Assistant/Associate Professor of Music (Director of Jazz and Commercial Music Studies) at Ball State University in Ball State University

Job description

Position Title: Assistant/Associate Professor of Music (Director of Jazz and Commercial Music Studies) Compensation: $65,000 - $67,000 Department: School of Music Start Date: 08/16/2027 About this opportunity: Ball State University School of Music seeks a dynamic and dedicated musician, educator, and leader to serve as Assistant/Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz and Commercial Music Studies starting in the 2027–2028 academic year. The candidate should have a record of national and/or international accomplishments and a broad range of skills necessary to mentor students in the creation and performance of jazz and commercial music. The successful candidate will provide leadership to the Jazz and Commercial Studies programs by: -Leading the growth of the jazz and commercial music programs; -Maintaining a high level of performance excellence in student ensembles; -Coordinating the jazz and commercial music programs within the broader School of Music; -Developing and executing a recruitment strategy for the jazz and commercial programs; -Contribute to the refinement and development of jazz and commercial music curricula; -Assist with teaching assignments of full-time and adjunct faculty and graduate assistants. Our dynamic faculty function as collaborative, innovative, and adaptive members of the College of Fine Arts community, both within and beyond the School of Music, dedicated as teachers, productive in creative and/or scholarly work, engaged in public service activities, and contributing to the Ball State and Muncie communities and beyond. Additionally, lifelong learning at Ball State University extends educational engagement beyond the classroom and includes learning for professional development, personal enrichment, or other goals throughout one’s lifetime. Faculty will be expected to participate in the department’s, college’s, and university’s lifelong learning opportunities when available and may be assigned teaching responsibility in this area as part of their overall responsibilities. Employer will consider sponsorship. What you'll do and what you will bring: Description: Provide leadership to the Jazz and Commercial Studies programs by: -Leading the growth of the jazz and commercial music programs; -Maintaining a high level of performance excellence in student ensembles; -Coordinating the jazz and commercial music programs within the broader School of Music; -Developing and executing a recruitment strategy for the jazz and commercial programs; -Contribute to the refinement and development of jazz and commercial music curricula; -Assist with teaching assignments of full-time and adjunct faculty and graduate assistants. Responsibilities: - Lead the BSU Jazz I ensemble - Coordinate jazz and commercial music ensembles, combos, and other related performing groups. - Serve as area coordinator for faculty and graduate assistants in the jazz and commercial music programs. - Teach academic courses in the discipline, which may include history, theory, arranging, improvisation, and other related topics. - Teach applied music in the discipline on a relevant instrument of expertise. - Participate in the governance of the School, College, and University as the representative of Jazz and Commercial Study - Contribute the scholarly and creative output of the School. - Promote engagement with the regional community, Indiana, and the Midwest. Minimum Qualifications: A master’s degree in jazz or commercial music performance or closely related field. Leadership experience and skills necessary to lead collegiate jazz and commercial music studies programs, including leading the premiere ensemble in Jazz. Two years of faculty experience teaching jazz and/or commercial music at the collegiate level Preferred Qualifications: Doctoral degree in jazz, commercial music, or an appropriate related field. Distinguished record of program leadership in jazz and/or commercial music at the collegiate level. The ideal candidate will have a