Assistant or Associate Professor of Music Composition and Theory

Purpose

OBU is a distinguished Christian university committed to integrating faith and learning. We strive to provide an education that fosters intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a commitment to service. The Music program is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate teaching, artistic development, and mentorship, with a particular emphasis on music theory, composition, and creative expression within a Christ-centered liberal arts environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach applied composition lessons, composition seminar, and composition classes.
• Teach undergraduate theory classes at all levels, including Fundamental Theory; Theory and Aural Skills I, II, III, and IV; and advanced theory seminars beyond the Theory IV sequence.
• Develop and implement effective student-centered teaching strategies that integrate faith and learning, including appropriate instructional technology and current pedagogical approaches in composition and theory education.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students in academic planning, artistic development, career readiness, and spiritual formation.
• Recruit students to study music and pursue degrees offered within the Division of Music.
• Collaborate with colleagues and students within and beyond the Division of Music to create and promote excellent musical and academic experiences.
• Participate in curriculum development and ongoing assessment of music courses and programs in support of institutional effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Engage in creative and scholarly activity appropriate to a liberal arts environment, including composition, performance, research, or the scholarship of teaching and learning.
• Integrate Christian faith into classroom instruction and artistic practice, helping students consider vocation, creativity, ethics, and artistic excellence through a Christian worldview.
• Participate in University committees and shared governance as assigned.
• Support experiential learning and formative professional development opportunities through performances, composition projects, conferences, recitals, and other career readiness experiences.
• Uphold and promote the Christian mission and values of the University in all professional activities.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated strength in music composition and theory instruction.
• Private and/or classroom teaching experience at the undergraduate level.
• Knowledge of current pedagogical approaches in composition and theory education.
• Keyboard abilities appropriate to the college-level theory instructor.
• Ability to thoughtfully integrate Christian faith with the study and practice of music.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with exceptional follow-up and organizational ability.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, administration, and external partners.
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities effectively in a fast-paced academic environment.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends in support of performances, rehearsals, events, and recruitment activities.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with instructional technology, Microsoft Office applications, and learning management systems.
• Active involvement in a Christian church and alignment with the University’s statement of faith.
• Education Required: Completed Master’s degree in Music or a closely related field.
• Preferred: Doctorate in Music (Composition, Theory, or related discipline).
• Experience Required: Private and/or classroom teaching experience at the undergraduate level.
• Demonstrated ability to teach music theory and composition effectively.
• Experience with music notation software such as Finale or Sibelius.
• Basic computer skills, including word processing and learning management software.
• Strong commitment to integrating Christian faith with academic excellence.
• Preferred: Successful teaching experience as a music faculty member at an accredited undergraduate institution.
• Experience with curriculum development and academic program assessment.
• Engagement in professional or creative activity within the discipline.

Benefits

OBU understands that our employees are our most valuable assets when fulfilling our mission. We strive to offer an extensive array of benefits and opportunities for employees to choose from. Full-time employees benefit from the generous OBU provision of premium contributions for nationwide family-friendly Health and Dental coverages along with free life insurance that includes accidental death and dismemberment equal to an employee’s base salary. OBU provides access to optional employee-paid ancillary benefits like vision, hospitalization, critical illness, accident, additional employee-paid family life insurance coverages, and education benefits at OBU and other institutions of higher education. There is generous paid time off that includes annual granted vacation time, accrued sick leave, six annual holidays, and week-long breaks for Thanksgiving and Christmas that include energy conservation days. For all employees working at least half-time, there is an employer matching opportunity for retirement investments in a 403(b)(9) plan administered by Guide Stone. There are numerous other perks and opportunities for OBU employees including FREE family membership to the OBU Recreation and Wellness Center or RAWC, Global outreach university mission trips, cafeteria discounts, and parking privileges to name a few. For more information about the current OBU employee benefits and opportunities, please contact the Human Resources staff at HR@okbu.edu.