Resident Vocal Coach & Musical Associate — Pianist / Conductor
Position Overview
Tri-Cities Opera (TCO) seeks a highly skilled, collaborative, and locally based Resident Vocal Coach & Musical Associate for the upcoming season. This is an exceptional opportunity for a versatile pianist, vocal coach, and musical administrator to serve as the daily, boots-on-the-ground musical anchor for a historic regional opera company.
Reporting directly to the Artistic Director (with oversight from the Music Director and Director of Education & Impact), this role is split between high-level artistic execution and local program coordination. The ideal candidate lives within commuting distance of Binghamton, NY, and thrives in an environment that blends mainstage artistry with community-driven impact.
Core Responsibilities
1. Mainstage & Artistic Execution (40%)
- Serve as the principal rehearsal pianist and vocal coach for all TCO mainstage productions, working closely with conductors, stage directors, and the remote Music Director.
- Provide high-level musical coaching and career mentorship to TCO’s Resident Artists.
- Play and manage musical elements for auditions, masterclasses, and donor/community events as required.
- Serve as Chorus Master and coordinate the local TCO chorus on a production-by-production basis.
- Serve as the Assistant Conductor for all TCO productions.
2. Education & Outreach Support (30%)
- Serve as Music Director and primary rehearsal/tour pianist for TCO’s premier regional touring education programs.
- Collaborate with the Director of Education & Impact to prepare educational learning materials, workshops, and youth programming.
- Accompany TCO youth programs and community impact initiatives on the ground.
3. Artistic Administration (30%)
- Serve as the primary local musical point-of-contact when the Music Director is out of town.
- Manage the local music library, ordering, marking, and organizing orchestral and vocal scores.
- Provide local support to the Orchestra Personnel Manager regarding local rehearsal tracking and basic CBA compliance needs.
- Coordinate rights and royalties for concert repertoire.
- Manage and screen applicants to the Resident Artist Training Program.
- Coordinate local auditions for the Artistic Director.
Qualifications & Key Competencies
- Location: Must reside in or be willing to relocate to the greater Binghamton, NY area (local daily presence is required).
- Artistic Excellence: Superior piano facility with expert sight-reading, score-reading, and vocal coaching capabilities across standard operatic and musical theatre repertoire.
- Collaborative Mindset: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven track record of working effectively alongside administrative leadership, union orchestral personnel, and young artists.
- Organization: Strong administrative skills, including spreadsheet management, scheduling familiarity, and basic music library logistics. Experience with the YAP Tracker platform is helpful.
- Transport: Must have a valid driver's license and be willing and able to drive a large TCO van to touring destinations. Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.
Position Details & Schedule
- Job Type: Full-time, Seasonal. 9-month contract
- Contract Dates: August 24, 2026 – May 31, 2027
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, with required evening and weekend availability for productions, rehearsals, and performances. Flexible lighter schedule outside of production periods.
- Work Location: In person (Binghamton, NY)
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $750/week
- Benefits: 2-weeks paid vacation
To Apply
Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your coaching and collaborative piano experience, and 2–3 video/audio links of your piano playing or coaching through Indeed.
Job Responsibilities
The above statements reflect the general duties and responsibilities considered necessary to perform the essential functions of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. Tri-Cities Opera may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization and your capacity to efficiently complete projects and tasks.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Tri-Cities Opera provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap or disability in each aspect of the human resources function.
ABOUT TRI-CITIES OPERA COMPANY
Entering its 74th season, Tri-Cities Opera (TCO) is rooted in the history of its founders--training young artists, setting the standard for performance excellence, & engaging with the audiences of tomorrow through the power of live musical storytelling. Known for its history and standing as the oldest continuously-producing regional opera company in NYS, TCO is recognized as a destination for both established & emerging global talent.
Mission Statement:
In keeping with the history of our founders, Tri-Cities Opera’s mission is the production of professional quality opera using the talents of young artists. TCO sets the standard for artistic excellence while enriching, enhancing, engaging & educating our community through the power of live musical storytelling.
We accomplish our mission in the following mutually supportive ways:
- Performances - predominantly serve the Southern Tier of New York State & include main-stage productions at the Forum Theater as well as more intimate black-box productions & recitals at the Clinton Street Opera Center and other venues.
- Education/Community - TCO's educational touring arm reaches thousands of students and adults with age-appropriate musical programs. Programs extend throughout the Southern Tier, and include one-act operas for children, workshops, residencies, concerts, and programs at senior living communities.
- The Resident Artist Program - this postgraduate education program provides talented emerging singers, selected through a competitive audition process, the opportunity to learn the discipline of opera through the performance of leading roles in major productions. Additionally, our collaborative relationship with Binghamton University provides auditioned & selected BU students with professional stage experience and preparation.
LIVING IN BINGHAMTON NY
Known historically as the "Parlor City" for its striking Victorian architecture and beautifully kept neighborhoods, Greater Binghamton is a warm, community-driven region situated where the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers meet. The area boasts a rich cultural fabric, highlighted by a thriving downtown culinary scene, regional festivals like the LUMA Projection Arts Festival, historic free antique carousels, and a deeply collaborative local arts community.
Surrounded by rolling hills, vibrant autumn foliage, and pristine state parks, the landscape offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and a peaceful pace of life. Furthermore, Binghamton’s strategic location in the Southern Tier makes regional travel effortless, offering seamless highway proximity to New York City, Philadelphia, and the Finger Lakes wine region. It is an exceptionally welcoming and accessible place to establish a home base while fully immersing yourself in the arts.
Pay: $750.00 per week
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Education:
Experience:
- Opera Coaching: 2 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Location:
- Binghamton, NY 13905 (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Binghamton, NY 13905: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
