Drama and Performance Coaching Instructor at the Utrecht Conservatory

Where will you be working?

With over 4,000 students, HKU is the largest university of the arts in the Netherlands and one of the largest educational institutions in Europe focused on art, culture, and the creative industries. HKU offers a wide range of programs across nine academies.

HKU exists because creating art offers new perspectives, inspires stimulating interactions, and thereby gives shape and meaning to society and the challenges it faces. As HKU, we are at the heart of that society and strive to be as diverse and inclusive as possible. Our success depends entirely on the quality of our people and the ideas they bring. That is why we are curious about your talent and how you can make a difference for our organization. 

TheHKU UtrechtConservatory offers bachelor’s and graduate programs in music. These programs include various specializations across 40 different majors in classical music, historical performance practice, contemporary music, jazz and pop, Musician 3.0, and music education. In addition, the HKU Utrecht Conservatory organizes many projects and concerts, thereby making a significant contribution to Utrecht’s cultural life. To this end, the conservatory collaborates closely with several venues in Utrecht, such as Tivoli Vredenburg, Tivoli De Helling, and Rasa. 

The drama instructor works closely with the principal voice teachers in the Classical Music Department. At the Utrecht Conservatory, close collaboration between different sections and departments is a given, particularly between the Classical Music Department and the Historical Performance Practice Department. In this role, you will be responsible for guiding talented young musicians as they prepare for a professional career. 

What will you be doing?

• Teaching drama classes, including to classical singers (B.Mus. and possibly M.Mus.)
  
• You are involved in developing educational programs that foster connections.
  
• Attend meetings of the Classical Music Department and, if necessary, other departments
  
• Helping to develop and implement cross-section and cross-departmental educational programs, such as group lessons, chamber music, projects, etc.
  
• You will serve on relevant evaluation committees (including educational and administrative matters)
  

What are we looking for?

• Relevant prior training for teaching drama classes and providing performance coaching
  
• Experience working with groups of young musicians (including singers) in training
  
• Be able to read and interpret musical scores.
  
• Experience directing opera, musical theater, operetta, theater, and the performing arts
  
• Experience with craftsmanship.
  
• Capable of designing a curriculum for young musicians in training.
  
• Knowledge of the diversity of the professional practice of performing musicians (classical and possibly other genres)
  
• Teaching qualifications for higher professional education and excellent pedagogical and teaching skills (references preferred); 
  
• Demonstrable experience in the field of comparable education;
  
• A broad musical background and knowledge of repertoire, particularly in the field of (classical) vocal music
  
• A clear perspective on today’s dynamic professional practice;
  
• Strong communication skills, good interpersonal skills, and the ability to work constructively as part of a team;
  
• Able to collaborate effectively with colleagues from various disciplines;
  
• A proactive and flexible attitude toward work;
  
• Capable of educating a diverse student body and preparing them for professional practice;
  
• Proficiency in spoken and written Dutch and English.
  

What do we offer?

• For this position, we offer a salary in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement for higher professional education (CBA-HBO) and attractive benefits;
  
• The gross monthly salary for a full-time position ranges from a minimum of €4,427.64 to a maximum of €6,677.44 (pay scale 11), depending on education and experience, excluding an 8% vacation allowance and a year-end bonus (8.3%);
  
• This is a temporary position starting September 1, 2026, for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance; 
  
• The benefits package is excellent, including a generous leave policy, membership in the ABP pension fund, sports and recreational facilities, and a commuting allowance;
  
• We are committed to investing in motivated and well-trained employees. Working at HKU means you have access to time and resources dedicated to professional development and long-term employability. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe it is important that everyone feels welcome and valued. We believe that diversity enhances creativity and strive to bring together the diverse perspectives and experiences from society within our organization. We actively take steps to promote diversity and inclusion and collaborate with organizations that support us in this effort. In addition, we organize (internal) events and gatherings during Keti Koti, International Women’s Day, and participate in Pride Utrecht.

Apply

You can apply using the“Apply” button below. A cover letter is not required. However, we would like to receive your resume and answers to the questions below so that we can get a good idea of what you bring to the table. The application deadline for this position is April 20, 2026. Interviews are expected to take place on Friday morning, May 8, 2026. Requesting one or more references may be part of the process. We allocate 60 minutes per candidate for the interviews. This consists of teaching a trial lesson to one or more students (20 min) and an interview (30 min). 

Questions:

• How do you see your contribution to education at HKU, specifically based on your expertise?
• What appeals to you about mentoring students in an arts program?
• How do you see your role in fostering collaboration, inclusion, and development within a team?
  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Cécile Rongen:cecile.rongen@hku.nl, Program Director of Classical Music and Historical Performance Practice

Learn more aboutworking at HKU.