Description

The North Dakota State University Challey School of Music seeks an outstanding vocal music education and choral conducting faculty member. The position is offered as a 9-month, tenure-track appointment beginning in August 2026. The appointment is offered at the level of Assistant Professor with the possibility for negotiating appointment at the level of Associate Professor depending on the qualifications of the applicant. The salary will range between $50,000-$67,000 depending on qualifications and rank. 

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate music education coursework, conduct choral ensembles, supervise undergraduate student teaching, recruit and advise master’s students, administer the Master of Music in Music Education program, and serve as Challey School of Music liaison to the NDSU School of Education. The candidate will also maintain a scholarly/creative record toward tenure and promotion, perform related duties according to their specialty areas and the needs of the Challey School of Music, and contribute to our collegial and mutually-supportive environment.

The Challey School of Music has a long tradition of training musicians in music education, performance, conducting, composition, and liberal studies at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. We specialize in the education of K-12 music teachers as well as, with our master’s and doctoral degrees, the training of college and university faculty members. The voice/choral area has traditionally consisted of 3 choral and vocal music education faculty as well as 2 vocal faculty. Choral ensembles include the NDSU Concert Choir, the Madrigal Singers, the University Chamber Singers (an auditioned SATB choir), Cantemus (a non-auditioned SA choir), and Statesmen (a non-auditioned TB choir). The NDSU Concert Choir tours regionally annually and internationally once every several years. A 10,000-square-foot building addition with six new faculty studios and a new rehearsal space, as well as significant remodeling of the main Music building was completed in summer 2025.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Earned doctorate in music education or choral conducting. Candidates with an ABD degree status may be considered for a lecturer appointment with commensurate salary and expectation of completion within the 2026-27 academic year for continuation.
3+ years of experience teaching music in a K-12 setting
Demonstrated excellence and experience as a choral conductor
Demonstrated success or potential as an engaging, collegial, productive, and effective faculty member
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
                                                                 

Preferred Qualifications:

5+ years of experience teaching music in a K-12 setting
Successful experience in teaching in higher education
Successful experience in student recruitment and mentoring, including graduate students
Additional specialty areas which may include academic/musicianship studies, music technology and/or digital/distance pedagogy
Experience preparing students for both rural and urban educational settings
Demonstrated commitment to equity and diversity
 

Application materials will include

A letter specifically addressing the candidate’s suitability for this position and its listed qualifications
A full curriculum vitæ
Names, relationships, and contact information (email, telephone) for at least five professional references
Links to recent videos of performances and rehearsals. Videos of lectures and/or presentations can also be included optionally
 

Additional materials may be requested later. Reference checking will include off-list contacts.