Principal Music Librarian

About the role

The Principal Music Librarian leads the Houston Grand Opera music library, overseeing music research, acquisition, preparation, and library operations to support programming at the highest artistic level. Working closely with the Music Director, Chief Artistic Officer, Chorus Director, guest conductors, and music staff, this role is integral to the successful execution of HGO’s season.

Responsibilities

• Researches editions of repertoire for current and future seasons, advising HGO Artistic staff on available versions.
• Negotiates performance, mechanical, and sync licenses with publishers in collaboration with Director of Artistic Operations for current and future seasons.
• Secures rental and purchased materials according to production timelines.
• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with music publishers and industry partners on behalf of Houston Grand Opera.
• Ensures all musical materials for productions, concerts, and events are prepared accurately, delivered on time, and compliant with Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Manages all aspects of orchestral music preparation including proofreading, editing, bowing, and part marking according to specifications from HGO artistic leadership and guest conductors.
• Produces edited piano/vocal and chorus scores in alignment with HGO artistic leadership and guest conductors.
• Creates and distributes cut lists and production memos pre-production and during the rehearsal process.
• Supervises the staff Music Librarian and additional over hire help, providing direction, training, and oversight.
• Attends all orchestra readings and sitzprobes and serves on pit duty for stage rehearsals with orchestra and performances on a rotating basis with staff Music Librarian.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date instrumentation for current and future season projects in the company’s ArtsVision database.
• Maintains the Houston Grand Opera physical and digital collection of full scores, piano vocal scores, choral scores, orchestral parts, and CD recordings in an organized manner, including tracking borrowed materials.
• Administers the company’s quarterly ASCAP reporting process.
• Oversees organization and maintenance of the Houston Grand Opera music library supplies and equipment in accordance with budgetary parameters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of five years of professional experience as a music librarian at a major classical music organization.
• Expert-level musicianship including fluency in a variety of clefs, transposition, and instrument nomenclature in various languages.
• In-depth knowledge of operatic repertoire and industry practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and at least one music notation platform.
• Experience working with AFM Union orchestras.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with a high degree of diplomacy and discretion.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff.