Head of Composition

In a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts plays a unique and influential role in developing future generations of performing artists that include performers, practitioners, designers, and technicians. As a QS global Top 20 ranked institution, the Academy and its Schools of Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film & Television, Music, and Theatre & Entertainment Arts create a vibrant centre of practice, production, teaching and practice-as-research. Its outstanding reputation is reinforced by the quality of its performers and its partnerships with other centres of excellence locally, regionally, and internationally. With international residencies, visiting artists and alumni, including some of the most respected professionals in their disciplines, the Academy is committed to the training of future world-class performers and practitioners.

The School of Music at the Academy offers comprehensive full-time programmes, including Diploma, BMus, MMus, and a new doctoral degree (expected 2027), alongside its highly successful Junior Music Programme – comparable to the ‘Junior Schools’ of other world-leading conservatoires. In keeping with its conservatoire status, the School’s philosophy is centred on performance and reflects the unique cultural mix of Hong Kong, with emphasis on both Western and Chinese traditions. The School comprises the Departments of Strings, Keyboard, Voice, Woodwind/Brass/Percussion (‘WBP’), Composition, Chinese Music, Conducting and Cultural Leadership, Academic Studies and Junior Music.

The Head of Composition will be a distinguished performing arts practitioner and/or composer-performer, dedicated to shaping the future of the Composition Department within the School of Music. Building on the department’s existing strengths, the Head will work collaboratively with other senior staff to drive forward innovative developments in performing arts education. This includes fostering advancements in electronic music production, music for applied media, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, ensuring the School remains at the forefront of creative and educational excellence.

Reporting to the Dean of the School of Music, the appointee is expected to oversee the Composition Department and be responsible for teaching, academic leadership and quality assurance in Composition teaching across all levels and programmes. The appointee is expected to lead curriculum design, course review and development in the Composition Department, undertake academic advising and supervision of Undergraduate and Postgraduate research projects, and strengthen the School’s international networks and collaborative projects.

Applicants Should Have

• A recognised degree in Music or equivalent qualification (preferably a doctoral degree in Composition studies or relevant disciplines).
• A strong professional background and extensive professional experience as a composer and an educator.
• In-depth knowledge of current music composition trends, pedagogical approaches, and performance practices in composition, including writing for applied media, inter-disciplinary ensembles, the recording studio, etc.
• Internationally recognised standing and good industry network.
• An excellent teaching record in conservatoire/university contexts across undergraduate, postgraduate, and pre-college music programmes.
• A successful track record of leadership and ability within an educational institution or similar performing arts-based organisation, including evidence in curriculum design, implementation and programme development according to established quality assurance frameworks.
• Solid experience in managing teams and collaborative work in the cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary context.
• The ability to advise and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.
• A good command of both written and spoken English. Fluency in Chinese (including Putonghua and Cantonese) is an advantage.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Appointment will be on a two-year contract. Renewal of contract is subject to performance. A gratuity payment equal to up to 15% of the total basic salary earned during the contract period may be granted upon satisfactory completion of the full contract period. The amount of gratuity payable will be the sum which, when added to the Academy’s contribution to a Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme as required by the MPF Schemes Ordinance, equals 15% of the total basic salary drawn during the contract period. Fringe benefits include leave, medical, and dental benefits. Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Non-accountable Cash Allowance will be provided to the eligible appointee. The expected commencement date will be 1 September 2025. The current standard rate of income tax in Hong Kong is 15%.