The Denison University Department of Music invites applications for a visiting assistant professor/Assistant Director of Roots Music appointment starting in the Spring or Fall of 2027, continuing through the Spring 2028 term. This full-time position is anticipated to include one traditional course equivalent and a 3.5 course equivalent of private lessons per academic year (4.5 course equivalent, 0.75 FTE), with potential opportunities to teach other courses within the prescribed teaching load, depending on the needs of the department and interests of the candidate. A Bachelor’s degree in Music, Roots Music, or a related field by the start date is required. A Master's degree in Music, Roots Music, or a related field by the start date is preferred, but candidates that have a Bachelor's degree with significant professional experience in the field will also be considered (candidates with less than a discipline-appropriate terminal degree or ABD for the terminal degree would be titled as Instructor). Prior experience teaching Roots music at the undergraduate level is preferred.
In their cover letter, candidates should address their experience interacting with and mentoring undergraduate students. They should provide evidence of teaching excellence and the ability to create effective active learning experiences in the classroom. The Asst. Dir. of Roots Music candidate will assist with the DU American Roots Ensemble and teach private lessons in traditional Roots music instruments (which may include but are not limited to banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar). Candidates also should speak to their ability to contribute to key components of Denison's mission “... to inspire and educate our students to become autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents and active citizens of a democratic society.”
Denison University is a diverse, highly selective, residential liberal arts college enrolling approximately 2,400 students from across the nation and around the world. We emphasize building a supportive environment so that every student has the opportunity to succeed. We are located thirty miles from Columbus, Ohio, the state capital, which hosts many cultural and artistic opportunities.
The Department of Music graduates about 30 majors and minors each year. In addition to a BA in Music (with specializations offered in Performance, Composition, Music History, and Roots music), we also offer minors in each area of specialization. Denison’s American Roots Music program is built on the string band format with a focus on Bluegrass. Students are presented opportunities to develop their skill and knowledge of a wide variety of music and artists ranging from the 19th century through modern times through private lessons, ensemble performances, and history courses.
A Bachelor’s degree in Music, Roots Music, or a related field by the start date is required. A Master's degree in Music, Roots Music, or a related field by the start date is preferred, but candidates that have a Bachelor's degree with significant professional experience in the field will also be considered (candidates with less than a discipline-appropriate terminal degree or ABD for the terminal degree would be titled as Instructor). Prior experience teaching Roots music at the undergraduate level is preferred.
To apply, please upload a cover letter addressing this job description, a CV, a statement on your teaching philosophy, and a statement on your experience in the Roots field and your envisioned trajectory. In addition, upload 3-4 links to your work as a performer–these may include commercially distributed recordings, but please include at least one video of a live performance. Also ask three persons who know you well to upload reference letters in support of your application. At least two of these reference letters must address your teaching effectiveness and potential.
Applications received by November 1 will receive full consideration, but we may continue to consider applications until the position is filled.
Denison University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected classes.
Title IX Notice: Sex discrimination is prohibited by federal law through Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Denison does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities that it operates including admissions and employment. For Denison's official Notice of Non-Discrimination, please visit https://denison.edu/forms/non-discrimination-notice. You can learn more about Title IX at Denison at https://denison.edu/campus/title-ix.
Job seekers who may need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (740) 587-6299 or by email at HR@denison.edu.
