Professor of Music in Instrumental Music

Taylor University

Taylor University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Professor of Music in Instrumental Music to begin in Fall 2027.

We seek a gifted teacher, artist, and colleague to join the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance. This faculty member will contribute to the continued growth, vitality, and artistic excellence of instrumental music at Taylor University while serving music majors, general education students, and the broader campus community.

Mission and Commitment Taylor's mission is to develop servant-leaders marked with a passion to minister Christ’s redemptive love, grace, and truth to a world in need. As a community, Taylor faculty, staff, and students commit to living out Christ’s love and truth in the here and now. We worship together, serve one another, and grow in faith as we learn in the classroom, on the field, at chapel, and anywhere else we’re doing Life Together.

Duties and Responsibilities

This position is designed to provide leadership and instructional support in instrumental music. The responsibilities of the position will be shaped according to the successful candidate’s expertise and the needs of the department. There is a preference for candidates with administrative leadership experience or the potential for future administrative leadership.

Duties may include the following, according to the candidate’s expertise:

• Directing one or more instrumental ensembles:

• Symphony Orchestra

• Wind Ensemble

• Jazz Ensemble

• Teaching applied instrumental lessons in the candidate’s area of specialization

• Teaching undergraduate courses in areas such as:

• Music Appreciation

• Survey of 20th Century Music and Art

• Music History and Literature

• Instrumental Methods

• Secondary School Methods

• Music Theory sequence, depending on qualifications

• Serving as a mentor and advisor to undergraduate music students, including students in instrumental music education

• Supporting recruitment efforts through outreach to prospective students, school music programs, clinics, festivals, and community partners

• Working with area instrumental programs in high schools for clinics, recruiting, and relationship-building

• Visiting instrumental student teachers in placements, as applicable

• Contributing to departmental service, ensemble programming, assessment, accreditation needs, and broader university initiatives

• Maintaining an active profile in performance, scholarship, publication, creative activity, and/or professional engagement

Course assignments, ensemble leadership, and other responsibilities will be determined in conversation with the successful candidate and will reflect both departmental needs and the candidate’s training, experience, and strengths.

Typical Qualifications

Required qualifications include:

• Completed doctorate in music by the time of appointment

• Collegiate teaching experience

• Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching and student mentorship

• Strong musicianship and the ability to contribute meaningfully to instrumental music instruction and ensemble leadership

• Commitment to the mission and educational vision of Taylor University

Preferred qualifications include:

• Expertise in instrumental conducting, applied instrumental performance, instrumental music education, or a related area

• Ability to teach across more than one area of the undergraduate music curriculum

• Experience directing instrumental ensembles such as orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, or similar groups

• Experience mentoring music education students and/or supervising student teachers

• Evidence of effective recruitment, school outreach, or community engagement

• Active record of performance, scholarship, publication, or other professional creative activity

Supplemental Information

About the Department

Taylor University’s Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance is a collaborative, student-centered community committed to artistic excellence, academic rigor, and the integration of Christian faith and learning. The department serves students pursuing professional preparation in music as well as students across the university who participate in ensembles, applied study, and courses in the arts.

Instrumental music plays an important role in the life of the department and the university through ensemble performances, applied instruction, student mentorship, outreach to schools and churches, and recruitment-focused artistic engagement. The department is eager to welcome a colleague who will invest deeply in students, strengthen ensemble and applied music opportunities, collaborate with faculty across the performing arts, and help shape the future of instrumental music at Taylor.