Jazz Ensemble(s) Director

Cardiff University School of Music seeks to appoint a Director of Jazz Ensemble(s), the position to
commence in September 2015. This position would suit an experienced jazz musical director with a
professional career in performance and composition encompassing a wide range of jazz periods and
genres.
Cardiff University School of Music is one of the largest university schools of music in the United Kingdom
with an average intake of 70 undergraduate and 15 postgraduate students each year. The Schools
programmes include performance, composition, analysis, musicology, and ethnomusicology, and it places
particular importance on performance as an essential component in a musical education that balances and
combines practical and academic skills. The university ensembles contribute to the educational goals of the
school, and we are looking for ensemble directors who wish to collaborate with academic members of
staff, other ensemble directors, and practical tutors in providing an integrated educational experience to
students.
Role description:
To direct a jazz big band and smaller ensembles, mentor student jazz musical directors, develop the artistic
and, ideally, the pedagogical direction of ensembles in consultation with relevant members of the
academic staff. Oversee recruitment and auditions.
Person specification:
The successful candidate should have proven ability to inspire, teach and lead undergraduate Jazz
ensembles and broad experience in the leading of jazz ensembles in general. The director should have
significant teaching and conducting experience, as well as excellent organisational, communication, and
interpersonal skills. Experience with teaching in higher education is desirable. The director should also
articulate an artistic vision for the School of Music jazz ensembles and demonstrate the ability to
programme creative, challenging and captivating repertoire and facilitate student compositions where
appropriate. A broad knowledge of historical jazz repertoire and history through to contemporary
repertoire and developments should be clearly identifiable from the successful candidates career,
together with the ability to achieve high artistic standards. Broad experience of concert-giving is strongly
preferred.
To apply for this role, please send a curriculum vitae, a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role,
and the names and contact information for three references, specifying the nature of your relationship to
them, to Helen Conway at conwayh@cardiff.ac.uk before 5pm on Friday 22 May 2015. Short-listed
candidates for the position will be invited to an audition and interview to take place in mid to late June.
The hourly rate for this position is 65. For more information about Cardiff University and the School of
Music please visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/music.