Music Education - Assistant Professor

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 12/01/2025.

The School of Music in the College of Performing and Visual Arts at the University of Northern Colorado invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Music Education to begin in August, 2026. We seek an inspiring teacher-scholar who will contribute to the UNC’s long-standing tradition of excellence in music education, a program that has proudly prepared and supported a significant percentage of music educators in the state and region.

Position Summary:

The University of Northern Colorado School of Music invites applications for a tenure-track appointment as Assistant Professor. Completion of a terminal degree is required by May 31, 2026. We seek an expert in Music Education with a broad concept of musicianship, preferably with a background in either General Music teaching or Strings education. UNC offers degrees in Music Education, Jazz Studies, Performance, Latinx Music, and Music Business, among others. Candidates must be able to teach a diverse group of students and create an equitable and safe environment that fosters belonging. 

With a history of excellence and leadership in arts and education, the School of Music is a community of students, teachers, artists, scholars, and music industry professionals. Our 40 full-time and 30 adjunct faculty teach and support over 350 music majors pursuing undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degrees in programs including performance, music education, jazz studies, music business, composition, theory, and history & literature; and certificate programs in Music Technology and Arts Entrepreneurship. Primarily housed in historic Frasier Hall, our facilities include a fully equipped and professionally managed recording studio and the new Campus Commons Performance Hall. We adhere to the values of College of Performing and Visual Arts: Creative Thinking, Belonging & Justice, Integrity, Sustaining Relationships, and Tradition & Transformation.

Job Duties:
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in music education, including culturally responsive pedagogy.
Supervise and mentor student teachers, advising them on professional development and career preparation.
Foster a strongsense of belonging and communityamong music education students, supporting their growth as inclusive and reflective educators.
Contribute to curriculum development, program initiatives, and partnerships with K–12 schools.
Pursue an active agenda of scholarly and/or creative activity in music education, with potential for regional, national, or international impact.
Collaborate with faculty across the School of Music and engage with community stakeholders.
Provide service to the department, college, and university.

Minimum Qualifications:
Terminal Degree in Music Education or ABD with an expected completion date of May 31, 2026
3 years of successful experience teaching music education in a college setting
3 years of successful experience teaching in K-12 schools
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering community in educational settings.

Preferred Qualifications:
5 years of successful teaching experience in music in K–12 schools
Demonstrated expertise in General Music or Strings
Evidence of excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in music education at the university level
Experience supervising student teachers
Experience with community outreach and recruitment 
Thesis/dissertation advising experience
Emerging or established record of scholarship and professional activity in music education.

Contact and Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin December 1, 2025
Applicants will submit a cover letter that includes a statement of teaching philosophy as well as their qualifications and experience; a curriculum vitae; a diversity statement; and a list of references. Additional materials may be requested at a later date.

Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. Recognized as a top university for social mobility, UNC is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution and to serve more than 44%  of our undergraduates who are the first in their family to attend college.  UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub,to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

EEO Statement
The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNC community. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure UNC’s compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations
The University of Northern Colorado is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 970-351-2718 or human.resources@unco.edu. 

Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.