the 12 months.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Application Deadline: April 29, 2025