MFA Musical Director Curriculum Development

Reporting to the Programme Leader for Postgraduate Studies at the Academy and ultimately the Executive Director, to ensure they are kept well-informed in their area of responsibility, the MFA Musical Director Curriculum Development shall execute the following tasks and responsibilities:  

• Collaborate with the Programme Leader for Postgraduate Studies to develop and write all four Musical Direction courses within the postgraduate programme. 

• Collaborate with the Programme Leader for Postgraduate Studies to recommend Project assessment activities for Projects 2-5 on the MFA. 

• Prioritizing safe practice will be fundamental, alongside developing and delivering inspiring, innovative teaching that integrates multidisciplinary training, ensuring it remains dynamic and relevant to the industry. Each course will have an average duration of 11 weeks, with details regarding credit hours, contact time, and further information to be shared with you. 

• Collaborate with the Programme Leader on all Musical Direction textbook and teaching material choices.

• Organise and develop all assessment activities within the Music Direction concentration classes, in consultation with the Programme Leader. 

• Collaborate with the postgraduate faculty to align course assessments through structured feedback processes that support and enhance learning and development for Music Direction courses. 

• Incorporate SPAA faculty and administrative input, in curriculum development. 

NB: Regarding the incorporation of SPAA faculty and administrative input, the Postgraduate Programme Leader will provide you with information from the consultation meeting and will liaise with you on any necessary administrative input.

Essential:

• Terminal Degree (MFA or PhD) or demonstrate and verify equivalent industry or professional experience, or additional qualifications in professional performing arts education. 

• Significant professional theatre experience as a Musical Director (8 - 10 years minimum), with a focus on Musical Theatre. 

• Must be trained in specialist knowledge of Musical Direction (including current design software suites). 

• Previous experience with providing feedback. 

• Knowledge and insight into student performance evaluation. 

• Experience with research and scholarly activity, including practice as research. 

Desirable:

• Capable of working autonomously and as an integral part of a diverse, multinational team, while exhibiting the emotional intelligence necessary for such environments. 

• Ability to work on a flexible schedule, which may include evening and weekend work. 

• Excellent organisational, verbal, and written communication skills 

• Ability to work with Office 365 Suite (especially Excel).

• Flexible approach to curriculum development and andragogy to suit the Academy’s dynamic needs, cultural considerations, and to enhance collaborative education delivery. 

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is an independent Academy established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, to address a growing demand in the UAE and MENA region for formal education and quality professional training in the performing arts sector. SPAA is the only performing arts conservatoire in the Middle East and North Africa region, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programmes taught in English. The purpose-built Academy includes a 432-seat theatre, two fully equipped studio performance spaces, TV/recording studios, twelve sprung rehearsal studios, 12 singing tutorial spaces, resource library, gymnasium and cafe.

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy specialises in training graduates for work in the international professional performing arts industry. The SPAA faculty are highly experienced practitioners within their respective fields. The focus of the Academy is practical rather than academic. The Academy's primary goal is to equip graduates with the highest level of practical skills in their field, along with the tools necessary for successfully creating their own work or practice.

Salaries in the UAE are tax-free and disbursed monthly in United Arab Emirates dirhams. Faculty members receive a competitive benefits package that includes: accommodation, private medical insurance, and a residency visa, which extends to cover dependent family members. The Academy will cover the cost of education expenses for eligible dependent children under the age of 18. Employees and eligible dependents are entitled to an annual return ticket to their home country