Assistant Teaching Professor of Music

JOB TITLE
Assistant Teaching Professor of Music
LOCATION
Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Humanities & Arts
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The music division at WPI seeks a Director of Wind Band Activities at the level of Assistant Teaching Professor (full time, non-tenure-track) to begin in the Fall of 2027.
Applicants must be prepared to lead the WPI Concert Band and a variety of small music ensembles; teach courses in the core music curriculum as well as specialized courses in their area of interest; and serve as an advisor on student projects and clubs.
The position requires teaching excellence, organizational and leadership skills, strong mentorship skills, flexibility, and cultural sensitivity. In their application materials, candidates should demonstrate the ability to teach engaging, project-based courses; to mentor students of mixed experience levels in performance ensembles; and to contribute to creating a positive and inclusive culture for all students.
JOB DESCRIPTION
About Music at WPI:
As a division of the Department of Humanities & Arts, Music at WPI supports numerous choral and instrumental ensembles that students may participate in for credit, while also offering a wide range of classes in theory and composition, performance, music history, technology and science, and music and culture. The WPI Concert Band typically numbers between 70-100 students and functions simultaneously as a course, bearing academic credit through the Department of Humanities and Arts, and as a student club. Rehearsals are held twice weekly for the full ensemble with sectionals frequently being held during the week. The Concert Band typically performs four major concerts per year, plus additional smaller programs, both on campus and off campus, and regularly tours internationally. Students may study music to satisfy the Humanities and Arts requirement and may also continue to pursue a Minor or a Major Concentration in Music.
Position Expectations:
The teaching load for this position is the equivalent of eight courses per year—which includes all the following activities:
Performance responsibilities:
Concert Band
Small Ensembles
Teaching responsibilities:
Four academic music classes, one per term
Student club advising responsibilities:
Faculty advisor of the Wind Band Association
Additional Responsibilities:
Organize and lead the WPI Concert Band in regular rehearsals and concerts.
Advise and coach smaller ensembles derived from the Wind Band Association such as Clarinet Quartet, Saxophone Quintet, and Flute Ensemble. There is also both an established Brass Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble, which may fall under the purview of this position depending on the director’s background.
Work with the student officers in the Wind Band Association to manage the regular activities and musical performances of the Concert Band and smaller ensembles.
Organize and facilitate national and international performance tours with the Concert Band.
Ensure proper maintenance and organization of the band equipment.
Teach music courses and seminars as assigned. This may include introductory courses in music appreciation and theory, and a practicum in music performance.
Design and revise the music curriculum in collaboration with the other music faculty.
Participate in initiatives conducted by the Humanities and Arts Department.
Advise student projects.
Work with WPI’s Advancement Office and Alumni Relations Office to manage regular giving and alumni focused activities
This is a 9-month faculty position, allowing for both external and internal opportunities (such as professional development, research, or additional teaching) during the summer months. This position is on WPI's “teaching track,” which provides secure long-term contracts, with opportunities for promotion.
Candidate Qualifications:
Doctorate in Music. A highly qualified candidate with a Master's degree may be considered for appointment at the Instructor level. Academic focus on instrumental music.
Successful experience directing bands at the university level.
Application Materials:
As part of your application, please submit:
Cover letter that addresses your teaching experience; your professional work; how you would teach the courses described above at WPI; and how you see yourself adding to WPI’s efforts to build a strong and positive learning environment for all students
Teaching statement
A link to a video (10-15 min) of you conducting a concert band in performance and / or rehearsal (both are preferred)
CV, including academic and professional experience
We will request letters of reference and additional materials for short-listed candidates only.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by November 1, 2026 will receive full consideration.
About WPI
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1865, is one of the nation’s oldest technological universities located in Central Massachusetts. WPI’s mission is to create and convey scientific and technical knowledge in ways that benefit society. Education in the humanities and arts, which includes language, is central to this societal connection. The Humanities and Arts Department is home to more than sixty faculty in Philosophy, Religion, Literature, Languages, Writing, Music, Theatre and Art. WPI encourages collaborations not only within multidisciplinary departments like HUA but throughout the university. Faculty members, students, and other partners work together on real-world projects and purposeful research that are hallmarks of the WPI experience. Located one hour west of Boston, the university campus is in Worcester, Massachusetts, a thriving 21st-century college city recognized as a growing hub of scientific and technological innovation.
Salary: $78,000 - $80,000 per year. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. WPI’s benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more!
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.