Tenure-Track Full-Time Faculty in Music

Point Loma Nazarene University•San Diego, CA

22d•$77,357 - $133,945•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Music at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) invites applications for two full-time, tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professors of Music beginning Fall 2026. Together, these faculty members will provide leadership and instruction in Choral Activities, Music Theory and Core Musicianship, and Commercial Music, each according to their skills, experience, and training. The department seeks dynamic, collaborative educators and artists who will contribute to a thriving community of students pursuing degrees in Music, Music Education, and Commercial Music. Candidates should demonstrate excellence in teaching, artistic or scholarly activity, and a clear commitment to PLNU’s Christian mission and values. (The job descriptions for these two positions have been left intentionally flexible to allow the department to shape each position according to the skills, experience, and training of candidates exhibiting the best mission fit for the department and the university.) The successful candidates will combine to cover the following responsibilities. Each selected candidate will be assigned responsibilities based on their strengths; no single candidate is expected to perform all duties listed.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Music, Music Education, Conducting, Theory, Commercial Music, or a related field
Evidence of successful teaching at the collegiate or secondary level
Demonstrated excellence as a choral conductor, theorist, or commercial music practitioner, with the flexibility to teach in multiple areas of the curriculum
Strong collaborative and communication skills
Commitment to mentoring students, nurturing musical excellence, and fostering spiritual growth within a Christian university environment
Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement.
faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant.
The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate (PhD or DMA) in Music, Music Education, Conducting, Theory, or a related field, or commensurate professional experience
Keyboard proficiency and ability to demonstrate concepts at the piano
National stature as a choral conductor, theorist, composer, and/or commercial musician
Evidence of highly developed choral conducting and rehearsal skills
Prior experience teaching at the university level

Responsibilities

Provide leadership for the university’s choral program, including conducting, leading, and traveling with the university Concert Choir
Develop and direct additional ensembles aligned with student and faculty interest (e.g., Gospel Choir, Chamber Choir, or Jazz Choir, etc.)
Teach undergraduate courses such as Conducting, Choral Methods, Choral Literature, and/or Church Music
Maintain and evolve annual choral traditions such as Cider Celebration, Madrigal Dinner, and Messiah (Choral Union)
Recruit and mentor students interested in music and choral studies
Teach a range of music theory, aural skills, and core musicianship courses that serve both traditional and commercial music majors
Mentor and advise students in theory and composition
Teach Commercial Music courses such as Arranging, Songwriting, Digital Audio I/II, Studio Production, or Commercial Music Ensemble
Teach music history and world music
Participate actively in curriculum development, student advising, and program growth across the department
Support collaborative performances, interdepartmental initiatives, and community/church outreach events and/or tours
Engage in creative or scholarly work appropriate to the faculty member’s area of specialization
Contribute to departmental governance, recruitment, and committee service
Demonstrate a consistent commitment to inclusive pedagogy, diverse musical traditions, and the integration of faith and learning in a liberal arts context
Collaborate with colleagues across the Music Department, including Commercial Music and Music Education faculty
Participate in departmental meetings and service consistent with PLNU’s mission
Other duties as assigned by the Assistant/Associate Dean