The Assistant Conductor plays a vital artistic role in supporting the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s performance and programming needs throughout the season. This position conducts approximately 15 concerts annually, including Youth Concerts, Parks Concerts, DSO on the Go, special engagements, and if needed, select subscription concerts. The Assistant Conductor attends all Classical Subscription weeks to support the Music Director and Guest Conductors with orchestral balance, ensemble coordination, and other artistic considerations, and must be prepared to conduct assigned performances as needed. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with the media team by providing artistic feedback, coordinating selections with guest conductors and artists, and presenting pre-concert talks for all Classical Concerts. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist the Music Director and Artistic and Operations staff with the musical administration and development of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSA), including advising the library on music editions; planning New Year’s Eve (NYE), Youth, DSO on the Go, and Parks concert programs; reviewing orchestra scheduling; auditioning prospective guest artists as needed; and performing other related duties. 
• Attend all Classical Subscription rehearsals to provide artistic input and feedback to the Music Director and Guest Conductors throughout rehearsals and performance series, as cover conductor; be fully prepared to conduct assigned rehearsals and/or performances as a substitute when necessary. 
• Conduct assigned concerts across any DSA program, venue, or date. 
• Host and present pre-concert talks before every Classical Concert throughout the season. 
• Assist the Music Director with matters related to music scheduled for rehearsal, performance, and recording during all conducting periods in Dallas and, with the Music Director’s approval, on national and international orchestra tours. 
• Provide artistic feedback to the media team and coordinate performance selections for media releases with guest conductors and artists, offering advice and feedback as needed. 
• Represent the orchestra at public and private events and social functions; deliver speeches and remarks; create social media promotional videos; and support the orchestra’s community, regional, and national relationships through other reasonable activities. 

• Master's degree in Conducting, Music, or a related field.  
• Demonstrated orchestral conducting experience and knowledge of orchestral repertoire, rehearsal techniques, and performance practices. 
• Strong artistic judgment and the ability to provide constructive feedback and collaborate effectively with the Music Director, Guest Conductors, musicians, and staff. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to deliver engaging pre-concert talks, speak effectively from stage, and represent the DSO at public and community events. 
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple artistic and administrative responsibilities. 
• Ability to support concert programming, media initiatives, and promotional activities. 
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and varying schedules across performance venues, rehearsals, concerts, and approved orchestra tours. 

Application Materials Required 

• Submit a current resume. 
• Submit two letters of recommendation. 
• Submit links (URLs) to three videos demonstrating your conducting experience. Video file uploads are not accepted. 
• Submit a link (URL) to a 1–2-minute introductory video. Video file uploads are not accepted. 

Finalist Audition: Finalists selected will be required to participate in an in-person audition on Tuesday, February 2, 2027 in Dallas, Texas. 

Values in Action 

The Assistant Conductor exemplifies the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s values through artistic excellence, collaboration, and community engagement. 

• Integrity: Demonstrates professionalism, sound artistic judgment, and accountability when preparing for performances, supporting the Music Director, and representing the DSO. 
• Respect: Approaches artistic collaboration with openness and professionalism, values diverse perspectives, and communicates constructively with colleagues, guest artists, and community partners. 
• Creativity: Contributes innovative programming ideas, offers thoughtful artistic feedback, and supports engaging concert experiences for diverse audiences. 
• Connection: Builds strong working relationships with the Music Director, Guest Conductors, musicians, artists, and staff while fostering meaningful connections with audiences and the broader community. 

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra offers a competitive benefits package, free onsite parking, and access to complimentary concert tickets when available.

Equal Employment Opportunity 

The Dallas Symphony Association is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.