Head of Music

Head of Music

Company:
Florentine Opera Company

Company Location:
Milwaukee, WI

Job Location:
On Site/In Person

Job Type:
Full-Time

Date Posted:
February 20, 2026

Network(s):
Artistic Administration;
Education & Community Engagement;
General, Executive, & Artistic Directors;
Performer Development;
Other

DESCRIPTION

Wisconsin’s oldest fully professional performing arts organization, the Florentine Opera, has been bringing a little bit of the worldto Milwaukee since 1933. We’re on a journey of discovery—exploring the glory ofthe human voice. We’re a powerhouse for all different voices and stories thathave endured through the centuries and resonate with our humanity and passion.

The Florentine Opera is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on all legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.

Reports to: Artistic Administrator

Supervisory Requirements: Artistic oversight for Baumgartner Studio, and oversee freelance pianists as needed. Supports and works closely with the Music Director; collaborates closely with the Chorus Master, production/music staff, and the Education & Community Engagement Manager.

• Serve as principal pianist and vocal coach for all mainstage productions; play rehearsals and, as assigned, on-stage, off-stage and/or pit keyboard parts.
• Collaborate with the Education and Community Engagement Manager to develop and deliver pre-performance talk content, offering musical and interpretive insights.
• Contribute to the development of program notes and plot synopses, ensuring musical and dramatic accuracy and clarity for audience materials.

• Serve as principal pianist and vocal coach for Studio Artists; mentor the Studio Artist pianist.
• Provide comprehensive musical preparation (rehearsals, coachings, masterclasses, voice lessons, and performance support).
• Develop programming and select appropriate repertoire in collaboration with the General Director and Artistic Administrator.
• Serve on the Baumgartner Studio Artist management team (with General Director and Artistic Administrator).
• Oversee weekly coaching and rehearsal schedule for Baumgartner Studio Artists in partnership with the Artistic Administrator.
• Prepare Studio Artists to meet professional standards in rehearsal rooms, on stage, and in written/verbal communications.
• Pre-screen ~600+ annual applicants for the Baumgartner Studio Artist Program in collaboration with the Artistic Administrator. Serve on the adjudication panel during the annual in-person audition tour, evaluating candidates’ artistic and professional readiness.
• Serve as Assistant Conductor for mainstage productions as assigned.
• Prepare and rehearse youth choruses where applicable.
• Substitute for the Chorus Master as needed in rehearsals or performances.
• Conduct offstage chorus and/or offstage instrumental ensembles as required by production demands.
• Support musical leadership in ensuring performance quality and coordination between stage and pit.

• Order scores for production and artistic teams; fulfill light librarian duties (e.g., inserting cuts, compiling cut lists and timings, marking PV scores, and rehearsal guides).
• Organize and maintain music and rehearsal materials.
• Participate in auditions (including those held outside Milwaukee), staging and musical rehearsals, and selected summer or recital programming.
• Participate in occasional donor engagements.
• Participate in other administrative, musical, and staff responsibilities as needed. As the business evolves, so may this role. Duties may change as company leadership identifies the need at any time.

• Extensive training and direct experience as a collaborative pianist, vocal coach, and some experience in conducting in a major opera house.
• Exceptional stylistic command across operatic, art song, musical theater, operetta, and related vocal repertoire.
• Strong foundation in multiple classical languages and lyric diction.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to engage staff, management, donors, artists, and the public with…