HEAD OF VOCAL STUDIES

Job description

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

HEAD OF VOCAL STUDIES

In a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts plays a unique and influential role in nurturing future generations of performing artists, including performers, practitioners, designers, and technicians.

As a QS global Top 20 ranked institution, the Academy and its Schools of Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film & Television, Music, and Theatre & Entertainment Arts - form a vibrant centre of practice, production, teaching, and practice-as-research.

Its outstanding reputation is reinforced by the quality of its performers and its partnerships with other centres of excellence locally, regionally, and internationally.

Through international residencies, visiting artists, and alumni - including some of the most respected professionals in their disciplines, the Academy is committed to training future world-class performers and practitioners.

The School of Music at the Academy offers comprehensive full-time programmes, including Diploma, BMus, MMus, and a new doctoral degree (expected 2027), alongside its highly successful Junior Music Programme – comparable to the ‘Junior Schools’ of other world-leading conservatoires.

In keeping with its conservatoire status, the School’s philosophy is centred on performance and reflects the unique cultural mix of Hong Kong, with emphasis on both Western and Chinese traditions.

The School comprises the Departments of Strings, Keyboard, Voice, Woodwind/Brass/Percussion (‘WBP’), Composition, Chinese Music, Conducting and Cultural Leadership, Academic Studies and Junior Music.

The Head of Vocal Studies will be a significant performing arts practitioner and/or a singer/performer, who will build on existing strengths and lead the future development of the Vocal Studies Department in the School of Music.

Building on the department's existing strengths, the Head will work collaboratively with other senior staff to drive forward innovative developments in performing arts education.

This includes fostering advancements in solo performance, chamber music, choir, opera, early music, contemporary ensembles, musical theatre, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, ensuring the School remains at the forefront of creative and educational excellence.

Reporting to the Dean of the School of Music, the appointee is expected to oversee the Vocal Studies Department and be responsible for teaching, academic leadership and quality assurance in vocal teaching across all levels and programmes.

The appointee is expected to lead curriculum design, course review and development in the Vocal Studies Department, undertake academic advising and supervision of Undergraduate and Postgraduate research projects, and strengthen the School’s international networks and collaborative projects.

Applicants should have:

(a) A recognised degree in Music or equivalent qualification (preferably a doctoral degree in vocal performance or relevant disciplines).

(b) A strong professional background and extensive professional experience as a singer/performer and an educator.

(c) In-depth knowledge of current vocal area trends, pedagogical approaches, and performance practices in vocal music, including solo performance, chamber music, choir, opera, early music, contemporary ensembles, musical theatre, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, ensuring the School remains at the forefront of creative and educational excellence.

(d) Internationally recognised standing and good industry network.

(e) An excellent teaching record in conservatoire/university contexts across undergraduate, postgraduate, and pre-college music programmes.

(f) A successful track record of leadership and ability within an educational institution or similar performing arts-based organisation, including evidence in curriculum design, implementation and programme development according to established quality assurance frameworks.

(g) Solid experience in managing teams and collaborative work in the cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary context.

(h) The ability to advise and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.

(i) Excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.

(j) A good command of both written and spoken English.

Fluency in Chinese (including Putonghua and Cantonese) is an advantage.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Appointment will be on a two-year renewable contract, subject to performance and mutual agreement.

A gratuity payment equals up to 15% of the total basic salary earned during the contract period may be granted upon satisfactory completion of the full contract period.

The amount of gratuity payable will be the sum which, when added to the Academy’s contribution to a Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme as required by the MPF Schemes Ordinance, equals 15% of the total basic salary drawn during the contract period.

Fringe benefits include leave, medical, and dental benefits.

The starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

A non-accountable Cash Allowance will be provided to the eligible appointee.

The expected commencement date will be 1 September 2026.

APPLICATIONS

To apply, please submit a completed Application Form (https://www.hkapa.edu/job-opportunity/head-of-vocal_studies), together with a cover letter, curriculum vitae and copies of academic qualifications, to the Human Resources Office, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, No.1 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, or email (hro@hkapa.edu). Please quote reference code 'H(VS)' in the Application Form.

Review of applications will start immediately and continue until the position is filled.

HKAPA is an equal-opportunity employer.

Personal data collected will be used for recruitment-related purposes only.

Required Skill Profession

Entertainers And Performers, Sports And Related Workers