Tenure-Track Full-Time Faculty in Music

Society for Music Theory; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 77,357 - 133,945; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Retirement benefits

Faculty chapel and wellness program

Job summary

Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) invites applications for two full-time, tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor of Music beginning Fall 2026. Candidates will lead and direct the university’s choral program, teach choral methods and conducting, and contribute to a growing department with diverse degree offerings.

Successful candidates will demonstrate excellence in teaching, artistic or scholarly activity, and a clear commitment to PLNU's Christian mission and values, with flexibility to

Qualifications

• Evidence of successful teaching at the collegiate or secondary level.
• Excellence as a choral conductor, theorist, or commercial music practitioner, with the flexibility to teach in multiple areas of the curriculum.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to a collaborative department and to PLNU's Christian mission.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the university's choral program and ensembles.
• Teach Choral Conducting, Choral Methods, Choral Literature, and related courses.
• Teach Theory, Core Musicianship, and Commercial Music courses for traditional and commercial majors.
• Contribute to curriculum development, advising, and program growth across the department.
• Support outreach and collaboration with campus and community choirs and performances.

Skills

Collaborative leadership

Mentoring students

Effective communication

Commitment to faith-based education

Education

Master's degree in Music or related field

Doctorate (PhD or DMA) preferred

Job description

Job Title

Assistant or Associate Professor of Music

Pay Range

PLNU pays its faculty using a payscale based on experience and academic rank. Faculty salaries using this scale for a 2-semester appointment range from $77,357 to $133,945. The actual salary will be based on the experience and rank of the candidate selected to fill these positions.

Reporting Process

Both positions will report to the Associate Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Public Engagement.

Benefits

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources, including health, dental, and retirement benefits. PLNU also provides opportunities to engage with the university community through faculty chapel, weekly faculty lunches, and a robust wellness program.

Job Status

Full time

Job Description

The Department of Music at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) invites applications for two full-time, tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professors of Music beginning Fall 2026. Together, these faculty members will provide leadership and instruction in Choral Activities, Music Theory and Core Musicianship, and Commercial Music, each according to their skills, experience, and training. The department seeks dynamic, collaborative educators and artists who will contribute to a thriving community of students pursuing degrees in Music, Music Education, and Commercial Music. Candidates should demonstrate excellence in teaching, artistic or scholarly activity, and a clear commitment to PLNU's Christian mission and values. (The job descriptions for these two positions have been left intentionally flexible to allow the department to shape each position according to the skills, experience, and training of candidates exhibiting the best mission fit for the department and the university.)

The successful candidates will combine to cover the following responsibilities.

Each selected candidate will be assigned responsibilities based on their strengths; no single candidate is expected to perform all duties listed.

Choral Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the university's choral program, including conducting, leading, and traveling with the university Concert Choir
• Develop and direct additional ensembles aligned with student and faculty interest (e.g., Gospel Choir, Chamber Choir, or Jazz Choir, etc.)
• Teach undergraduate courses such as Conducting, Choral Methods, Choral Literature, and/or Church Music
• Maintain and evolve annual choral traditions such as Cider Celebration, Madrigal Dinner, and Messiah (Choral Union)
• Recruit and mentor students interested in music and choral studies

Theory & Core Musicianship

• Teach a range of music theory, aural skills, and core musicianship courses that serve both traditional and commercial music majors
• Mentor and advise students in theory and composition

Commercial Music

• Teach Commercial Music courses such as Arranging, Songwriting, Digital Audio I/II, Studio Production, or Commercial Music Ensemble

History & General Music Studies

• Teach music history and world music

General Faculty Responsibilities

• Participate actively in curriculum development, student advising, and program growth across the department
• Support collaborative performances, interdepartmental initiatives, and community/church outreach events and/or tours
• Engage in creative or scholarly work appropriate to the faculty member's area of specialization
• Contribute to departmental governance, recruitment, and committee service
• Demonstrate a consistent commitment to inclusive pedagogy, diverse musical traditions, and the integration of faith and learning in a liberal arts context
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Music Department, including Commercial Music and Music Education faculty
• Participate in departmental meetings and service consistent with PLNU's mission
• Other duties as assigned by the Assistant/Associate Dean

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Music, Music Education, Conducting, Theory, Commercial Music, or a related field
• Evidence of successful teaching at the collegiate or secondary level
• Demonstrated excellence as a choral conductor, theorist, or commercial music practitioner, with the flexibility to teach in multiple areas of the curriculum
• Strong collaborative and communication skills
• Commitment to mentoring students, nurturing musical excellence, and fostering spiritual growth within a Christian university environment
• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.

Desired Qualifications (depending upon the position)

• Doctorate (PhD or DMA) in Music, Music Education, Conducting, Theory, or a related field, or commensurate professional experience
• Keyboard proficiency and ability to demonstrate concepts at the piano
• National stature as a choral conductor, theorist, composer, and/or commercial musician
• Evidence of highly developed choral conducting and rehearsal skills
• Prior experience teaching at the university level

Located on PLNU's oceanfront campus in San Diego, the Department of Music offers students and faculty an inspiring setting for performance, scholarship, and creative work.

The PLNU Department of Music offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music, Music Education, Commercial Music, Performance, and Music and Worship.

The Department of Music is housed in the Cooper Music Center and features a 325-seat concert hall, well-appointed rehearsal spaces, practice rooms, faculty studios, a multi-track recording studio, and post-production facilities.

Selection Process

• Phone or Zoom Interview with the search committee
• On-campus interview with the search committee
• Conduct a rehearsal of the Concert Choir
• Teaching demonstration in an applicable field
• Interaction with students and faculty in the Department of Music
• Interview with the Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Public Engagement
• Interview with the Provost
• Interview with the President of the University
• Cover Letter (including your philosophy of teaching in Christian higher education)
• Statement of Personal Faith (including your personal testimony or faith journey)
• Names and contact information for three professional references
• Unofficial transcripts for highest degree completed

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.