What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contemporary Voice Teacher (CCM) – Pop, Rock & Musical Theatre position at New Haven Academy of Performing Arts?
New Haven Academy of Performing Arts (NHAOPA)
East Haven, Connecticut
Part-Time | $25–$35 per Hour | Full-Time Career Opportunity
Build a Career. Change Lives. Inspire the Next Generation.
The New Haven Academy of Performing Arts (NHAOPA) is seeking an exceptional Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Voice Instructor to join our award-winning faculty.
This is not just another voice teaching position.
We are searching for a passionate educator who wants to become an integral part of one of Connecticut's fastest-growing performing arts academies. For the right candidate, this position offers a clear path toward increased teaching hours, leadership opportunities, and potential full-time employment.
At NHAOPA, we don't just teach students how to sing—we help them discover confidence, develop artistry, and prepare for success both on and off the stage.
If your greatest joy comes from seeing your students succeed, we'd love to meet you.
About NHAOPA
The New Haven Academy of Performing Arts is a premier performance-based academy offering professional instruction in voice, acting, dance, musical theatre, and instrumental music.
Our students perform throughout the year in concerts, showcases, community productions, and at our resident performance venue, Cabaret on Main Theater.
We believe exceptional students deserve exceptional teachers, which is why we are proud to be Connecticut's only performing arts academy certified by the Institute for Vocal Advancement Teacher of Music (IVTOM).
Our faculty shares one mission:
To provide world-class performing arts education in a supportive, collaborative, and inspiring environment.
What You'll Teach
You'll work with singers ranging from beginning students to advanced performers preparing for:
- Musical theatre productions
- College auditions
- Professional auditions
- Competitions
- Recording projects
- Solo performances
Students study:
- Contemporary Pop
- Rock
- R&B
- Contemporary Musical Theatre
- Commercial Voice
- Healthy Mix Voice
- Contemporary Belt Technique
- Audition Preparation
- Performance Skills
What We're Looking For
We're searching for someone who:
- Has extensive experience teaching healthy mix voice and belting
- Specializes in Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM)
- Is comfortable teaching Pop, Rock, R&B, and Contemporary Musical Theatre
- Can confidently demonstrate healthy vocal technique
- Is proficient on piano and comfortable accompanying lessons
- Has experience teaching children, teens, and adults
- Builds confidence while maintaining high standards
- Is dependable, organized, and professional
- Wants teaching to be their primary professional focus
- Is looking for a long-term home—not simply teaching between performance gigs
Please Note: We are seeking an instructor whose primary expertise is in contemporary commercial vocal styles. Applicants whose teaching experience is primarily traditional classical voice may not be the best fit for this position.
Performance-Based Faculty
Teaching at NHAOPA extends far beyond the private lesson room.
Our instructors are expected to be active members of our artistic community by:
- Coaching students for performances and auditions
- Participating in rehearsals when needed
- Supporting productions throughout the year
- Collaborating with fellow faculty members
- Helping students grow from their first lesson to opening night
Teachers with experience Music Directing musical theatre productions are especially encouraged to apply, as additional opportunities may be available.
Professional Development
We believe great teachers never stop learning.
As Connecticut's only IVTOM-certified performing arts academy, we invest heavily in the professional growth of our faculty.
Previous IVTOM certification is not required. However, all voice instructors are expected to participate in continuing education through IVTOM and work toward becoming IVTOM Certified as part of their long-term professional development at NHAOPA.
If you're excited about continually refining your craft and learning alongside other dedicated educators, you'll thrive here.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:
- Music Directing
- Musical Theatre Performance
- Audition Coaching
- Vocal Directing
- Contemporary Recording Techniques
- Rock Band Performance
- Spanish Speaking(a plus but not required)
- Teaching Advanced Vocalists
Why Join NHAOPA?
- Connecticut's only IVTOM-certified performing arts academy
- Immediate student roster
- Ongoing mentorship and continuing education
- Collaborative, supportive faculty culture
- Opportunities to music direct productions
- Opportunities to teach group classes
- Leadership and advancement opportunities
- Potential pathway to full-time employment
Unlike many studios, we believe in investing in our teachers. We are committed to helping exceptional educators grow professionally while making a lasting impact on the lives of our students.
Compensation
- $25–$35 per hour (based on experience)
- Immediate teaching opportunities
- Additional paid opportunities through productions and group classes
- Professional development and mentoring
- Career advancement opportunities
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal instructor measures success not by how many performances they book, but by how many lives they change through teaching.
They're passionate about helping students become confident performers.
They're committed to lifelong learning.
They value collaboration over competition.
They believe great technique should always serve great artistry.
Most importantly, they understand that every lesson has the potential to change a student's life.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Teaching Philosophy
- Performance Resume (if applicable)
- Links to teaching and/or performance videos (preferred)
Selected applicants will be invited to complete:
- Initial Interview
- Live Teaching Demonstration
- Vocal Assessment
- Piano Accompaniment Assessment
- Final Interview with Academy Leadership
If you're passionate about contemporary vocal instruction, excited by continuous professional growth, and ready to help build one of the strongest contemporary vocal programs in Connecticut, we'd love to hear from you..
Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Application Question(s):
- Describe your approach to teaching healthy mix voice and belting.
- Are you interested in building a long-term teaching career that could grow into full-time employment?
(Yes / No)
- Are you willing to participate in continuing education through IVTOM and work toward certification?
(Yes / No)
- Are you available to participate in rehearsals and productions throughout the year, including occasional evenings and weekends?
(Yes / No)
- Do you have experience music directing or vocal directing musical theatre productions?
(Yes / No Explain)
- A 15-year-old student can only sing in a heavy chest voice or a light head voice, but cracks every time they try to sing through the passaggio. How would you approach helping that student develop a healthy mix?
- Why do you teach? What do you hope your students remember about you five years after taking lessons with you?
Experience:
- voice teaching : 4 years (Required)
Language:
- Spanish (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- East Haven, CT 06512 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25 - $35