What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor of Music - Music Education position at Trinity University?
Job Family Group:
Faculty
Time Type:
Full time
Department/Office:
Music
Exemption Status:
Exempt
Job Description:
Trinity University, Department of Music is seeking a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor, beginning August 2026, in Music Education. The successful candidate will contribute to both the Bachelor of Music in Music Education and the Master of Arts in Teaching programs through teaching, advising, and the supervision of clinical fieldwork. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in elementary music education and culturally responsive pedagogy. The ability to engage undergraduates in research or creative activity is essential, as is a commitment to inclusive, student-centered teaching. This position plays a vital role in preparing students for state teacher certification and will also contribute to the University’s general curriculum. Teaching responsibilities support the Music and Education departments, the University, and offer opportunities to engage in innovative, cross-disciplinary work.
BACKGROUND
Trinity University is a secular, independent, private institution, founded in 1869. Trinity offers high-quality science, liberal arts, and pre-professional programs as represented by the four schools (STEM, Arts & Humanities, Social Science and Civic Engagement, and Business) to approximately 2,500 undergraduate students from the U.S. and more than 45 countries. The attractive campus overlooks downtown San Antonio, a city rich in heritage and ethnic diversity. Additional information can be found on the Resource Guide to Trinity & San Antonio.
The Carlos Alvarez School of Arts and Humanities, endowed with a gift of $25 million, is at the center of Trinity's liberal arts education. Faculty are international leaders in their respective fields, creating engaged learning experiences grounded in careful study of tradition, critical thinking, clear communication, and creative expression.
The Music Department operates within the context and mission of Trinity’s commitment to an undergraduate education based on the foundation of a Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum. The Instructional staff consists of 11 full-time tenure-track faculty and a full component of part-time faculty covering private studio lessons and adjunct teaching. The department offers, in addition to class and performance opportunities to all students irrespective of one’s major, a minor in music, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Bachelor of Music degree. At the bachelor’s degree level, a student may select composition, performance, or pre-certification in music education as a concentration. Performing ensembles include three curricular choirs, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble. Students can also perform in smaller groups such as Handbell Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, jazz combos, string quartets, and a variety of chamber wind ensembles.
Both the Music Department and the University as a whole value and safeguard academic freedom for faculty members in their teaching and scholarship. Trinity is guided by a set of core values and is committed to implementing practices in pursuit of an inclusive campus for all students, faculty, and staff to feel welcomed and engaged in a community of learning.
Duties And Responsibilities
This position will be a 9-month appointment (9- or 12-month disbursement) starting August 2026, with a standard pre-tenure probationary period.
Qualifications
EDUCATION
Required: Doctorate degree in Music (e.g. PhD, EdD, DMA)
Experience
Required: Minimum three years teaching experience K-12
Preferred: Full-time teaching position K-12 for five years or more, with experience in elementary music education considered an asset
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
Preferred: Any level certification in Orff, Kodály, Suzuki, and/or Dalcroze approaches
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
The position will include travel to local schools for in-person student teaching observations.
How To Apply
For internal applicants, please apply through Workday using the 'Jobs Hub' application, see instructions provided here.
For external applicants, when starting the application, select "Apply Manually.” Only complete fields with a red asterisk, which are required. Please create your Workday application account using a personal email address, as you will need to maintain access to this account throughout the pre-hire process, if selected.
For all applicants, you do not need to complete the “(Work) Experience,” “Education,” “Certifications,” or “Languages” fields - these details will be provided in your curriculum vitae.
In the “Application Documents” field, please upload the following, each as a separate pdf file [note: a maximum of five (5) files can be uploaded]:
Gary Seighman, gseighma@trinity,edu, 210-999-8217
Please ensure that all required documents are uploaded prior to submitting an application. If you have revisions needed to an application already submitted or need help submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 210-999-7507 or email humanresources@trinity.edu.
Faculty
Time Type:
Full time
Department/Office:
Music
Exemption Status:
Exempt
Job Description:
Trinity University, Department of Music is seeking a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor, beginning August 2026, in Music Education. The successful candidate will contribute to both the Bachelor of Music in Music Education and the Master of Arts in Teaching programs through teaching, advising, and the supervision of clinical fieldwork. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in elementary music education and culturally responsive pedagogy. The ability to engage undergraduates in research or creative activity is essential, as is a commitment to inclusive, student-centered teaching. This position plays a vital role in preparing students for state teacher certification and will also contribute to the University’s general curriculum. Teaching responsibilities support the Music and Education departments, the University, and offer opportunities to engage in innovative, cross-disciplinary work.
BACKGROUND
Trinity University is a secular, independent, private institution, founded in 1869. Trinity offers high-quality science, liberal arts, and pre-professional programs as represented by the four schools (STEM, Arts & Humanities, Social Science and Civic Engagement, and Business) to approximately 2,500 undergraduate students from the U.S. and more than 45 countries. The attractive campus overlooks downtown San Antonio, a city rich in heritage and ethnic diversity. Additional information can be found on the Resource Guide to Trinity & San Antonio.
