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Friday, February 6, 2015

Dream gig




I just happened to see a job posting for an assistant to the music director of the LA Philharmonic. I read the requirements and I have most of what they want, except I'm not fluent in Spanish. What's so funny is that Gustavo Dudamel's name is never mentioned. So here's this rather innocuous looking post for a part-time classical music administrative assistant. Sounds like a yawn, right? Except it's DUDAMEL!

I don't have a drawing of Dudamel yet, but he's doing Mahler in March, so here's my drawing of Gustav.

Dudamel Assistant Job Description:

This part time position provides a variety of support services for the Music Director - logistical, artistic, and personal.
Position Elements:
- Acts as centralized point to collect, coordinate, and disseminate information about the Music Director's activities in Los Angeles and with the LA Phil. Maintains schedule and coordinates all related details. Participates in production and artistic meetings. Corresponds regularly with Music Director's team and VP, Artistic Planning to coordinate long-term schedule and provide information about Music Director's activities.
- Coordinates with Public Relations, Marketing, and Development departments on media, PR, and personal appearance activities. Responds to requests for Music Director's time and appearances.
- Sorts, reads, and prepares responses to mail and email messages. Composes and sends correspondence for the Music Director. Maintains file of all correspondence. Responds to phone calls and messages. Relays messages to the Music Director or refers to others as needed.
- Coordinates travel arrangements for the Music Director and family, including air travel, hotel reservations, and ground transportation, including driving as necessary. Tracks LA Phil's contractual obligations regarding travel; obtains reimbursements as needed from other orchestras and festivals.
- Manages aspects of the Music Director's personal business related to his time in Los Angeles.
- Provides personal support as requested, such as handling mail and home staff.
- Principal liaison between LA Phil and El Sistema, relating to the Music Director's projects, including communication with El Sistema artists, staff, and dignitaries.
- Assists Artist Servicing department as needed with management of guest artists, backstage hospitality, transportation and schedules.
- Serves as a resource for Artistic department for artistic/education projects.
- Other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements:
- Familiarity with classical music, music education, and the entertainment industry required.
- Comparable orchestra or artist management experience desirable; concierge experience helpful.
- Fluency in Spanish, both spoken and written.
- Valid California Driver's License and good driving record.
- Availability to work nights and weekends and overtime as required for concert and rehearsal coverage during Music Director periods.
- Availability to travel, including international travel as needed.
- High level of reliability, flexibility, and maturity.
- Ability to establish credibility with a variety of individuals at all levels.
- Interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work with diverse personalities.
- Ability to deal discreetly with artists, staff, and sensitive information is essential.
- Ability to deal effectively with a large amount of detail.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications.
- Regular and reliable attendance.