What are the responsibilities and job description for the Music Instructor position at Slippery Rock University?
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania invites applications for a full-time instructor of Symphony Orchestra, Applied Strings, and Music History in the Department of Music beginning in August 2026. The successful candidate will be responsible for directing the university symphony orchestra and teaching applied lessons on Violin and Viola. Additional courses will include the music history sequence and conducting. Teaching responsibilities could include other areas as aligned with the strengths and expertise of the successful candidate and department need. The successful candidate is expected to develop and maintain relationships with area music programs and music education/music therapy professional organizations. Consistent with the expectations of all SRU faculty, the selected candidate will be responsible for teaching courses in the candidate’s area of expertise, maintaining scholarly and creative productivity, and demonstrating leadership/service at the department, college, and university levels, or beyond.
Most important, the successful candidate will be responsible for continuing and expanding the SRU Department of Music’s string program with development of an active on-campus and off-campus concert schedule. The candidate must maintain a high profile in professional organizations and develop a strong network with high school directors in the region, actively recruiting, guest conducting for high school festivals, and giving recruitment performances within the region. The candidate will assist colleagues in helping to shape the music curriculum to meet twenty-first century demands, NASM, and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), of which SRU is a part.
Slippery Rock University prides itself on being inclusive, welcoming, and small-town friendly and is routinely recognized as a “Great College to Work For.” The Department of Music is active and highly visible on campus, with thirteen tenured/tenure-track faculty members and thirteen temporary faculty. As a unionized faculty, salary and benefits are excellent.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate in Instrumental Conducting, Violin/Viola Performance, or a related field is required (doctorate must be in-hand by August 2026). The candidate must demonstrate success in conducting instrumental ensembles and strong ability as a performer. The candidate’s demonstrated commitment to the education of diverse populations must be clear and vivid in the applicant’s materials. The candidate should possess a collaborative and collegial disposition and have a demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and community outreach. Strong administrative, collaborative, and interpersonal skills, as well as a proven commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and community outreach.
A successful interview, including conducting, teaching violin or viola, and performing on violin or viola, is required. We will seek a candidate who has successful professional experience and connections, as well as active involvement in related professional organizations, and who can demonstrate a history of engaging students both within and far beyond the classroom/studio.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated success in engaging college students both in the classroom/studio and beyond, a developed applied pedagogy, commitment to mentoring student development, as well as candidates who possess significant experience with orchestral conducting and program management (recruitment and administration) and who have experience teaching music history, applied strings, and conducting.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Date
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Respect for Individuals in the Community
Slippery Rock University provides an environment that respects, encourages, and promotes the talents and contributions of all. Slippery Rock University values a community with a shared sense of purpose, where people demonstrate mutual respect and appreciation. Slippery Rock University values diversity that honors and includes all persons regardless of age, creed, disability, ethnic heritage, gender, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status in academic and extracurricular endeavor, in the working environment, and in the daily life of the university community.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, age, disability, or veteran status in its programs or activities in accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Human Resources and Compliance
008 Old Main Building
104 Maltby Avenue
Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA 16057
724.738.2016
008 Old Main Building
104 Maltby Avenue
Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA 16057
724.738.2016
Special Instructions to Applicants
A complete application will include a cover letter/letter of application highlighting how the candidate meets the required and/or preferred qualifications, curriculum vitae, graduate and undergraduate transcripts (unofficial copies are fine for the application; official transcripts will be required of the finalist before hiring), two unedited video links (youtube.com, vimeo.com, etc.) of instrumental ensemble rehearsal (link one) and instrumental ensemble performance (link two) with camera facing the conductor (maximum of ten minutes per video), and the names, addresses, institutional affiliation(s), and phone numbers of at least three references, with the applicant’s relationship to each reference clearly identified.
Required documents:
Required documents:
1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Unofficial Transcripts (3)
4. Unedited video link (youtube.com, Vimeo, etc.) of the candidate conducting an instrumental ensemble rehearsal (maximum of 10 minutes each): include the link in the application letter
5. Unedited video link (youtube.com, Vimeo, etc.) of the candidate conducting an instrumental performance (maximum of 10 minutes each): include the link in the application letter
6. Contact information for at least three professional references, including the institutional affiliation of each and the relationship of each reference to the candidate
Also required prior to appointment are copies of successful clearance forms, including Act 34 Background Check and Act 151 (Child Abuse) Background Check and Federal Criminal (FBI) clearance.
Full consideration will be given to applications received by May 1, 2026