Assistant Professor of Music

Western Colorado University • Gunnison, CO

2d • $55,000 - $58,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Western Colorado University invites applications for a full-time, Assistant Professor of Music, with a specialization in Choir and Music Education. We seek a dynamic teacher-scholar who is committed to student-centered learning, professional preparation, and inclusive, interdisciplinary education. This is an in-person, on-campus position on our vibrant residential campus in Gunnison, Colorado.

The standard teaching load is 24 credit hours per academic year. The successful candidate will deliver engaging, well-designed instruction for our vocal ensembles and will teach other courses aligned with their expertise and discipline needs. This position organizes and delivers the annual Western Slope Honor Choir as a service duty. We especially value faculty who engage students in high-impact practices such as internships, research, community-based learning, and who participate in our Western Watershed General Education and First-Year Seminar Headwaters courses. We value faculty who work to prepare students for a livelihood based on their values and aid students in gaining post-graduate opportunities.
The Music Program resides within the new School of the Arts at Western, which serves approximately 160 students enrolled across six disciplines: art, design, film, music, industrial design, and theatre. It also provides substantial service to the Western Watershed program. Students can earn a BA degree in Music Education (with K-12 licensure), Music Industry, or Music Performance; combining rigorous academic preparation with high-impact experiential learning.

Requirements

• DMA or other terminal degree with an emphasis in Music (ABD also considered for appointment).
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education.
• Excellence in teaching.
• Willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of all students.
• Ability to use technology in instructional delivery, including the ability to teach online and hybrid courses.
• Collegiality and professional flexibility.

Nice To Haves

• Choir direction at the collegiate level.
• Public school choir direction.
• Undergraduate teaching experience in music education pedagogy courses.
• Public school teaching experience in music.
• Undergraduate teaching experience in music theory, aural skills, class piano, instrumental lessons, voice lessons, and/or music history.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, well-designed instruction for vocal ensembles.
• Teach other courses aligned with expertise and discipline needs.
• Organize and deliver the annual Western Slope Honor Choir as a service duty.
• Engage students in high-impact practices such as internships, research, and community-based learning.
• Participate in Western Watershed General Education and First-Year Seminar Headwaters courses.
• Prepare students for a livelihood based on their values.
• Aid students in gaining post-graduate opportunities.

Benefits

• Shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Other insurance options
• Free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years (after one year of employment)

What This Job Offers

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