Statement Arts
New York, NY
US

CONTACT NAME

Aidan Davis

DESCRIPTION

Music Director for StART Dreaming College Readiness Program

Statement Arts, NYC non-profit, is seeking an experienced Music Director to work with up to 20 NYC high schoolers (seniors) for four weeks as part of our StART Dreaming program.

Overview of the Role:

Statement Arts is seeking an engaging, playful, creative-thinking music director for a month-long appointment on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The Music Director, in conjunction with the Artistic Director, will teach the StART Dreaming College Readiness Program (StART Dreaming) session. The StART Dreaming program is a free summer arts intensive and college readiness program for rising high school seniors from NYC public schools. After four weeks in our program, our students have two contrasting song cuts and monologues to use for college auditions, have completed their college entrance essay, receive professional headshots, and have performed together in two final productions that were woven together from the students' work. The Music Director will, in collaboration with the Artistic Director, select and teach 3-5 SATB group songs, conduct the ensemble when necessary, coach singers on their solo vocal selections, and provide live piano accompaniment to all rehearsals and performances.

What You Will Do:

This program will take place Monday-Friday from 11am-5pm; you will be present from 1-5pm each day (except for the first two days when we’d like you to be present for the entirety of each day so you can get a better idea of the kids you’ll be working with.) For the students, each day begins with creative writing where the students write about issues that matter to them and then receive guidance on how to craft these thoughts into their college entrance essays, from 11-12:30. Lunch is from 12:30-1. At 1, the students engage in group singing: this is where you come in. You will lead the ensemble in a variety of vocal warm-ups, impart helpful tips about different aspects of vocal pedagogy (breathing, posture, support, etc), and will teach the ensemble SATB arrangements of pop/Broadway songs that you’ve selected with the Artistic Director, will refine these songs by sharing/teaching your musical knowledge by introducing musical concepts like dynamics, shaping, entrances, and releases, as well as emphasizing the importance of listening, blending, and matching while singing. You will also create/assign solo moments in the group singing as necessary. This process lasts for 45-60 mins each day.

The rest of the day until 5pm will be spent coaching singers/actors on their songs (selected by our Vocal Coach) and monologues (selected by our Artistic Director) in a masterclass setting. You will accompany each singer’s song and provide helpful feedback to refine their performance. This process is repeated each day until the final (fourth) week when the creative team will initiate full runs/rehearsals of the show after the Artistic Director has woven it together. You will then become the pianist for the show and will accompany each singer, the group songs, and will provide helpful feedback to improve the show. You will accompany both final performances that occur on the last two days (evenings) of the four weeks, so your availability to attend is crucial.

It’s expected that you’ll be an active collaborator in the final performance and will send the Founder/Artistic Director rehearsal notes at the end of each day once we begin full runs of the show (and notes that reflect your work throughout the week are expected each Friday throughout the rest of the program). There is an expectation that you will meet with the creative team after rehearsal a minimum of two times (perhaps three) throughout the course of the program. These dates will be communicated in advance.

Who We Are Looking For:

You must have excellent piano skills, be able to sight-read, be a confident ensemble leader/conductor, be able to provide relevant and helpful vocal feedback, and be an experienced music director and have a deep knowledge of Broadway and the musical theater canon. You may need to provide some light incidental music, so improv and a well-developed musical ear are important skills. Ideal candidates should have strong knowledge of Broadway musicals as well as some classical and contemporary pieces. StART Dreaming is a fun, rewarding, and creative environment. You must be professional, patient, reliable, encouraging, fun, and must enjoy working with high school students. An ability to think creatively is essential. You must LOVE working with young people and igniting passion, curiosity, and joy in your work.

You must provide at least 2 professional references and show a love for teaching kids. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, a minor in Music, or 5+ years music directing/teaching/performance experience.

Applicants who can commit to being available (at their own availability) to play for the students in the fall for their prescreen recordings will be prioritized.

Success Will Look Like

The Music Director will establish and maintain a supportive and inspiring learning environment for students to feel comfortable being vulnerable, creative, and engaged. They will communicate regularly with staff to let them know what they need to deliver an excellent final performance. Working closely with the Artistic Director, they will teach the students and help them achieve the ultimate goal of putting on a show that demonstrates everything they have learned. There are two final performances at the program’s end (Thurs & Fri, July 30 & 31) that you are expected to attend (and play piano).

Compensation and Schedule:

Stipend: $ 3500 (20 Days)

Dates: July 6 - 31, 2026 (Mon - Fri)

Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm*

* On the first two days of the program, July 6 and 7, you will be present for the full day (11-5) so you can get to know the participants.

Location: Triad Theater, 158 W 72nd St

Prep and Wrap-up meeting:

Audition Day: Monday, May 11, 4-8pm (we will pay you separately for this at a flat rate of $200)

Prep meeting: Date TBD (prior to the first session on July 6)

Check-ins Mid-Program: You’ll connect with Liza, our Founder/Artistic Director multiples throughout the week in collaboration with the other members of the creative team to assess the progress of the participants and discuss the format of the final shows.

Wrapup Survey Completion

How to apply:

A resume and cover letter detailing your interest in the position and the skills you can contribute to Statement Arts’ success along with 2 professional references can be sent to [email protected]. Applications are due on April 6, 2026.

Please indicate in the subject line: Music Director Position - StART Dreaming 2026

About The Organization:

Statement Arts believes in the power of integrated arts education to cultivate the next generation of leaders who can inspire social and cultural change. Our holistic approach supports young people and offers the space and opportunities to find their voices and add their statements to the world.

Our Vision: A socially engaged world where young people express their own STATEMENTS.

Our Values:

Artistic Exploration - we encourage creativity and curiosity

Education - we support lifelong learning

Compassion - we cultivate family and community through empathy and respect

Authenticity - we value commitment, responsibility and resilience

Social Justice - we advocate for a socially just world that recognizes and celebrates the unique

DURATION

Jul 6, 2026 - Jul 31, 2026

SALARY

$1,133.00 – $1,133.00 per week

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