Music Director

Music Director Job Description Music Director (MD) for Chicago Tap Theatre CTT is looking for a long-term creative partner to play a vital role in shaping the artistic work of the organization. Each season includes 2 home shows in Chicago for which MD will be involved in the process of creating new tap dance productions, and approximately 4-8 tour dates (varies by season, see 2026-27 dates below) for which MD will ensure that CTT is represented at its best as we perform repertory work. The Music Director will help shape the sonic direction of new pieces, find moments of synergy where the music can truly comment on and interact with the rhythms and intentions of the choreographers, and create work that delivers on the promise of music and dance combining in the deepest way. CTT is excited to work together, where the music is as integral to the creation of the final work as the choreography, and CTT sees this as potentially a very transformative way to work and create. About Chicago Tap Theatre: Chicago Tap Theatre is a rapidly growing non-profit arts organization whose mission is to share the history, creativity and joy of tap dance. They are a diverse group of artists dedicated to tap dance and its inherent duality as both music and dance. They often feature a wide variety of musical styles, though always rooted within a jazz aesthetic. Their work with a Music Director will be collaborative, joyful and respectful of what each party can bring to the creation of new work. They can be seen all over Chicago and in tours across the country. Overall Season: Hiring musicians for each production while adhering to budgets and instrumentation needs Arranging music as needed throughout the season Creating simple rehearsal tracks that reflect the arrangement needs of the choreographer. Arrangements will change throughout the process; this also includes updating tracks as needed as pieces develop. On an as-needed basis, attending company rehearsals approximately 3 times per month. The company rehearses Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30am-12:30pm and Wednesdays from 2-5pm at Visceral Dance Center. Liaising with the Rehearsal Director to schedule above rehearsals Liaising with Production Team to ensure that all audio needs are clear for performances at the beginning of each show process. Communicating with musicians to schedule rehearsals both with and outside of the company rehearsals as well as confirming availability for tech/show week schedules upon hiring. This includes scheduling 2-3 band-only rehearsals before coming into company rehearsals with dancers and sending choreographers recordings of each piece from these rehearsals for review and notes. Working closely with company leadership, director of each show, and choreographers regularly to talk through plans, expectations, and artistic matters. Potentially composing music for tap dance pieces Providing live music for pre-show jam with dancers at most performances Ensuring artistic quality and professional consistency of musicians hired Approximately 65 hours/show at $25/hour, plus $1200 performance pay for all time in the theater during show weekend; two home shows/season. Additional pay for touring shows will include per diem and performance pay (varies by tour length, approx. $300-1500), as well as 3-9 hours of pre-tour rehearsals at $25/hour. CTT’s Process Initial meetings between MD and choreographers involved in the show to discuss early ideas, inspirations and intentions for the music of the show and each piece the choreographer is creating. MD and choreographers meet continually and collaboratively throughout the show process. The MD will offer some early ideas to the choreographers of how the music can play a vital role in bringing the intention of the dance into the music element. MD will continue to work hand in hand with the choreographers, including attending rehearsals, creating and updating rehearsal tracks, watching videos of the work to ensure that the music is truly responsive to the needs of the work MD will have an expansive presence in the Tech process, ensuring that any last-minute changes to the choreographic work are reflected in the specific notes, rhythms and moments in the music. MD will ensure quality and accuracy of the music is upheld throughout the show run. This is a contracted position that runs from October 15 - June 15 and is approximately 5-15 hrs per week depending on proximity to show dates. There will be two to three productions (with multiple performances each) and a gala during this period. In most seasons there are opportunities to tour. There also may be additional performance opportunities at community events/jams to be determined. This is a position with potential room for growth in future seasons. Production Dates for 2026-2027 Season (subject to change): Jan 15-16 APAP Booking Conference at New York City Center Feb 14-20 Kearney, NE, Lawrence, KS, and Oelwein, Iowa Tour Feb 25-26 Hartford, WI Tour/Run Out March 4-7 Spring production at Bramble Arts Loft featuring CTT favorite repertory pieces from guest choreographers April 14-16 Elyria, OH Tour June 10-13 Summer production at The Edge Theater with all new work from CTT artistic team created in collaboration with Music Director Community tap jams May-Sept 2027 (to be scheduled) Full Band Rehearsal Dates for 2026-2027 Season (subject to change, does not include additional dancer rehearsals that only the MD will attend): APAP: Thurs, Jan 14th 9:30am-12:30pm + 1 band-only rehearsal NE, KS, IA Tour: Mon, Feb 8th 9:30am-12:30pm & Thurs Feb 11th 9:30am-12:30pm + 1 band-only rehearsal Spring Bramble Show: Mon Feb 22nd 9:30-12:30pm, Wed Feb 24th, 2-5pm (Designer Run), Mon March 1st 9:30am-12:30pm, & Wed Mar 3rd 2-5pm (in the theater) + 1 band-only rehearsal and tech/sound check time tbd Elyria, OH Tour: Mon, April 12th 9:30am-12:30pm + 1 band-only rehearsal Summer Edge Show: Thurs, May 27th 9:30am-12:30pm, Wed, June 2nd 2-5pm (Designer Run), Mon June 7th 9:30am-12:30pm, & Wed June 9th 2-5pm (in the theater) + 1 band-only rehearsal This position requires someone with expertise in: Arranging music Being a band leader Hiring & managing people Following a budget Enforcing call times Communicating with others And a love for and working understanding of tap dance Experience working with tap dance and theater companies is a plus. Background in jazz is preferred, however musicians of all styles of music are encouraged to apply. They should also be proactively communicative, self-motivated and detail-oriented. A specific interest in working with a dynamic, growing tap dance company is encouraged! If interested, please send a resume and any samples of songs you have either composed and/or arranged to msmith@chicagotaptheatre.com by September 25th with “Music Director” in the subject line.