Assistant Teaching Professor: Orchestra Conductor/Director

Assistant Teaching Professor: Orchestra Conductor/Director

Location: Syracuse, NY

Pay Range: $68,000 - $71,000

Pay Determination: Salary offers at Syracuse University will be based on education, experience, and relevant skills, as well as the academic or professional discipline of the position in the context of the home department, school, or college. Salary offers may also be influenced by prior relevant work or industry experience, where applicable. Faculty pay ranges are for 8.5 months salary unless otherwise specified.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Type: Full Time

Rank: Assistant

Job Description:

The Setnor School of Music within the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University invites applications for Assistant Teaching Professor - Orchestra Conductor/Director of Orchestral Activities, to begin Fall 2026. This is a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure track appointment, with an initial three-year term and the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will be a dynamic, innovative orchestral conductor and applied strings teacher on viola, cello, or contrabass. Candidates must demonstrate a record of sustained excellence in musicianship through orchestral performance and university-level teaching; proven success leading a university orchestral program; the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students; experience recruiting and teaching outstanding undergraduate and graduate students; and a growing regional to national profile as a conductor and pedagogue. Responsibilities include conducting the orchestra, teaching applied string lessons, undergraduate and graduate conducting and orchestral repertoire courses, as well as related duties as assigned by the Director of the School.

About The College of Visual and Performing Arts

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship, and commentary. We provide the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action. To learn more about the college, our distinguished faculty, and our program, please visit our websites at www.syr.edu, www.vpa.syr.edu.

Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (DMA or PhD) in Orchestral Conducting or a closely related field from an accredited institution, or commensurate professional experience at the very highest level.
• MM considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of successful collegiate experience as a conductor and teacher of orchestral music.
• Minimum of 2 years teaching applied string lessons
• Minimum of 2 years performing experience as a string player either in chamber music, orchestra, or solo.
• Experience in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate conducting students.

Job Specific Qualifications:

• Current knowledge of orchestral repertoire and performance practice.
• Effective rehearsal and conducting techniques and skills.
• Strong communicative and interpersonal skills that contribute to a respectful work environment.
• Ability to create imaginative/innovative concert programs.
• Ability to develop strategies in defining and supporting the future direction of the orchestra program and the Setnor School of Music.
• Ability to utilize and implement new pedagogies and classroom strategies to advance comprehensive learning opportunities.
• The school is particularly interested in candidates who have communication abilities and cross-cultural competencies to maximize their effectiveness with many different groups of students, colleagues, and community members.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct the Syracuse University Symphony and String Orchestra, and mentor graduate assistants assigned to these ensembles. Teach applied string lessons on viola, cello, or contrabass.
• Teach conducting and literature classes to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Serve on committees in the School, College, and University. This may include program development, community outreach, student advising, mentoring of student organizations, and participating in accreditation- and assessment-related activities.
• Provide artistic and administrative leadership for the orchestra program and collaborate closely with strings faculty and all faculty in program planning, recruitment, and outreach.
• Maintain active expertise in the field of orchestral conducting and pedagogy.
• Other teaching within candidates area of expertise as assigned by the Director.

Application Instructions:

In addition to completing an online application, for full consideration, submit the following materials online:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Philosophy
• Portfolio Website URL (applicants can upload their link to video recordings of conducted performance and rehearsal, as well as recordings of playing their instrument, here)
• Name and email address of four references. Reference letters will be requested directly from reference providers for finalists only.