Assistant Teaching Professor: Orchestra Conductor/Director

Assistant Teaching Professor: Orchestra Conductor/Director

Assistant Teaching Professor – Orchestra Conductor/Director of Orchestral Activities, to begin Fall 2026. This is a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure track appointment, with an initial three-year term and the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will be a dynamic, innovative orchestral conductor and applied strings teacher on viola, cello, or contrabass. Candidates must demonstrate a record of sustained excellence in musicianship through orchestral performance and university-level teaching; proven success leading a university orchestral program; the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students; experience recruiting and teaching outstanding undergraduate and graduate students; and a growing regional to national profile as a conductor and pedagogue. Responsibilities include conducting the orchestra, teaching applied string lessons, undergraduate and graduate conducting and orchestral repertoire courses, as well as related duties as assigned by the Director of the School.
Qualifications include a doctoral degree (DMA or PhD) in Orchestral Conducting or a closely related field from an accredited institution, or commensurate professional experience at the very highest level. Minimum of 2 years of successful collegiate experience as a conductor and teacher of orchestral music. Minimum of 2 years teaching applied string lessons. Minimum of 2 years' performing experience as a string player either in chamber music, orchestra, or solo. Experience in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate conducting students.
Job specific qualifications include current knowledge of orchestral repertoire and performance practice. Effective rehearsal and conducting techniques and skills. Strong communicative and interpersonal skills that contribute to a respectful work environment. Ability to create imaginative/innovative concert programs. Ability to develop strategies in defining and supporting the future direction of the orchestra program and the Setnor School of Music. Ability to utilize and implement new pedagogies and classroom strategies to advance comprehensive learning opportunities. The school is particularly interested in candidates who have communication abilities and cross-cultural competencies to maximize their effectiveness with many different groups of students, colleagues, and community members.
Responsibilities include conducting the Syracuse University Symphony and String Orchestra, and mentoring graduate assistants assigned to these ensembles. Teaching applied string lessons on viola, cello, or contrabass. Teaching conducting and literature classes to undergraduate and graduate students. Serving on committees in the School, College, and University. This may include program development, community outreach, student advising, mentoring of student organizations, and participating in accreditation- and assessment-related activities. Providing artistic and administrative leadership for the orchestra program and collaborating closely with strings faculty and all faculty in program planning, recruitment, and outreach. Maintaining active expertise in the field of orchestral conducting and pedagogy. Other teaching within candidate's area of expertise as assigned by the Director.