Russell Cleveland Associate or Full Professor in Guitar Studies

Position Description

The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology at The University of Texas at Dallas invites applications for the Russell Cleveland Professor in Guitar Studies with a fall 2026 start date. The Bass School at UT Dallas is a multidisciplinary academic research school with leading-edge programs in the visual and performing arts, humanities, animation and games, and critical and emerging media. We seek candidates with a record of accomplishment that includes a distinguished performance career and advanced studio and classroom teaching experience to join our faculty.

Candidates should have extensive university teaching experience in classical guitar performance and be able to teach applied/private lessons in a range of styles, direct UT Dallas' Guitar Ensemble, teach introductory guitar, and offer other courses reflecting the applicant's particular skills or research interests. Applicants may be asked to provide recordings or other evidence of performance or concert activity as part of the review process.

The ideal candidate will also maintain an active performance schedule. Service in the interdisciplinary graduate programs (M.A. and Ph.D.) in Visual & Performing Arts will provide scope for appropriate research and publication. Additionally, the successful candidate will possess the advanced administrative leadership skills essential to serve as the Director of the annual Texas Guitar Competition and Festival, now in its 24th year.

Essential duties include teaching four undergraduate or graduate courses or the equivalent in applied and ensemble instruction annually; mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in the teaching studio and through senior capstone, thesis, and dissertation supervision; and administering the Texas Guitar Competition and Festival.

The appointment commences for the fall 2026 semester.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: A DMA, DM, PhD, or equivalent in Guitar Performance or closely related discipline is required prior to employment. Candidates must have university teaching experience in classical guitar performance, applied lessons, and ensemble direction that is commensurate with appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We are seeking candidates able to produce research and scholarly or creative achievements that enhance the program and the discipline, and able to deliver high quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Preferred Education and Experience: Extensive university teaching experience, a distinguished international record of solo and ensemble performance, master class and adjudication work, administrative leadership in directing major festivals, and evidence of research or creative scholarship.

Visual and Performing Arts

The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology (Bass School) is a community of scholars, artists, and creative practitioners defined by their creativity, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding. Within the context of a Carnegie R1 doctoral research institution, the Bass School fosters the fluid movement between traditional disciplines and cutting-edge experimental investigation of emerging technologies. We prepare students with the skills to craft exceptional work, the ambition to take on new challenges, and the critical thinking to make a difference in a globally connected world.

Application Instructions

Applicants should upload the following:

• Full curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing their interests and qualifications for the position.
• Statement of teaching philosophy describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, and teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Statement describing past, present, and future creative activities, including how they mentor students and foster collaborative environments.
• Full contact information for at least three academic or professional references.

Priority will be given to completed applications received by January 15, 2026. Reviews will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed on May 31, 2026.