Assistant Professor of Music - UT Southern Job at The University of Tennessee So

Overview

The University of Tennessee Southern invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Music, tenure-track, in the School of Arts & Humanities. The ideal candidate will have a proven record of teaching excellence in their area and an active creative and/or scholarly agenda with the potential to contribute meaningfully to the campus and community. We are looking for candidates who are dynamic instructors who put students first. The standard teaching load for tenure-track instructors is twelve (12) credit hours per semester; this position also carries a course release for Director of Choral Activities. As Director of Choral Activities, you will conduct Community Choir and oversee its administrative procedures, including planning and advertising concerts locally and planning or participating in relevant community events.

Primary consideration will be given to candidates with experience teaching music courses at the undergraduate level, experience conducting choral ensembles, providing voice lessons, experience teaching music technology and music education. Experience working with community ensembles and functional piano skills are preferred. This is a full-time, tenure-track position beginning in January 2026.

About The University

The University of Tennessee Southern (UT Southern) is a public university established in 2021 through the acquisition of Martin Methodist College, founded in 1870. Located in Pulaski, UT Southern is the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System. It is the only public four-year institution of higher education between Chattanooga and Memphis, and situated along Tennessee’s southern border, the campus is conveniently located about 70 miles south of Nashville and 40 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama. The over 1,000 students enrolled at UT Southern enjoy a private, small-college experience at an affordable, public-university cost. Low student-teacher ratios, high classroom personalization, and the resources of a land-grant university system are among the many advantages students experience. Nearly 30 academic programs are available through the schools of business, education, arts and humanities, mathematics and sciences, nursing, and social sciences. The UT Southern Firehawks compete in the Southern States Athletic Conference, with 19 nationally competitive athletic teams.

The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved UT Southern’s inaugural five-year strategic plan: Igniting Excellence. The plan emphasizes enhancing academic excellence, transforming student experiences, and fostering campus and community engagement. UT Southern’s vision is to be a center for education, community leadership, and workforce development in south-central Tennessee. Its mission is to provide an inspiring student-centered and transformative academic experience that empowers students to excel, nurture intellectual inquiry, and instill a commitment to lifelong learning, while fostering engagement with stakeholders to advance change in the region and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory and upper-level courses in Music determined by the School Chair
• Conduct two curricular ensembles and one community ensemble
• Serve as Director of Choral Activities
• Teach applied music lessons in the candidate’s area of expertise
• Teach lessons in the Music Academy and summer camp when applicable
• Teach in-person and online courses in general education courses and in the candidate’s area of expertise
• Serve on committees as requested
• Work with learners of all backgrounds
• Mentor or support students from a wide variety of backgrounds and with differing levels of academic preparedness
• Employ a variety of teaching methods and styles to effectively meet learner needs
• Meet weekly office hours and other duties required to meet student and college needs

Qualifications

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate in Choral Conducting or closely related field (degree must be completed by January 1, 2026).
• Demonstrated potential for effective teaching at the college level
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to effectively facilitate learning and support student success
• Strong commitment to excellence and uncompromised integrity
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administrators
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of UT Southern

Application Process

For full consideration, candidates should apply electronically using the link below with a 1) cover letter addressing their interest in and qualifications for the role, 2) a CV/resume including the names of at least three professional references (include name, email, phone number, and nature of the relationship), 4) a document with links to recent performance and rehearsal video (recorded within the last 5 years) with a clear, unobstructed view of the conductor. Rehearsal video should be 10-15 minutes in length, performance video should include 2-3 pieces representing contrasting styles. Finally, please include 5) a statement of teaching philosophy.