Department: Vocal Music

Level or Grade: Secondary Education

Position or Type (hrs): Full-time , 32 hrs/ week

Reports to: Vocal Music Chair

Salary/ Pay range: Commensurate with experience

Start Date: August 3, 2026

General Position Description: 

The ideal candidate is an accomplished singer whose work is able to compete and influence on a national and international level. Strong background in Classical and/or Jazz, Gospel or Pop vocal performance and formal vocal training/technique is required. Ability to teach vocal technique/repertoire to talented high school students at a level that enables them to obtain placement in top colleges and conservatories of music with scholarships. Possesses strong musicianship skills and language skills; Basic-to-Intermediate piano proficiency required, including the ability to accompany students in applied one on one lessons, coachings, and rehearsals; Has excellent classroom management skills in both one-on-one and group instruction. Demonstrated experience in team leadership, and project based curriculum building.  Has the ability to partner with students and parents of all social and economic backgrounds to successfully meet or exceed program objectives. Fully supports NOCCA’s vision of prioritizing an emphasis on the arts as well as academics with the intent of placing students in top colleges and conservatory programs within the country with multiple scholarships and grants as much as possible.

Performance Standards

We aspire to create an educational community that nurtures and challenges young people to become more curious, kind, empathetic, engaged, and willing to grapple with complex problems in order to create a just, sustainable, and joyful world. 

We expect faculty to:

• Collaborate with your peers/faculty to provide world-class, pre-professional arts education

• Lead by example, acting with decency, honesty, and regard for the NOCCA community

• Help promote a safe and equitable environment for the NOCCA community

• Practice and encourage accountability for students and peers

Faculty at NOCCA are expected to introduce students to a particular discipline with the serious assumption that students will participate in that discipline in the future. NOCCA does not follow a traditional education model as such, but rather an initiation model. An initiation model is a powerful one – it forms the foundation for the seriousness and respect present in faculty/student and peer relationships, which in turn provides a sense of safety for all, extending the degree to which students can be pushed to both understand and produce their best work.

Job Duties:

• Sets individual course objectives, plans and organizes lessons, and teaches as scheduled, classes in music theory, choir and voice.  

• Strategically assigns repertoire that promotes healthy vocal development, technical progression, stylistic fluency, and long-term vocal longevity for each student.

• Ability to set course objectives, select appropriate course materials and teach as assigned Music Theory and Musicianship (Ear Training/Sight-singing/Aural skills) to enrolled high school aged students in the three Music Departments (Classical Instrumental, Vocal, and Jazz), ensuring a solid understanding of musical fundamentals, including notation, harmony, rhythm, and ear training.

• Leads and conducts choir rehearsals/ performances for Vocal Music students, selecting appropriate repertoire together with the Department Chair, teaching vocal parts, and preparing students for performances.

• Provides individualized vocal instruction as assigned, tailored to each student’s needs, focusing on technique, repertoire, and performance skills.

• Teaches additional courses within area(s) of expertise as assigned by the Department Chair to meet program needs.

• Collaborates with the Department Chair and faculty to create a comprehensive departmental class/work schedule.

• Feels strong responsibility for the success and safety of all students within the Department.

• Ensures student compliance with school policies and procedures; reinforces positive behavior and addresses misconduct appropriately.

• Assists the Vocal Department Chair with administrative duties and responsibilities as directed. 

• Assists with preparation of student recitals, auditions, vocal music productions, and other performances.

• Works collaboratively with other faculty members and participates in departmental meetings, events, bi-weeky committee meetings, and professional development opportunities.

• Evaluates student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adjusting teaching methods as needed.

• Creates a learning community using the NOCCA DNA that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, professional commitment, life-long skills, and self-regulation for every student.

• Develops and implements classroom procedures and routines that support high expectations and values for achieving success in the arts.

• Engages students in rigorous classroom activities, ensuring that students are actively on task.

• Provides clear assessment and feedback for students to nurture and encourage consistent growth.

