Department Head, Strings

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**Hours**: 0.5 FTE salaried part-time position with benefits; flexible hours averaging 18-19 weekly. Position includes independently contracted teaching services with potential to build studio as desired while maintaining career as active performer.

**Compensation**: Ranging $40,000 - $43,750.

**Application Deadline**: February 19, 2025, or ongoing until position is filled.

**Start Date**: Immediate (March 2025).

**To Apply**: Please submit a cover letter and resume, relevant supporting materials, and contact information for two references to:
Office of the Dean
dean[at]vcm.bc.ca
Attention: Stephen Green, Chief Artistic Officer and Dean

The Ann & George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music is home to training in traditional Western European Classical Music, and comprised of the Departments of Keyboard, Voice, Winds & Brass, and Strings, as well as stellar programs such as the Young Artists Collegium, Opera Quest, and Spark to Flame. The Strings Department encompasses a faculty of currently 30 members, offering studio instruction, instrumental group classes including Suzuki, and ensembles, spanning all ages and levels from beginner to advanced, across the disciplines of violin, viola, cello, contrabass, guitar, lute, and harp.

The Department Head of Strings is an active, enthusiastic, and well-respected artist mentor and performer. Their artistic and pedagogical expertise, together with interpersonal qualities as an approachable and supportive colleague, inspire growth and excellence within the department and its faculty, while maintaining an inclusive and welcoming community with an outstanding cohesive environment for mentorship and learning. Leading through facilitation and collaboration, the incumbent’s diverse experiences, including professional collaborations in one or more areas of the arts, and work with community groups, provide the level of inspiration and entrepreneurship to forge new connections between the Strings Department and cultural communities of all ages and abilities, both locally and beyond.

Reporting to the Conservatory’s Dean, and as a contributing member of the Conservatory’s Artistic Directorate Committee (*ADC), the Department Head of Strings leads and manages the Strings Department and its faculty in an artistic, academic, and administrative capacity, aligning with the shared artistic and academic vision and goals of the Dean and the ADC, as well as the Conservatory’s “Enduring Purpose” and Strategic Plan. The Head of Strings ensures that the minimum artistic and academic expectations for teaching are met or exceeded, as set out by the ADC in the Faculty Teaching Expectations and Assessment Program, which also includes strict adherence to all policies and best practices that support and protect the Conservatory’s Learning Environment.

Working closely with and supporting the Strings Faculty, through all aspects of programs housed within this department, the Head of Strings ensures that the student experience remains optimal, while maintaining the department’s fiscal viability through effective management of the annual department budget.

Qualifications and Requirements
- Well-established as pedagogue, performer, and collaborator, with over 10 years of lived experience, including Community teaching of all ages and levels, in studio (individual) and group class/ensemble formats, including chamber music.
- Has completed advanced studies in performance and pedagogy (master’s degree or 10+ years of relevant education and experience).
- Leads through collaboration and facilitation, possessing excellent communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrating both professionalism and collegiality, helping all faculty members shine by harnessing their existing strengths and inspiring life-long learning.
- Possesses administrative skills related to the day to day operations of a music department within a modern community music school.
- Supports and actively contributes towards the advancement of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Reconciliation within the Arts.
- Is well-connected in the music industry, attracting faculty, masterclass presenters, and other guest artists to enhance the learning experiences of students.
- A more specific list of duties and tasks is available upon request._

(*) About the Artistic Directorate Committee

Chaired by the Dean, the committee represents all departments and program areas within the VCM’s Artistic and Academic fabric: Ann & George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music (Five departments - Keyboard, Strings, Winds & Brass, Voice, and the Young Artists Collegium); Chwyl Family School of Contemporary Music; School of Music Technology and Creativity, including Early Childhood Music; Department of Postsecondary Studies; and the Centre of Music Therapy and Wellness. The leaders of these departments (Artistic Directors, Department Heads/Directors) meet typically twice per month during the regular academic te