Assistant Professor of Music

The Rhodes College Department of Music invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Music (choral) to begin August 2027. Rhodes hosts a thriving music community at this small liberal arts college with big-city opportunities. It is the mission of the Department of Music to create a welcoming and collaborative undergraduate community that combines the best of the classroom, the practice room, and the real world through performing, internships, service, research, and other opportunities in Memphis and beyond. Our students participate in all aspects of the music program while pursuing any major at Rhodes. The successful candidate will be a dynamic choral director who is an expert in and advocate for broad and diverse choral works, including but not limited to non-Western music, the music of traditionally marginalized groups, and/or World music.

This faculty member will be expected to bring this expertise to Rhodes College’s flagship concert choir, Rhodes Singers, and continue to enrich the College’s tradition of excellence in the fine arts by teaching conducting as well as courses in an area of specialization (e.g., history, theory, electronic music production, record engineering, composition, computer music) to complete a 3/2 teaching load each academic year. Special consideration would be given to candidates whose courses might also contribute to Rhodes College’s interdisciplinary programs (e.g., Africana Studies, Asian and Asian American Studies, Environmental Studies and Sciences, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Jewish/Islamic/Middle Eastern Studies, Search [Interdisciplinary Humanities], Urban Studies).

The successful candidate will have evidence of a developing trajectory for research and/or creative activity. Rhodes College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Details: Start date: August 9, 2027

Requirements

1. Doctorate in Music
2. Evidence of experience and success in directing choirs and in higher education teaching
3. Evidence of teaching conducting
4. Ability to teach courses in other (interdisciplinary) areas
5. Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications (not required but to be considered)

1. College-level teaching experience
2. Relevant industry and practical experience

Rhodes is a nationally ranked residential college committed to the liberal arts and sciences. Our highest priorities are intellectual engagement, community excellence, service to others, and honor among ourselves. Our students live and learn on one of the country’s most beautiful campuses, located in the heart of Memphis, an economic, medical, and culturally diverse center, making Rhodes one of a handful of prominent liberal arts colleges in a major metropolitan area.

Rhodes College prides itself on providing a welcoming environment for employees of all backgrounds, viewpoints, and life experiences. We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or other protected characteristics.

A complete application will include 1) a cover letter that addresses the strengths the candidate will bring as a teacher and scholar to a liberal arts college environment; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a separate statement that addresses how the candidate will foster an inclusive learning environment where students from a wide variety of perspectives, beliefs, and backgrounds learn how to engage in civil and respectful dialogue.

Also, you must include the following under Additional Documents: 1) Teaching Philosophy 2) Artist’s statement 3) Video Recording of Choral Rehearsal directed by you 4) Video Recording of Choral Performance conducted by you

Review of completed applications will begin September 30 and will continue until the position is filled. Letters of recommendation will only be solicited for short-listed applicants, at which time you will be prompted for the names and contact information for three (3) references. Background checks are required before candidates can be brought to campus for interviews.