Job Description

Assistant Professor of Instrumental Conducting and Orchestra Director

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Department Of Music & Drama

Commensurate

Prairie View, Texas

Faculty

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The Department of Music and Drama at Prairie View A&M University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Instrumental Conducting position beginning Fall 2026. We seek an innovative and collaborative educator committed to excellence in undergraduate music education, artistic growth, and community engagement.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and growth of the university orchestra program, including student recruitment, audience development, community engagement, and regional outreach initiatives.
• Conduct the PVAMU Orchestra and coach chamber ensembles, including string ensembles.
• Teach undergraduate courses in conducting, instrumental literature, music theory, Survey of World Music, and other courses according to departmental needs and qualifications.
• Collaborate with faculty across performance and academic areas to support departmental artistic initiatives and student success.
• Participate in university, departmental, and professional service activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Earned doctorate in Orchestral Conducting, Instrumental Conducting, or closely related field by the time of appointment.
• Three to Four years of successful teaching experience in higher education.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of orchestral and wind literature.
• Strong conducting, rehearsal, and organizational skills.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and collaborate effectively with faculty, students, and community partners.
• Proficiency with standard instructional and communication technologies.
• Demonstrated success teaching and conducting at the collegiate, professional, or advanced pre-professional level.
• Evidence of effective ensemble leadership and rehearsal pedagogy.
• Strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and student mentorship.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with student population.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five years of successful teaching experience in higher education.
• Experience developing or expanding an orchestra program.
• Experience with student recruitment, community engagement, and audience development.
• Ability to teach music theory or academic music courses.
• Experience coaching chamber music ensembles.
• Interest or experience in commercial music, jazz, contemporary music, or cross-genre collaboration.
• Proficiency in other styles of music such as commercial music and jazz is highly desirable.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.