Assistant Professor of Music - Music & Organist

Trinity Univesity•Waxahachie, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

TRINITY UNIVERSITY, DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC is seeking a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Music and University Organist, beginning August 2027. The Department of Music invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor to serve as a vital link between our academic core and our institutional heritage. We seek a scholar capable of delivering rigorous instruction in the undergraduate music theory sequence while serving as the University Organist. The successful candidate will not only teach and perform but also actively recruit students to maintain a vibrant organ and harpsichord studio. The ability to foster high-level creative activity and research in solo and collaborative performance is essential. This position plays a pivotal role in the public face of the University through ceremonial leadership, the stewardship of the historic Parker Chapel organs, and contributing to the University’s general curriculum and liberal arts mission. Trinity University is a secular, independent, private institution, founded in 1869. Trinity offers high-quality science, liberal arts, and pre-professional programs as represented by the four schools (STEM, Arts & Humanities, Social Science and Civic Engagement, and Business) to approximately 2,500 undergraduate students from the U.S. and more than 45 countries. The attractive campus overlooks downtown San Antonio, a city rich in heritage and ethnic diversity. Additional information can be found on the Resource Guide to Trinity & San Antonio. The Carlos Alvarez School of Arts and Humanities, endowed with a gift of $25 million, is at the center of Trinity's liberal arts education. Faculty are international leaders in their respective fields, creating engaged learning experiences grounded in careful study of tradition, critical thinking, clear communication, and creative expression. The Music Department operates within the context and mission of Trinity’s commitment to an undergraduate education based on the foundation of a Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum. The Music Department’s instructional staff consists of 11 full-time tenure-track faculty and a full component of part-time faculty covering private studio lessons and adjunct teaching. The department offers, in addition to class and performance opportunities to all students irrespective of their major, a minor in music, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Bachelor of Music degree. Majors may select composition, performance, or pre-certification in music education as a concentration. Performing ensembles include three curricular choirs, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble. Students can also perform in smaller groups such as Handbell Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, jazz combos, string quartets, and a variety of chamber wind ensembles. Both the Department of Music and the University as a whole value and safeguard academic freedom for faculty members in their teaching and scholarship. Trinity is guided by a set of core values and is committed to implementing practices in pursuit of an inclusive campus for all students, faculty, and staff to feel welcomed and engaged in a community of learning.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in Music (e.g. DMA, PhD) in Organ Performance, Music Theory, or a closely related field (ABD considered if degree will be conferred before the Fall 2027 term).
Successful record of providing individual instruction in organ.
Demonstrated excellence in teaching within an undergraduate music theory curriculum.
Active and established record of high-level solo and/or collaborative organ performance.
Superior keyboard skills, including service playing, improvisation, solo repertoire, and collaborative performance.
Strong foundation in music theory pedagogy, with an emphasis on performance-integrated instruction.
Capacity to adapt pedagogical approaches to effectively teach both novice and advanced undergraduate organ/harpsichord students.
Ability to provide musical leadership in sacred and ceremonial settings.
Willingness to work across departments and interdisciplinary programs.
Active scholarly research and creative activity.
Openness to curriculum innovation while adapting to evolving educational needs.
Active participation in professional organizations.
Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills, as well as knowledge of relevant music technologies.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a church, cathedral, or university setting, demonstrating capacity for worship planning and ceremonial leadership.
Demonstrated professional experience in collaborative keyboard playing, such as accompanying choral ensembles, chamber groups, or continuo playing.
A record of successful student recruitment, particularly in engaging non-majors and interdisciplinary students in studio instruction.
Experience with organ curation and stewarding historic or endowed instruments.

Responsibilities

Teaching applied lessons in organ and harpsichord, which includes mentoring students and equipping them with versatile "portfolio careers" that combine solo performance, continuo playing, collaborative skills, and worship service leadership.
Provide effective instruction within the music theory sequence, which includes courses in written theory, aural skills, and keyboard skills.
In partnership with the University Chaplain, provide musical leadership for services taking place in Parker Chapel, such as the annual Vespers service, and serve as the primary musical steward for university-wide ceremonies (including Commencement, Convocation, Baccalaureate).
Engage in scholarly and creative activity that leads to peer-reviewed publications, high-profile public performances, conference presentations, or other substantial contributions to the field.
Supervise undergraduate research in historical performance practice and the theoretical analysis of both sacred and secular keyboard literature.
Advise undergraduate students, supporting their academic progress, recital preparation, and post-graduation success.
Oversee and coordinate events that are part of the endowed Parker Chapel Music Series.
Partner with the University Chaplain to administer the Brown-Herndon Organ Endowment, providing sustained professional stewardship for the care, preservation, and responsible use of the University's historic pipe organs.
A commitment to participate in and contribute to the University’s general curriculum, known as Pathways.
Participate in university service, student recruitment, interdisciplinary campus initiatives, and alumni relations efforts.