Assistant Professor of Music

Position Summary:

Job Description:

Western Colorado University invites applications for a full-time, Assistant Professor of Music, with a specialization in Choir and Music Education. We seek a dynamic teacher-scholar who is committed to student-centered learning, professional preparation, and inclusive, interdisciplinary education. This is an in-person, on-campus position on our vibrant residential campus in Gunnison, Colorado.

The standard teaching load is 24 credit hours per academic year. The successful candidate will deliver engaging, well-designed instruction for our vocal ensembles and will teach other courses aligned with their expertise and discipline needs. This position organizes and delivers the annual Western Slope Honor Choir as a service duty. We especially value faculty who engage students in high-impact practices such as internships, research, community-based learning, and who participate in our Western Watershed General Education and First-Year Seminar Headwaters courses. We value faculty who work to prepare students for a livelihood based on their values and aid students in gaining post-graduate opportunities.

The Music Program resides within the new School of the Arts at Western, which serves approximately 160 students enrolled across six disciplines: art, design, film, music, industrial design, and theatre. It also provides substantial service to the Western Watershed program. Students can earn a BA degree in Music Education (with K-12 licensure), Music Industry, or Music Performance; combining rigorous academic preparation with high-impact experiential learning.

Learn more about the Music Program at: www.western.edu/music

Learn more about the School of the Arts at: https://western.edu/department/school-of-the-arts/

Please note: Western is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• A DMA or other terminal degree with an emphasis in Music is required; ABD also considered for appointment. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education, excellence in teaching, and willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of all students. Candidates must also be able to use technology in instructional delivery, including the ability to teach online and hybrid courses. Collegiality and professional flexibility are sought in the successful candidate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Choir direction at the collegiate level is preferred; candidates with public school choir direction will be considered.
• Undergraduate teaching experience in music education pedagogy courses is preferred; candidates with public school teaching experience in music will be considered.
• Undergraduate teaching experience in music theory, aural skills, class piano, instrumental lessons, voice lessons, and/or music history is preferred.

SALARY/BENEFITS: $55,000-$58,000 annualized salary. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

START DATE: August 16, 2027

APPLICATION: Apply online at www.western.edu/jobs.  Required attachments to the application include: letter of application detailing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications, curriculum vitae, a document with links to video of choral performances and/or rehearsal they have directed, and a reference list with names and contact information of three references, including one from a current supervisor. Optionally, candidates may submit a document with links to video of their own vocal or instrumental performance.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Please direct questions to the search chair Ben Justis at: bjustis@western.edu

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 1, 2026. Screening of applications will begin immediately.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.

Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District.

Western Colorado University encourages qualified candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants in accordance with applicable law.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS

It is the ongoing policy and practice of Western Colorado University to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants.  No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law.

ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140.