"Assistant Professor - Jazz and Commercial Music"

Assistant Professor - Jazz and Commercial Music

College: College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and The Arts - 321 College
Dept/School: Music - 32111
Vacancy Number: 16F-760
Position Number: 6213
Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position:

The Department of Music at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is seeking an Assistant Professor of Jazz and Commercial Music, a nine-month tenure-track position, starting August 2026.

This is an opportunity to join a faculty of teaching artists and scholars who are dedicated to student-centered learning and to growth in new and current programs. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, engagement in significant creative/scholarly activities, and an ability to work effectively with faculty colleagues across all degree areas.

Responsibilities include: teaching undergraduate courses in Jazz Studies and Commercial Music (Arranging, Keyboard & Theory, Improvisation, Combo) and an Applied area which complements the current faculty, and fulfilling other departmental needs as assigned by the chair, advising students, serving on committees, and contributing to an inclusive and equitable community within the department, college, and university. Additionally, the successful candidate may teach rotating courses in Music Technology (Intro to Music Technology, Digital Music Production, Live Sound Production).

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Ph.D., D.M.A., or ABD in Music degree at time of application. **Applicants who are ABD will be considered; however, doctoral degree must be conferred by August 1, 2026 to be eligible for employment.
• Experience and expertise in teaching jazz or commercial music at the college/university level.
• Evidence of ongoing performance activity (live performances, commercial recordings, projects).
• Demonstrated professional experience as a jazz or commercial music arranger and/or composer.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Evidence of teaching and recruiting an applied studio (jazz piano, bass, drums, trombone).
• Experience in teaching jazz or commercial music arranging and/or composition.
• Experience in teaching music technology.
• Demonstrated commitment to educational outreach.

Required Certifications or Licensure: N/A

Special Notes to Applicants:

Applications will be accepted until 11:59PM EST on the posting closing date. To apply, please complete the online application below and attach the following materials as an Adobe PDF document including:

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application that includes a 1 to 2 page statement addressing the qualifications cited above and addressed to the Search Committee Chair.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• 3 pieces of evidence of professional activity in jazz and/or commercial music. Examples may include projects, performance videos, arrangements/compositions, and professional recordings.
• 2 pieces of evidence of teaching jazz and/or commercial music. Examples may include course syllabi, assignments, and a teaching video in class and/or applied settings.
• List of 3 Professional references.
• If needed, applicants may upload additional materials under the Other category.

Please note that a minimum of three references are required for all applications. References will be requested during the screening process.

Letters of application without the requested components will not meet the application requirements.

For questions about the position or online application process, contact the UNCW Department of Music administrative associate, Sydney Stone: stones@uncw.edu

Position Type: Permanent
Job Posting Date: 12/16/2025
Job Close Date: 1/26/2026