The Carlos Alvarez School of Arts and Humanities, endowed with a gift of $25 million, is at the center of Trinity's liberal arts education. Faculty are international leaders in their respective fields, creating engaged learning experiences grounded in careful study of tradition, critical thinking, clear communication, and creative expression.
The Music Department operates within the context and mission of Trinity’s commitment to an undergraduate education based on the foundation of a Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum. The Instructional staff consists of 11 full-time tenure-track faculty and a full component of part-time faculty covering private studio lessons and adjunct teaching. The department offers, in addition to class and performance opportunities to all students irrespective of one’s major, a minor in music, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Bachelor of Music degree. At the bachelor’s degree level, a student may select composition, performance, or pre-certification in music education as a concentration. Performing ensembles include three curricular choirs, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble. Students can also perform in smaller groups such as Handbell Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, jazz combos, string quartets, and a variety of chamber wind ensembles.
Both the Music Department and the University as a whole value and safeguard academic freedom for faculty members in their teaching and scholarship. Trinity is guided by a set of core values and is committed to implementing practices in pursuit of an inclusive campus for all students, faculty, and staff to feel welcomed and engaged in a community of learning.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Provide effective instruction in music education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, including courses required for K-12 music teacher certification
- A commitment to participate in and make a contribution to the University’s general curriculum known as Pathways.
- Engage in scholarly and creative activity in music education that leads to peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or other substantial contributions to the field.
- Involve undergraduate students in research and creative projects that support their academic growth and contribute meaningfully to the discipline.
- Supervise student teaching internships in clinical placements and provide mentorship for certification exam preparation, professional development, and career readiness.
- Advise undergraduate students, supporting their academic progress, fieldwork experience, and post-graduation success.
- Collaborate with faculty in both the Music and Education departments to maintain and develop curricula that is inclusive, current, and aligned with best practices in the profession.
- Participate in departmental service, including student recruitment and interdisciplinary campus initiatives.
- Build meaningful connections with local schools and community organizations, with an emphasis on inclusive outreach that reflects the cultural diversity of San Antonio and the surrounding region.
- Maintain active involvement in professional organizations, staying informed about policy changes relevant to music education and teacher preparation standards.
This position will be a 9-month appointment (9- or 12-month disbursement) starting August 2026, with a standard pre-tenure probationary period.
Qualifications
EDUCATION
Required: Doctorate degree in Music (e.g. PhD, EdD, DMA)
Experience
Required: Minimum three years teaching experience K-12
Preferred: Full-time teaching position K-12 for five years or more, with experience in elementary music education considered an asset
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
Preferred: Any level certification in Orff, Kodály, Suzuki, and/or Dalcroze approaches
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Strong foundation in music education pedagogy, curriculum design, and teacher certification standards
- Effective teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, with emphasis on culturally responsive instruction
- Skilled in student advising, mentorship, and supervision of clinical placements
- Collaborative across departments and interdisciplinary programs
- Active in scholarly research, ideally involving student participation
- Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement
- Capable of curriculum innovation and adapting to evolving educational needs
- Excellent communication, organization, time management skills, and knowledge of music technologies.
- Active participation in professional organizations and policy awareness
The position will include travel to local schools for in-person student teaching observations.
How To Apply
For internal applicants, please apply through Workday using the 'Jobs Hub' application, see instructions provided here.
For external applicants, when starting the application, select "Apply Manually.” Only complete fields with a red asterisk, which are required. Please create your Workday application account using a personal email address, as you will need to maintain access to this account throughout the pre-hire process, if selected.
For all applicants, you do not need to complete the “(Work) Experience,” “Education,” “Certifications,” or “Languages” fields - these details will be provided in your curriculum vitae.
In the “Application Documents” field, please upload the following, each as a separate pdf file [note: a maximum of five (5) files can be uploaded]:
- Formal Letter of Application, stating candidate’s interest, qualifications, and forecasted contributions as a faculty member
- Current Curriculum Vitae, please include List of References and full contact information
- Supportive materials, i.e., sample research paper or publication, music performance programs (if applicable), sample syllabi, and the like. Combine all documents into one pdf file
- Intentional Inclusion is a core value at Trinity University. Please provide a brief (1-2 page) reflection on the ways that you might contribute to cultivating an environment where people feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Provide examples of how that relates to your teaching, research/scholarship and other professional activities.
Gary Seighman, gseighma@trinity,edu, 210-999-8217
Please ensure that all required documents are uploaded prior to submitting an application. If you have revisions needed to an application already submitted or need help submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 210-999-7507 or email humanresources@trinity.edu.