Instructor in Choral and Ensemble Conducting, Music Education Program

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 spanning nine school-related.

HKU exists because the creation of art offers new perspectives, inspires stimulating interactions, and thereby gives shape and meaning to society and the challenges it faces. As HKU, we stand 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.

The HKU Utrecht Conservatory offers bachelor’s and graduate programs in the field of 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 the Music Teacher Education Program. The Music Teacher Training Program focuses on music education in the broadest sense of the word. The core of the program’s didactic concept is formed by the “double transfer”: students develop as music teachers in part by reflecting on the education they themselves are receiving.

This deeper level is characteristic of the education provided in our program: we focus specifically on content and professional skills. Close contact with the entire professional field plays an important role in this. Various teaching methods, understanding the target audience, identifying learning needs and responding to them—these are all areas that receive attention within the program. Both the in-school and out-of-school professional fields are part of our students’ professional practice. Internships in the various professional fields are an essential part of the program.

The Solfège instructor works closely with all instructors within the Music Teacher Training Program. At the Utrecht Conservatory, close collaboration between sections and other departments is a given. Within the Music Teacher Training Program, we are jointly responsible for realizing our mission: We offer our students the freedom to design, shape, and implement their own music education.

In this role, you will be responsible for guiding motivated music students as they prepare for their professional careers.

What will you be doing?

• Teaching choir conducting to students in their first through third years. Developing musical imagination is central to this.
• Guiding and coaching students during the choir and ensemble project weeks.
• Teaching ensemble classes.
• You are involved in the development of education and in building connections.
• Participate in meetings and workshops organized by the Music Teacher Training Program.
• Stay in touch with the relevant and current professional field by participating in internship visits.
• You will serve on relevant evaluation committees (including the educational and administrative processing);
• Supervise the first-year choirs in the Bachelor of Music program.

What are we looking for?

• Teaching qualifications for higher professional education and excellent pedagogical and teaching skills (references preferred);
• A completed master's degree in choral conducting.
• Demonstrable experience in the field of comparable education;
• A broad musical background and knowledge of professional practice relevant to the program;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and works constructively as part of a team;
• Able to collaborate effectively with colleagues from various disciplines;
• An enterprising and flexible attitude toward work;
• Capable of educating a diverse student body and preparing them for professional practice;

What do we offer?

• For this position, we offer a salary in accordance with the HBO collective bargaining agreement, as well as attractive benefits;
• The gross monthly salary—depending on education and experience—for a full-time position ranges from a minimum of €4,174 to a maximum of €6,360 (scale 11), excluding an 8% vacation allowance and a year-end bonus (8.3%);
• This is a temporary position starting September 1, 2025, for 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.

Would you like more information and/or to apply?

• If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Christian Boel (christian.boel@hku.nl), program director and lead instructor of the Music Education Program at HKU, Utrecht Conservatory.
• Applications will be accepted until June 9, 2025
• Upload your resume and cover letter via the apply button.
• The interviews are expected to take place during the week of June 16, 2025.
• Requesting one or more references is part of the procedure.
• Fifty minutes are allocated per candidate for the interviews. Part of the process involves conducting a trial lesson.

This job opening is being advertised both internally and externally.

In our recruitment process, we recognize the value that diversity brings to our organization.

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.