SMPAA

HISTORY AND PROGRAM

Founded in 2012 by Thanh Bui, an Australian-Vietnamese artist/songwriter/educator, Soul Music and Performing Arts Academy provides training in music and dance to children from the age of 6 months to adult. SMPAA’s mission is to bring a well-rounded music and performing arts education to every child in order to nurture the next generation of young artists. It strives to develop the artistic and academic aspects of all students so that they can achieve their fullest artistic and career potential in their chosen fields.

The programs at SMPAA take place following the normal school day Monday-Friday and all day on weekends. All programs run continuously throughout the year with two terms per calendar year. Located in District 3 of Ho Chi Minh City, the beautiful campus containing four buildings is an artistic oasis in a bustling area of the city. Two buildings are of French Colonial architecture and contain a few offices, many music studios and two small dance studios. The other two buildings are modern constructions holding professional level dance studios and a multifunctional performance complex that seats over 500 as well as music studios. The facilities also include a fully equipped production room and a total of twenty-two music studios with pianos or keyboards. The programs in music include piano, voice, drums, guitar, flute, violin, cello, musicianship and music theory. In dance, the program offers five genres: ballet, modern jazz, commercial hip-hop, dance sport (Latin and ballroom style dance) and contemporary dance. There are instrumental and vocal ensemble groups. The music program follows the curricula of Trinity College London (TCL), the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB). In Dance, the program follows the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and the National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD) curricular guidelines. The international Kindermusik program is offered to very young students in music, and a Creative Movers class is offered to very young students in dance. SMPAA participates in many community projects each year.Enrollment is steady at 600 students.

FUTURE: ROYAL EMBASSY ACADEMY

Over the course of the next two years, the program at SMPAA will expand and relocate to the campus of Royal Embassy Academy (REA), a new K-12 school of 1200 students, due to open in 2022, where all the performing and visual arts will be an integral part of the program available to all students. The Director of Piano will be responsible for assisting with this transition and growth as it pertains to the piano department. REA will provide the facilities and clearly outlined programs for those students who wish to pursue a career as a professional performer or to work in the music industry in general.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and develop the curriculum for all piano programs
• Develop, update and/or complete the exam structure for all levels of all piano programs
• Create and administer a strong professional development program for the teachers in the piano department
• Hold regular department meetings for all the piano faculty
• Observe all piano instructors on a regular basis
• Assist the Director of Music in coordinating the annual teacher evaluation process
• Participate in the hiring and release, if necessary, process for piano instructors
• Produce piano recitals (student and teacher) and other performances throughout each year both on and off campus
• Judge piano student exams at the end of each term.
• Proofread piano student reports with the Director of Music
• Determine term awards along with the Director of Music
• Do new piano student assessments
• Help guide piano students towards international auditions and competitions as well as counsel them through the Pathways Program
• Investigate and resolve any issues involving piano students, their parents and their teachers.
• Attend the following meetings: weekly SMPAA BOM meeting, weekly Music Department meeting, monthly Music Curriculum meeting

QUALIFICATIONS

Successful candidates will hold a Master level degree or higher in piano performance. A minimum of ten years of direct piano teaching experience is required. Experience with the Trinity, ABRSM and AMEB international curricula is preferred. It is expected that this person will bring a broad knowledge of the most recent developments in piano instruction and curriculum as well as the ability to work with students at all levels in a variety of musical styles. This positon requires the ability to listen carefully, balance competing demands and interact with a diverse group of faculty with varying amounts of experience and expertise. Candidates must be able to express themselves well in both written and spoken communication.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

A competitive salary and benefits package is offered.

APPLICATION

Candidates should submit a resume and a formal cover letter explaining their interest in the positon along with three letters of reference and a performance video demonstrating a variety of styles.