Assistant Professor of Music, Choral Faculty; Tenure Track

Carson-Newman University is a Christian, liberal arts-based university built upon the Lordship of Jesus Christ as evidenced historically and revealed in the Scriptures. Our mission as Christian educators is to help our students reach their full potential as educated citizens and worldwide servant leaders.

About the Role

This full-time, tenure-track position will begin August 2026. Primary responsibilities include directing an expanding range of choral ensembles that serve both the academic and worship life of the university, with a particular emphasis on ensembles performing highly skilled classical choral repertoire and contemporary Christian worship music. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to lead choirs with artistic excellence, musical depth, and theological awareness across both traditions.

Additional responsibilities may include teaching courses in conducting, diction, choral literature, vocal pedagogy, or other areas based on the candidate’s expertise and departmental needs. Choral faculty may also participate in Summer Music Camps and Honor Choir events for high school students.

The ideal candidate will show a deep appreciation for the full breadth of choral music in both the church and the academy, and will be committed to mentoring students as musicians, worship leaders, and servant-leaders. The successful candidate will cultivate strong relationships with area musicians, high schools, and churches; recruit and retain students; prepare ensembles for university and community performances; and collaborate in worship-related initiatives, including assisting with small worship-leading ensembles.

Faculty are expected to engage in academic advising, committee service, and other responsibilities consistent with a tenure-track appointment.

Responsibilities

• Direct choral ensembles performing classical choral repertoire and contemporary Christian worship music.
• Teach courses in conducting, diction, choral literature, vocal pedagogy, or other areas based on expertise.
• Participate in Summer Music Camps and Honor Choir events for high school students.
• Mentor students as musicians, worship leaders, and servant-leaders.
• Cultivate relationships with area musicians, high schools, and churches.
• Recruit and retain students for choral programs.
• Prepare ensembles for university and community performances.
• Collaborate in worship-related initiatives, including assisting with small worship-leading ensembles.
• Engage in academic advising and committee service.
• Advance the mission, vision, and identity of Carson-Newman University as a Christian educator.
• Maintain regular attendance during scheduled work hours, including some nights and weekend work.
• Conduct oneself in a manner appropriate for a Christian institution, serving as a moral example on and off campus.
• Actively participate in a local church.

Requirements

• DMA or PhD in Music preferred; ABD and master’s degree candidates will be considered.
• Five years of experience in collegiate choral faculty preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead choirs with artistic excellence, musical depth, and theological awareness.

Skills

• Choral conducting

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to access and navigate campus facilities.

FLSA Status: Exempt. Annual duration: 9-month. Expected hours per week: Full-time.