Southern Oregon Univ.

The Oregon Center for the Arts at Southern Oregon University is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track, Assistant Professor of Music – Director of Choral/Vocal Studies & Music History position in the Music Program. The Music Program seeks a candidate with great versatility who understands how diverse experiences in choral/vocal music link to the Creative Industries in myriad ways.

Duties include: assuming the position of Director of Choral/Vocal Studies and teaching the upper-division music history sequence. The successful candidate will direct all facets of the University Choral/Vocal Program including conducting the Chamber and Concert Choirs, developing a strong relationship with regional music educators, and leading the annual High School Honor Choir Festival. They will be expected to contribute to the program, division, and university through active recruitment, departmental and interdisciplinary committees, and ongoing engagement in scholarly, creative, and professional activities. They will initiate curricular and pedagogical approaches that reflect innovative directions by embracing stylistic plurality and cultural diversity in their teaching and music-making. The position will require a dynamic vision and an ongoing plan for recruiting and retention of music majors and ensemble members.

Additionally, assignments may include choral conducting, vocal/choral methods, individual instruction to majors and non-majors in the candidate’s applied area, and/or courses in other areas of expertise; for example, courses and ensembles related to popular music, jazz, improvisation, or composition. In the long-term, the candidate could develop a Master of Music in Conducting or another appropriate graduate program.

Minimum Qualifications

- Applicants should have at least two years of experience teaching in higher education or in the professional music field.

- Applicants should provide documented evidence of teaching excellence and scholarly/artistic activities.

- An accomplished choral conductor.

- Experience in choral and vocal pedagogy.

- Experience recruiting music majors and choral music ensemble students.

- Demonstration of effective teaching and mentorship.

- Ability to work collaboratively and cordially with fellow faculty, students, and guest artists from diverse backgrounds.

- The technical knowledge to work with advanced students as well as the desire, ability, and patience to teach and train novice students.

- Evidence of sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, LGBTQ+, and ethnic backgrounds of staff and students.

- Active member of ACDA, NAfME, or other professional organizations according to candidate’s area of expertise.