Gospel Choir

The Department of Music at Tufts University is seeking a part-time Lecturer to direct the Gospel Choir beginning Fall 2025. The Gospel Choir is a large choral ensemble comprised of students from across the University that sings and celebrates music of the African American gospel music tradition, serving as a vibrant part of the department's cultural and musical offerings. The Gospel Choir Director is responsible for leading, developing, and overseeing all activities related to the choir. The Director will facilitate rehearsals, coordinate performances, and encourage student musicianship while fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for personal and artistic growth. There is the opportunity for national and international tours.

Responsibilities

• Lead music rehearsals for a large, undergraduate student choir, including teaching fundamental vocal technique and projection.
• Select appropriate repertoire that reflects the rich history, cultural significance, and contemporary developments in the African American gospel music genre.
• Provide artistic direction and coaching to enhance vocal technique, ensemble cohesion, community building, and respect among choir members.
• Plan, organize, and lead performances each semester, including major campus concerts and special events.
• Identify student leaders and meet with them to address concerns of members of the ensemble.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of diverse musical backgrounds and identities.
• Strong piano skills if not planning to use accompanist.

Rehearsal and Performance Preparation

• Organize and lead 2-hour weekly rehearsals for the full choir; and three 1-hour sectionals that meet once a week.
• Coordinate logistics for choir performances, including managing schedules, travel, and accommodations.

• A graduate degree in Music, Music Education, Choral Conducting, or a related field is preferred.
• Proven experience directing a gospel or similar choir including experience with arranging, conducting, and leading performances.
• A strong background in African American gospel music, its history, and its cultural significance.
• Experience working with university students or youth choirs is highly preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to incorporate a range of musical styles within the gospel tradition, from traditional to contemporary.
• A commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in musical and educational spaces.

Submit a dossier including a cover letter that outlines interests and/or experience including commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; curriculum vitae; links to one performance video (10 mins max) and one rehearsal video (10 mins max) preferably with the camera facing the conductor, if possible; draft syllabi or detailed descriptions of courses you are applying to teach; and two letters of recommendation uploaded directly into Interfolio by recommenders.

All application materials must be submitted via Interfolio at: http://apply.interfolio.com/161153. The search committee will begin screening applications immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please contact Christopher Wilson, Department Administrator, at Christopher.Wilson@tufts.edu with any questions.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a background check.