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Most Important Skills for a Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University

To succeed as Head of Musical Theatre, a strong singing voice and deep understanding of vocal pedagogy and musical theatre styles are crucial; the interviewee's own career path highlights the importance of advanced degrees (at least a master's), significant professional performance experience ("I worked for about a decade before... getting my master's"), and effective time management coupled with self-care, stressing that "all of that stuff is so essential to success."

Vocal Performance, Music Education, Time Management, Higher Education, Professional Experience

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Jessica Doyle-Mekkes

Head of Musical Theatre

East Carolina University

Central Michigan University, 2006

MM Vocal Performance/Opera, Central Michigan University 2017

Fine Arts, Music

Arts, Entertainment & Media, Education

Creative

None Applicable

Video Highlights

1. A strong singing voice and in depth knowledge of vocal techniques are essential. While professional performance experience is beneficial, a deep understanding of vocal pedagogy and musical theater styles is also key.

2. Time management and self-care are crucial for success in this demanding field. Prioritizing physical and mental well-being is as important as mastering the technical skills.

3. A master's degree (or higher) in a related field is typically required, along with substantial professional performance experience before transitioning into higher education teaching.

Transcript

What skills are most important for a job like yours?

The first skill is being a singer. If you're going to teach singing, you have to be able to sing. Not everyone who teaches singing is a professional performer as I have been, but you have to at least know the ins and outs.

More so than that, if you're going to do what I do and work specifically with pre-professional singers and musical theater performers, it involves a lot of studying. You need to learn about the voice, how to teach voice, and musical theater as a genre. Understanding the different styles, industry standards, and professional practices within it is crucial.

My background is in performance and voice science. When I was coming up, vocal pedagogy or teaching musical theater voice wasn't common. Now there are more programs, which is wonderful. Back then, I did a lot of my learning independently, seeking out master teachers and clinicians. I would attend two-week workshops or ask if I could intern or apprentice with them.

I was very self-motivated because the structured training available now in university or graduate programs didn't exist when I was in school. Other essential skills include time management. I'm busy and have to structure my day carefully, not just for work but also for personal time.

I schedule workouts, meals, and prioritize getting seven to eight hours of sleep. These are essential for success. It's easy to neglect them when busy, but they are fundamental. I've experienced feeling unwell because I hadn't eaten or slept properly, realizing the connection to my well-being.

Self-care is also vital. Additionally, you need at least a master's degree. Many voice programs require a master's, if not an MFA or DMA. I have a Master of Music in Voice Performance or Opera.

Most programs seeking faculty in performance at higher education institutions require considerable professional experience. I worked for about a decade before pursuing my master's. This is typical for my colleagues as well; we all performed significantly before returning to school to teach.

Priorities often shift with age, though I still perform. I was in "Mamma Mia" two summers ago at the professional summer theater here at ECU, which was very enjoyable. Last summer, I performed in a concert of Jacques Brel music, also fun. The North Carolina Theater in Raleigh is a professional theater not too far away.

I continue to perform because I love it. It's important to stay relevant and to "walk your talk" as a teacher. Ultimately, you need an advanced degree and significant professional performance experience.

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