Assistant/Associate Adjunct Faculty in Music (MUSIC 430) Jazz Band

Assistant/Associate Adjunct Faculty in Music (MUSIC 430) Jazz Band

Location: Moraga, CA
Open Date: 2026-05-08
Deadline: 2026-05-24

Founded in 1863, Saint Mary's is a residential campus nestled 20 miles east of San Francisco in the picturesque Moraga Valley. Based in the Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts traditions, Saint Mary's currently enrolls more than 4,000 students from diverse backgrounds in undergraduate and graduate programs. The De La Salle Christian Brothers, the largest teaching order of the Roman Catholic Church, guide the spiritual and academic character of the College.

As a comprehensive and independent institution, Saint Mary's offers undergraduate and graduate programs integrating liberal and professional education. Saint Mary's reputation for excellence, innovation and responsiveness in education stems from its vibrant heritage as a Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts institution. An outstanding, committed faculty and staff that value shared inquiry, integrative learning and student interaction bring these traditions to life in the 21st century. The College is committed to the educational benefits of diversity.

The Performing Arts Department requires a part time faculty member to teach and direct the jazz band in Fall of 2026 and Spring of 2027.

Mondays, 7:00-10:00 pm

The Jazz Band Director is responsible for recruiting members to participate; rehearsing the jazz band, setting, organizing, and presenting two to three concerts per semester. Rehearsals are Mondays from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Recruiting includes additional hours on or off campus and includes activities such as the new student orientations. Additional hours required for setting up and presenting concerts. Additional duties will be to research performance and sight-reading literature appropriate for the skill level of the class.

This position is focused exclusively on instructional responsibilities, as all logistical aspects, including concert scheduling, programming, and music procurement, will be overseen by the Director of Instrumental Studies. While attendance at events beyond assigned rehearsals is not obligatory, enthusiastic participation is encouraged should the candidate desire it. We are seeking candidates with teaching and conducting experience in instrumental hybrid ensembles, ideally encompassing both collegiate and K-12 levels.

Course Description:

Intermediate to advanced level students prepare charts from a variety of jazz styles with a focus on jazz performance practices as they develop musicianship, ensemble cohesion, and artistry. The group performs 2-3 times each semester.

Qualifications:
Required:

1. Minimum Master's Degree in Music (Performance, Education, etc.).
2. Minimum of ten years of successful jazz band instruction at the college level or the equivalent.
3. Professional music performance experience (itemized on CV, verifiable).
4. Display ability to encourage, motivate, and inspire students while maintaining a high level of performance.
5. Ability to maintain and recruit members.

Recommended:

1. Access to big band jazz literature library
2. Active professional network among local high school jazz instructors and professional musicians living in the surrounding communities of Saint Mary's College

Vibrant, encouraging, and engaging personality is a plus, as well as a pro-active, program-building attitude. SMC is looking into growing and expanding our instrumental program.

Candidates must reside in California.

Salary: $4,965 - $6,872 depending on qualifications

The salary range for this position is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the College and SEIU, Local 1021, available here.

To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/184600