• Awards grades following the established policies.

• Facilitates the development of positive and respectful student-teacher, teacher- teacher, student-student relationships.

• Maintains student accountability and facilitates students’ development of a strong work ethic. 

• Mentors students and assists with external field trips, contests, audition preparation, letters of recommendation.

• Collaborates with students, parents, counselors for successful program completion and life after NOCCA.

• Attends/Facilitates/Supervises NOCCA events - Orientation, Open Studio, Auditions, Grade Nights, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Senior Saturday, Celebration, Parent Night, Student Shows and Presentations, and Professional Development days.

• Helps foster community relationships - higher education institutions, non-profit, business, industry partners.

• Participates in professional growth opportunities as both an artist and an instructor and incorporates learning as appropriate.

• Uses instructional time effectively to maximize student achievement.

• Adheres to board policies, school procedures, and contractual obligations.

• Demonstrates professional and ethical conduct as defined by the state law and NOCCA policy.

• Contributes to efforts to achieve school-wide and department-specific goals.

• Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for all learners and faculty/staff.

• Demonstrates consistent leadership in the classroom and commitment to mentorship of the students in the Vocal Music department.

• Performs other relevant responsibilities as requested

Qualifications:

• Strong background in Classical and/or Jazz, Gospel or Pop vocal performance and formal vocal training/technique is required. 

• Must be able to teach beginner through Intermediate Music Theory, including figured bass notation, cadences, non-harmonic tones, modes and scales, secondary dominants.

• Demonstrated proficiency in choir direction and ensemble leadership is required.

• 3 or more years teaching experience at university or high school music conservatory level, or similar professional experience as a music educator of highly talented students.

• Demonstrated understanding of adolescent vocal development and sustainable vocal technique across multiple genres

• A record of sustained success as vocal music performer and educator.

• Has excellent classroom management skills in both one-on-one and group instruction

• A personal and professional commitment to creating an atmosphere of quality instruction.

• A demonstrated history of working effectively with diverse individuals. 

• Ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing. 

• Strong organizational skills and a commitment to excellence.

• Knowledge or experience utilizing technology and innovative pedagogy to deliver exceptional teaching and learning desired. 

Education:

• College Degree in discipline with extensive music education experience, or equivalency in professional vocal performance of Classical, Jazz, Gospel or Pop music. 

• Experience in teaching  Music Theory and/or Choral Conducting preferred.

• 3 or more years of work experience of professional and/or university/secondary school Vocal Performance experience and comparable education, or combination. 

Benefits:

This is a position that includes all benefits afforded to Louisiana state employees including a choice of one of five medical benefit plans with options of additional supplemental insurance plans. Employees receive ample time off surrounding holidays and extended weekends when the school is closed for instruction. This position also qualifies for participation in the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL).

NOCCA is committed to fostering a fair and inclusive environment with a diverse faculty, staff and student body.  We especially welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

HOW to APPLY:

Please submit CV/ resumé, cover letter, and contact information for three references by filling out this GOOGLE form.

OR

Mail documents to:

NOCCA - VOCAL MUSIC FACULTY

ATTN: Human Resources Department

2800 Chartres Street

New Orleans, LA 70117

The position will remain open until 3/09/2026.

NOCCA Vision

We believe in the transformative power of the arts. We aspire to create an educational community that nurtures and challenges young people to become more curious, kind, empathetic, engaged, and willing to grapple with complex problems in order to create a just, sustainable, and joyful world.

NOCCA Mission

NOCCA’s mission is to provide a world-class, pre-professional arts education for every young person in Louisiana with the curiosity, creativity, talent and motivation to pursue a life in the arts as they realize the best possible versions of themselves and their futures.

NOCCA as a SAME Agency

New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) is fully committed to ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its Amending Act of 2008 (collectively ADA).  We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities, which may include providing reasonable accommodation to the extent it does not cause an undue hardship. NOCCA will not discriminate against nor tolerate discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in any employment practices, including job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.