Adjunct Faculty Director of Lab Band

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Hoffman Estates (IL); On-site; USD 1,458,155 - 2,076,766; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Harper tuition waivers

Sick/personal business leave

Adjunct Faculty Professional Development Program

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. at Harper College invites applications for the Director of Jazz Lab Band. This role emphasizes inclusivity and diversity in education, requiring a master’s degree in Music or related fields.

Candidates will teach/lead the Jazz Lab Band, curate events, and employ technology in pedagogy. A competitive adjunct pay structure, including tuition waivers and professional development, is offered.

Preference is given to those with ensemble director experience and advanced teaching skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Music or related field with enough graduate credits in Music.
• Demonstrated pedagogical skills and above-average competence as a musician.
• Previous experience teaching as an ensemble director preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach and lead the Jazz Lab Band.
• Create arrangements specific to group enrollment.
• Curate and host Lab Band concerts and events.
• Infuse technology into teaching approaches.
• Apply fundamental musical skills in teaching.

Skills

Pedagogical skills

Performance expertise

Arranging music

Music theory

Aural skills

Education

Master’s degree in Music

18 graduate credit hours in Music

Job description

About Us

The Department of Music at Harper College invites applications for an adjunct position as the Director of Jazz Lab Band. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse educational experience that fosters creativity, expression, and a supportive musical community for students of varying cultures, backgrounds, and interests. We maintain a proud level of academic excellence. Our goal is to build academic and creative career paths for our students with opportunities to find representation and identity in their musical studies.

Job Description

Ensemble directors are expected to possess expertise in their performance area and teach students on both the credit and non-credit sides of the Music Department and Community Education. They are also expected to explore non‑Western musical traditions and performance practices to reflect changing demographics and comply with Harper’s commitments by including diverse teaching materials and repertoire. Other responsibilities include organizing performances and ensuring student participation. They may also be asked to participate in outreach and recruitment events. We care greatly about our surrounding community and have created a place for members to craft their musical interests into fruitful careers, personal enrichment, and stronger engagement with music.

Responsibilities

• Teach/lead the Jazz Lab Band
• Create arrangements specific to the group’s enrollment each semester
• Curate, host, and attend Lab Band concerts and events such as the Harper Jazz Invitational, Jazz Fest, Jazz Faculty Concerts, etc.
• Infuse technology into pedagogical approaches to teaching
• Apply fundamental musical skills such as theory, ear training, and arranging into the teaching pedagogy

Priority Application Date

Priority will be given to applications received by June 8th, 2026.

Education Requirements

A master’s degree in Music or a master’s degree in a related field with at least 18 graduate credit hours in Music. Demonstrated pedagogical skills and above‑average competence as a performing professional musician.

Experience Requirements

Preference will be given to applicants who have previous experience teaching as an ensemble director and instructor of core courses such as music theory, aural skills, etc.

Required Documents

A resume and cover letter are required to complete the application process.

• Official transcripts required upon hire
• Employment is contingent upon Criminal Background Check.
• Employment sponsorship is not available.

Compensation

Starting Pay Rate: $1,283 per contact hour

• $55 per hour of private lesson instruction.

Benefits

We offer a competitive, semester‑by‑semester adjunct pay, with Harper tuition waivers, sick/personal business leave, and a comprehensive Adjunct Faculty Professional Development Program.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Harper College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an inclusive learning and working environment where individual differences and identities are respected, valued and embraced. We encourage women, people from historically underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.