Head of Music Staff

Full-time Exempt

Head of Music

Wisconsin’s oldest fully professional performing arts organization, the Florentine Opera, has been bringing a little bit of the world to Milwaukee since 1933. We’re on a journey of discovery—exploring the glory of the human voice. We’re a powerhouse for all different voices and stories that have endured through the centuries and resonate with our humanity and passion. The Florentine Opera is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on all legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.

Reports to: Artistic Administrator

Supervisory Requirements: Artistic oversight for Baumgartner Studio, and oversee freelance pianists as needed. Supports and works closely with the Music Director; collaborates closely with the Chorus Master, production/music staff, and the Education & Community Engagement Manager.

Responsibilities

Mainstage Productions

  • Serve as principal pianist and vocal coach for all mainstage productions; play rehearsals and, as assigned, on-stage, off-stage and/or pit keyboard parts.

  • Collaborate with the Education and Community Engagement Manager to develop and deliver pre-performance talk content, offering musical and interpretive insights.

  • Contribute to the development of program notes and plot synopses, ensuring musical and dramatic accuracy and clarity for audience materials.

Baumgartner Studio Artists Program

  • Serve as principal pianist and vocal coach for Studio Artists; mentor the Studio Artist pianist.

  • Provide comprehensive musical preparation (rehearsals, coachings, masterclasses, voice lessons, and performance support).

  • Develop programming and select appropriate repertoire in collaboration with the General Director and Artistic Administrator.

  • Serve on the Baumgartner Studio Artist management team (with General Director and Artistic Administrator).

  • Oversee weekly coaching and rehearsal schedule for Baumgartner Studio Artists in partnership with the Artistic Administrator.

  • Prepare Studio Artists to meet professional standards in rehearsal rooms, on stage, and in written/verbal communications.

  • Pre-screen ~600+ annual applicants for the Baumgartner Studio Artist Program in collaboration with the Artistic Administrator. Serve on the adjudication panel during the annual in-person audition tour, evaluating candidates’ artistic and professional readiness.

Assistant Conductor

  • Serves as Assistant to the Conductor for mainstage productions.

  • Prepare and rehearse youth choruses where applicable.

  • Substitute for the Chorus Master as needed in rehearsals or performances.

  • Conduct offstage chorus and/or offstage instrumental ensembles as required by production demands.

  • Support musical leadership in ensuring performance quality and coordination between stage and pit.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Order scores for production and artistic teams; fulfill light librarian duties (e.g., inserting cuts, compiling cut lists and timings, marking PV scores, and rehearsal guides).

  • Organize and maintain music and rehearsal materials.

  • Participate in auditions (including those held outside Milwaukee), staging and musical rehearsals, and selected summer or recital programming.

  • Participate in occasional donor engagements.

  • Participate in other administrative, musical, and staff responsibilities as needed. As the business evolves, so may this role. Duties may change as company leadership identifies the need at any time.

Skills and Experience

  • Extensive training and direct experience as a collaborative pianist and vocal coach in a major opera house, and some experience in conducting.

  • Exceptional stylistic command across operatic, art song, musical theater, operetta, and related vocal repertoire.

  • Strong foundation in multiple classical languages and lyric diction.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to engage staff, management, donors, artists, and the public with professionalism and tact.

  • Highly organized; ability to coordinate many tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.

  • Ability to work independently with sound judgment and initiative, and to thrive as part of a collaborative team.

  • Demonstrated leadership aligned with the Florentine’s mission and vision.

  • Proficiency in Google Workspace preferred.

Work Conditions

  • Evening and weekend work during rehearsal and performance periods; occasional six-day weeks during peak activity.

  • Extended periods of sitting/standing, ability to navigate stairs and operate standard office equipment.

  • Ability to transport and set up keyboards and other musical equipment as needed.

  • Residence in the Greater Milwaukee area is expected for the demands of rehearsals and performances.

Salary and Benefits

The Head of Music is a full-time, exempt position.

Salary Range: $42,000 – $52,000 annually, commensurate with experience and scope of responsibilities. 

The Florentine Opera offers generous benefits and an excellent working environment, including:

  • Health Insurance: monthly healthcare stipend

  • Dental Insurance: Delta Dental (employee-paid)

  • Life Insurance: $50,000 policy paid by The Florentine Opera

  • Short- & Long-Term Disability: 100% employer-paid

  • Retirement: 403(b) plan (Fidelity)

  • Paid Time Off: 15 PTO days per year (accrued), 5 company shutdown days (during July & December / January shutdowns), flex and comp time, and half-day Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day

  • Transportation: employer-paid downtown parking

  • Complimentary/Discounted Tickets

  • Work Style: flexible hours; administrative tasks may be completed remotely in alignment with company hybrid practices when schedule permits.

To Apply

Please email Jason Abrams, Artistic Administrator at jabrams@florentineopera.org with your résumé, three references, and a cover letter.