270370-Adjunct Faculty

ETSU • Johnson City, TN

72d

About The Position

The Department of Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University is establishing a pool of qualified adjunct instructors to teach in the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music program. Primary teaching needs include individual applied instruction in guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, bass, dobro, drums, keyboards, Celtic instruments, and related roots instruments, as well as band and ensemble instruction in bluegrass, old-time, country, and Celtic styles. Adjunct faculty may be assigned to teach private lessons, band courses, and other undergraduate classes across the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music curriculum, depending on program needs and the candidate’s qualifications. These part-time, non-tenurable appointments are contingent upon sufficient enrollment and available funding, with renewal based on performance, program needs, and budgetary considerations.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in music or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution, or equivalent professional experience in bluegrass, old-time, country, Celtic, or related roots genres in lieu of an advanced degree, consistent with ETSU and SACS expectations.
• Demonstrated proficiency on at least one of the program’s primary instruments (guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, bass, dobro, drums, keyboards, Celtic instruments, or related roots instruments).
• Documented experience teaching private lessons, ensemble/band classes, workshops, or comparable instructional settings at the collegiate, pre-collegiate, or professional level.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse students, faculty, and staff and to support ETSU’s commitment to inclusive excellence.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or higher in Music, Ethnomusicology, Appalachian Studies, or a closely related discipline with documented study of American vernacular or traditional music.
• Significant professional performance experience in bluegrass, old-time, country, Celtic, or related roots music, including touring, recording, or festival appearances.
• Experience teaching in a university or college music program, especially in applied lessons and small ensemble or band formats.
• Familiarity with the mission and curriculum of ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music program and its emphasis on American vernacular music traditions.
• Experience mentoring student musicians in goal-setting, repertoire development, and preparation for juries, recitals, or capstone projects.

Responsibilities

• Teach individual applied instruction in guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, bass, dobro, drums, keyboards, Celtic instruments, and related roots instruments.
• Teach band and ensemble instruction in bluegrass, old-time, country, and Celtic styles.
• Teach private lessons, band courses, and other undergraduate classes across the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music curriculum.
• Rehearse and direct student bands and ensembles, including arranging parts, leading sectional work, coaching vocal and instrumental blend, and preparing students for live performance and recording situations.
• Mentor student musicians in goal-setting, repertoire development, and preparation for juries, recitals, or capstone projects.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level