Programme Leader in Western Music

University City, United Arab Emirates

Job Purpose 

The Programme Leader – Western Music is responsible for the successful establishment, implementation, and continued development of specialised music education and training for the Western Music programme at the College of Music of Sharjah Performing Arts Academy.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Dean of the College ofMusic and working with them as part of the senior leadership team, Program Leaders shall execute the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Management of and participation in the development of the College’s programs and their operational requirements, including recruitment of specialist staff in consultation with the Dean of the College of Music.
• Leading a team of teaching and technical staff and ensuring that the programs are taught effectively. 
• Teaching at the undergraduate level in at least two of the following areas: Music Theory and Musicianship, Musicology (History of Western Music, Ethnomusicology), Performance (open specialisation)
• Contributing to the Academy’s artistic and research output by delivering projects within and outside the Academy, such as performances, recordings, research papers, books, or other relevant projects. 
• Planning, directing, and executing student performances, workshops, and cultural events within the Academy.
• Working with the  Dean on the recruitment and interviewing of candidates for the Academy’s programs.
• Working with the Deputy Director and Quality Assurance Department to ensure all required documentation for program accreditations is complete and meets accreditation standards.
• Developing relationships and partnerships with performing arts stakeholders in Sharjah, the UAE, the MENA region, and internationally to promote the role of the Academy and its programs.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• Doctorate degree in Music (Music Theory, Musicology, Performance, or other related discipline). 
• Teaching experience in Higher Education/Conservatoire and programme management.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record of artistic and/or scholarly activity in Western Music.

Desirable:

• Experience inteaching and training in Higher Education with familiarity with the UAE, UK, US higher education and current developments. 
• A wider understanding of professional industry practice & knowledge.
• Higher education fellowship or equivalent teaching qualification.

Context

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 and Benefits

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.

Additional Information

• The individual in this position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all SPAA policies and procedures, including the Workplace Health and Safety and Confidentiality policies.
• This position is full-time based at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
• The Faculty Handbook is an important resource and sets out the expectations and conditions of employment. Prospective candidates for this position can request the Faculty Handbook, which will be sent to them via email.

What's great about working at SPAA?

• • Join a talented team in a supportive and collaborative environment
  • No unnecessary bureaucracy, no pointless tools, and flexible working hours
  • Focus on meaningful work with real responsibilities and autonomy
  • Enhance your expertise across diverse aspects of the performing arts industry
  • Contribute to creating impactful content that supports our community daily
  • Embrace real challenges and responsibilities in a dynamic, rapidly evolving academy

Our Facilities

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What We Offer

At SPAA, every employee has the opportunity to see the direct impact of their work and make a meaningful contribution to our success. We also believe in fostering a strong community, with a variety of activities organized throughout the year, including weekly sports sessions, team-building events, monthly gatherings, and much more.