G0513 Instructor of Music

Norfolk State University; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Norfolk State University invites applications for an Instructor of Music to support undergraduate instruction within the Division of Visual and Performing Arts. The one-year appointment will involve teaching courses in music literature, theory, piano, and the Spartan Seminar, while contributing to student learning and academic success.

The successful candidate will develop syllabi, assess student work, provide feedback, and collaborate with faculty to advance department goals.

Qualifications

• Master of Music degree in Theory/Composition or closely related field.
• Experience playing and/or teaching piano.
• Demonstrated knowledge of music literature and music history.
• Ability to teach undergraduate music theory, music literature, piano, and related courses.
• Ability to communicate clearly in written and oral forms.
• Experience using computers and instructional or administrative software.
• Ability to assess student work in writing, speaking, and musical performance.

Responsibilities

• Teach assigned courses in music literature, music theory, piano, and Spartan Seminar.
• Prepare and deliver course content aligned with outcomes and curriculum requirements.
• Develop syllabi, course materials, assignments, and assessments.
• Evaluate student learning through varied assessment methods.
• Provide timely feedback on student progress and skill development.
• Maintain attendance, grading, and academic records per policy.
• Submit grades and reports by deadlines.
• Communicate professionally with students, faculty, staff, and admins.

Skills

Piano

Music theory

Music literature

Communication

Instructional software

Education

Master of Music in Theory/Composition

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Teams

Job description

Position Announcement: G0513 Instructor of Music

Appointment Type: One-Year Appointment

Department/Division: Department of Visual and Performing Arts/Music

Work Schedule: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., variable based on instructional and departmental needs

Position Summary

The Instructor of Music is a one-year appointment responsible for supporting the instructional mission of the Division of Music by teaching undergraduate courses in music and related areas. The successful candidate will teach courses such as music literature, music theory, piano, and Spartan Seminar. This position contributes to student learning, artistic development, and academic success by providing high-quality instruction, assessing student performance and written work, and supporting departmental and university goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach assigned courses in music literature, music theory, piano, and Spartan Seminar.
• Prepare and deliver course content that supports student learning outcomes and departmental curriculum requirements.
• Develop and maintain syllabi, course materials, assignments, examinations, and assessments.
• Evaluate student learning through written assignments, oral presentations, musical performance, examinations, and other appropriate assessment methods.
• Provide timely feedback to students regarding academic progress, performance, and skill development.
• Hold classes regularly, on time, and for the full scheduled duration.
• Maintain accurate attendance, grading, and academic records in accordance with institutional policies.
• Submit grades, syllabi, assessment data, reports, and other required documentation by established deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Use appropriate technology and software platforms to support instruction, communication, and reporting.
• Participate in departmental meetings, activities, and other duties related to the instructional mission of the university as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities. However, the Instructor of Music may provide guidance, feedback, and academic support to students in classroom, studio, and performance-related settings.

Required Qualifications

• Master of Music degree in Theory/Composition or a closely related field.
• Experience playing and/or teaching piano.
• Demonstrated knowledge of music literature and music history.
• Ability to teach undergraduate music theory, music literature, piano, and related courses.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and oral forms.
• Experience using computers and instructional or administrative software.
• Ability to assess student work in writing, speaking, and musical performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching music at the secondary level.
• College-level teaching experience.
• Possession of a valid teaching license.
• Experience using Microsoft platforms, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, or related applications.
• Experience teaching diverse student populations.
• Demonstrated ability to support student success through advising, mentoring, or academic support.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of music theory, composition, music literature, and music history.
• Proficiency in piano performance and/or piano pedagogy.
• Ability to design and deliver effective instruction for students with varied levels of preparation and musical experience.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to evaluate student work fairly, consistently, and in alignment with course objectives.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback on written assignments, spoken presentations, and musical performances.
• Competence with computers, learning tools, and common office software, preferably Microsoft platforms.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and follow university procedures for grading, reporting, and course documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and administrators.
• Commitment to professionalism, student learning, and the academic mission of the university.

Decision-Making/Independent Judgment

The Instructor of Music is expected to exercise independent judgment in matters related to classroom instruction, course preparation, student assessment, and academic support. This includes selecting appropriate teaching strategies, evaluating student performance, managing classroom activities, responding to student questions, and determining how best to support student learning within established curriculum guidelines and university policies.

The employee is also expected to make appropriate day-to-day decisions regarding course organization, communication with students, grading practices, and timely completion of required administrative responsibilities. Matters involving policy interpretation, student concerns beyond the instructor’s authority, or unusual circumstances should be referred to the appropriate department chair, dean, or university administrator.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

This position is generally performed in a classroom, studio, office, or campus instructional environment. The normal work schedule is 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., though hours may vary based on course schedules, departmental needs, meetings, events, or other assigned responsibilities.

• Periodic standing during instruction or performance-related activities.
• Short walks between campus buildings.
• Occasional or rare light lifting of approximately 5-10 pounds, such as carrying books, music materials, classroom supplies, or equipment.
• Use of computers and office equipment for instructional and administrative duties.
• Evening or weekend responsibilities may occasionally be required depending on departmental events, performances, meetings, or university needs.

Performance Expectations

• Meeting all assigned classes regularly, on time, and for the full scheduled duration.
• Providing effective instruction that supports course objectives and student learning outcomes.
• Submitting grades, syllabi, reports, and other required documentation accurately and by established deadlines.
• Maintaining professional and clear communication with students, colleagues, and administrators.
• Providing timely and meaningful assessment of student work in writing, speaking, and performance.
• Supporting student success through preparation, responsiveness, and professional engagement.
• Following departmental and university policies and procedures.
• Contributing positively to the instructional mission and academic environment of the department and university.

Other Duties

The employee may be assigned other duties as necessary to support the needs of the department, division, and university.

Salary Range: $55K - $65K

Contact Information

Name: Office of Human Resources

Phone: [phone]

Email: NO EMAILED DOCUMENTS ACCEPTED

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Contact Pathways