Assistant Professor of Music

Cal Lutheran

Thousand Oaks (CA)

On-site

USD 73,000 - 82,000

Full time

21 hours ago

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Job summary

California Lutheran University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Choral Music. The primary responsibility is to conduct the university choirs (SATB choir and treble choir), lead vocal activities, and teach courses in the Music Department beginning Fall 2027.

The candidate should be a visionary choral pedagogue with collaboration and recruitment experience. The department values diversity and inclusion, mentoring African-American, Latina/o, and Native American

Qualifications

Terminal degree in Choral Conducting, Vocal Performance, or Choral Music Education (or ABD with date).
Experience or sensitivity in teaching diverse student populations.
Ability to mentor students and engage in scholarly/creative activity.

Responsibilities

Conduct the CLU Choir, Cielo, and oversee all vocal activities.
Organize the annual University Christmas Concerts.
Recruit and retain students for the Music Department; plan tours.
Teach courses in secondary areas (e.g., music theory, conducting, private vocal lessons).
Provide mentoring and classroom instruction; maintain records and student progress.

Skills

Choral conducting

Vocal instruction

Effective communication

Education

Terminal degree in Choral Conducting, Vocal Performance, or Choral Music Education

ABD considered with date for doctorate

Job description

The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person’s dignity.

Basic Function

Under the direction of the Dean and the Department Chair, the Assistant Professor is responsible for providing academic instruction to students for the assigned undergraduate courses. The Assistant Professor is also to serve as an academic mentor to students; serve on faculty or university committees; and engage in scholarly activities, and/or creative endeavors which contribute to the academic mission of the University, as outlined in the faculty handbook.

The Music Department at California Lutheran University invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor whose primary responsibility will be to conduct the university choirs (including an all-student SATB mixed choir and treble choir), guide all vocal-related activities, and teach courses in the Music Department beginning in Fall 2027. The successful candidate will be a visionary, enthusiastic, and collaborative choral pedagogue and musician committed to building and maintaining a vibrant choral and vocal program. Proven or potential success with recruitment is expected. Teaching responsibilities include coursework in the candidate’s secondary areas of expertise and may include music theory, music history, conducting, private vocal lessons, or other subjects. Additional responsibilities involve the planning and performance of the annual Christmas Concerts.

California Lutheran University is a Hispanic Serving Institution. We seek candidates with experience or sensitivity to working with students from underrepresented ethnic and racial backgrounds and educational attainment, including first-generation and/or immigrant students. The successful candidate will have a record of and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, justice, and belonging, and who can serve as a mentor for African-American, Latina/o, and/or Native American students.

The Music Department is a student-centered learning community that prides itself on providing a strong music education within a nurturing atmosphere. Faculty members are experienced professionals who are committed to teaching excellence. The music program is widely respected for its performance ensembles, its classroom teaching, and its studio instruction. Cal Lutheran’s majors have gone on to be successful performers, educators, composers, conductors and music-industry specialists. We embody the spirit of a strong conservatory education within a liberal arts setting.

Representative Duties

Primary responsibilities for this position include conducting the CLU Choir (an all-student SATB mixed choir), Cielo (treble choir) and overseeing all vocal-related activities within the department.
Organize the annual University Christmas Concerts. E
Proactively seek opportunities to recruit and retain students for the Music Department. E
In coordination with the department chair and full-time faculty in the Music Department, plan and engage in domestic and international tours. E
Additional teaching responsibilities will include coursework in the candidate’s secondary areas of expertise. This may include music theory, aural skills, music history, conducting, private vocal lessons, or other subjects. E
Engage in service to the CLU Music Department and the University, particularly within the university’s ceremonial traditions that involve vocal groups (Christmas concerts, university convocations, baccalaureate, graduation, others). E
Support music students by regularly attending performance forums, student recitals, and student ensemble performances. E
Participate in departmental efforts to create meaningful curricular initiatives. E
Willingly engage in service and leadership roles as requested by the Music Chair, Associate Dean, Dean, or other university leaders. E
Provide academic and professional mentoring to students. E
Provide academic instruction to students through lecture, lab, or performance courses. Create assignments and activities in one-on-one, classroom, and distance mediated instructional settings for development of cognitive abilities, communication skills, and higher order thinking skills among students. E
Observe and evaluate student performance in meeting course objectives and student learning outcomes through assignments, projects, discussions, and examinations; provide feedback in a timely manner to student inquiries in class, online, or during established consultation office hours. E
Maintain current, accurate records of course enrollment, attendance, student academic progress, and course curriculum; prepare and submit grades, data, and reports related to the course and student progress in a timely manner. E
Maintain a program of scholarly and/or creative activity that is relevant to the area of choral music. E
Teach and hold regular office hours in person on campus at least four days per week. E
Provide a course syllabus to students in each class within the first week of the class, as outlined in the faculty handbook. E
Adhere to the responsibilities related to teaching, advising, service, and scholarly, professional, and creative activities, as outlined in the faculty handbook. E
Maintain professional and ethical standards in all duties E
Attend and participate on committees and in the department, division, campus, and University meetings.
Perform related duties as assigned. E
Evening and weekend hours may be required. E

Knowledge Of

Current theory and practice within the discipline of choral conducting and singing.
Appropriate repertoire for college-based choral ensembles. Effective pedagogical approaches to teaching students with diverse musical backgrounds and experiences.
Experience and success working with a diverse student population, including students from historically underserved groups and first-generation students, as well as students with documented learning disabilities.
Principles and best practices of effective teaching.
Student learning outcomes and methods of assessment.
University curricula.
Community and campus resources, services, programs, and professionals available to students.
Methods of gathering, analyzing, and preparing data
Modern computing technology.
Record-keeping techniques concerning student enrollment, attendance, and progress.

Ability To

Demonstrate a thorough and accurate knowledge of the subject, field, or discipline.
Deliver course curricula in various learning styles.
Exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, social, economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of University students.
Exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the needs of students with disabilities.
Integrate current and emerging instructional delivery technologies into the learning process to enhance teaching and the educational experience.
Maintain professional standards that protect student confidentiality.
Work constructively with their colleagues and to treat faculty, staff, administrators, and students with respect and professionalism.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing using tact, patience, and courtesy
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action.
Demonstrate commitment to professional excellence and continuous growth within the subject, field, or discipline.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a terminal degree (D.M.A. or Ph.D.) in Choral Conducting, Vocal Performance, or Choral Music Education from an accredited institution. ABD will be considered with a set date for when the doctorate will be successfully earned.

Preferred Qualifications

Licenses and other requirements

None

Physical Abilities

Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence; communicate clearly to exchange information in person and via the telephone or video; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery; stationary position for extended periods of time; move or transport light objects; position self to store and/or retrieve files.

Indoor classroom environment; subject to visiting a variety of classroom sites on campus.

Hiring Range

Hiring Range $73,000 - $82,000

Posting Number

Posting Number Faculty001332020

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date 08/23/2027

Position End Date

Open Date

Open Date 10/01/2026

Close Date

Close Date 11/15/2026

Open Until Filled

Statement

California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility of the University on the basis of these factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University’s policies, procedures, and processes.

Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process can be provided, "Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information or to request an accommodation."

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents