Vocal Coach

Position Summary
The position of Choral Coach/Voice Teacher at Philadelphia Youth Choral Ensembles is a part-time role designed to provide mentorship and instruction to young singers in order to help ensembles achieve a high-level choral sound. Choral Coaches work collaboratively with choral ensembles and choir directors, leading individual voice checks, providing feedback and coaching on group dynamics, and monitoring the growth and development of singers. Coaches are also encouraged to offer additional private lessons to students both in and outside of their ensemble.

Choral Coaches are responsible for providing a safe, inclusive, enriching, and developmentally appropriate environment where singers can achieve their musical and artistic potential. The role requires a skilled and compassionate educator who is an accomplished singer and has strong vocal pedagogical knowledge. Coursework or experience in building musicianship skills, such as ear training, music theory, sight-singing, and harmonizing, is preferred.

Choral Coaches work directly with the Manager of Music Education to ensure students receive consistent and high-quality educational experiences. Excellent communication skills are essential for the position.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Rehearsals
In collaboration with Artistic Directors...
• Lead individual voice checks during rehearsal to assess tone, technique, vocal health and development, and ear training/pitch.
• Keep detailed notes and document the growth of each singer. Collaborate with Artistic Directors to assess each vocalist’s needs and progression.
• Lead occasional warmups or exercises and offer rehearsal support, as needed by Artistic Director.
• Assist Artistic Director with singer preparation for concerts, performances, and other opportunities.
• Offer feedback and strategies for improving technique, tone, blend, and dynamics of the ensemble as a whole.

Voice Lessons
• Create and lead effective, enriching, and developmentally appropriate lesson plans during private and group lessons.
• In collaboration with the Manager of Music Education, coordinate and communicate with families about scheduling and progress of private lessons.

Desired Characteristics
• Engaging and inspiring educator who is passionate about vocal pedagogy and music education
• Committed to DEIB initiatives and providing a safe, inclusive lesson experience for singers
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with students of a variety of ages, voice parts, musical styles, abilities, and experience levels
• Background or experience teaching music theory, ear training, sight-singing, harmony, solfege, and other foundational music education concepts
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment
• Open to feedback, self-improvement, and professional development

Essential Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Voice, Master’s degree preferred
• Experience working with young and changing voices
• Knowledge of curriculum design, lesson planning, and pedagogy
• Enthusiastic, flexible, patient, and positive demeanor with a passion for teaching
• Knowledge of and proficiency with Microsoft office
• Ability to travel locally and regionally

This position pays $30/hr for rehearsals. Other rates apply for meetings, chaperoning, and performance conducting.

This is a part-time non-exempt position with weekday evening and occasional weekend hours.

PYCE encourages applications from all backgrounds and walks of life. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other protected status covered by federal, state or local law.