Assistant Professor of Music

Western Colorado University; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Colorado University invites applications for a full-time, Assistant Professor of Music with a specialization in Choir and Music Education. The in-person, on-campus role is on a vibrant Gunnison campus.

The successful candidate will lead vocal ensembles, teach courses within their expertise, and direct the annual Western Slope Honor Choir. The department emphasizes undergraduate education, high-impact practices, and inclusive, interdisciplinary learning, with a 24-credit-hour teaching

Qualifications

• Must have DMA or terminal degree in Music; ABD considered for appointment.
• Ability to use technology in instruction and teach online/hybrid courses.
• Commitment to undergraduate education and student-centered learning.
• Collegiality and professional flexibility are valued.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging instruction for vocal ensembles and related courses.
• Teach courses aligned with expertise and discipline needs.
• Organize and deliver the annual Western Slope Honor Choir as a service duty.
• Engage students in internships, research, and community-based learning.

Skills

Choral direction

Undergraduate teaching

Technology in instruction

Online instruction

Education

DMA or terminal degree in Music

ABD considered

Job description

Position Summary

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.

Learn more about the Music Program at: www.western.edu/music Learn more about the School of the Arts at: https://western.edu/department/school-of-the-arts/

Please note: Western is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications: A DMA or other terminal degree with an emphasis in Music is required; ABD also considered for appointment. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education, excellence in teaching, and willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of all students. Candidates must also be able to use technology in instructional delivery, including the ability to teach online and hybrid courses. Collegiality and professional flexibility are sought in the successful candidate.

Preferred Qualifications: Choir direction at the collegiate level is preferred; candidates with public school choir direction will be considered. Undergraduate teaching experience in music education pedagogy courses is preferred; candidates with public school teaching experience in music will be considered. Undergraduate teaching experience in music theory, aural skills, class piano, instrumental lessons, voice lessons, and/or music history is preferred.

SALARY/BENEFITS

$55,000-$58,000 annualized salary.

Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options.

After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

START DATE

August 16, 2027.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

November 1, 2026.

Contact

Please direct questions to the search chair Ben Justis at: [e-mail]

Location

Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statements

Western Colorado University encourages qualified candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.

Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants in accordance with applicable law.

Western is an equal opportunity employer including disability/vets. Western Colorado University is an equal opportunity employer including disability/veterans. It is the ongoing policy and practice of Western Colorado University to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants.

No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law.

ADAAAC COMMODATIONS: Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship.

If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at [e-mail] or [phone].

At Western Colorado University our faculty members and staff share a strong commitment to an inclusive and personalized education and take pride in following a set of values that form our vision as a university. Our shared values of courage, growth, inclusivity, integrity and stewardship provide the foundation for our culture and our work. Our faculty and staff are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. With the Rocky Mountains as our laboratory, Western is a premier public provider of rigorous, immersive education for our undergraduate and graduate students. The curriculum provides professional flexibility where experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches are valued. Employees have chosen Western because of the quality of life combined with rewarding careers.