Assistant Professor of Music - Music & Organist

Trinity University’s Department of Music invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Music and University Organist, beginning August 2027. This role bridges the academic core and institutional heritage, combining rigorous undergraduate instruction in music theory with ceremonial organ performance and stewardship of historic instruments.

About the Role

The successful candidate will teach applied lessons in organ and harpsichord, deliver courses in the music theory sequence (written theory, aural skills, and keyboard skills), and serve as the University Organist. This position plays a pivotal role in the public face of Trinity through ceremonial leadership, stewardship of the Parker Chapel organs, and contributions to the University’s liberal arts mission. The role also involves recruiting students to maintain a vibrant organ and harpsichord studio, fostering high-level creative activity, and engaging in scholarly research and performance.

Responsibilities

• Teach applied lessons in organ and harpsichord, mentoring students in solo performance, continuo playing, collaborative skills, and worship service leadership.
• Provide instruction in the music theory sequence, including written theory, aural skills, and keyboard skills.
• Serve as musical leader for services in Parker Chapel (e.g., annual Vespers) and as primary musical steward for university-wide ceremonies (Commencement, Convocation, Baccalaureate).
• Engage in scholarly and creative activity, including peer-reviewed publications, high-profile performances, conference presentations, or other contributions to the field.
• Supervise undergraduate research in historical performance practice and theoretical analysis of sacred and secular keyboard literature.
• Advise undergraduate students on academic progress, recital preparation, and post-graduation success.
• Oversee and coordinate events for the endowed Parker Chapel Music Series.
• Administer the Brown-Herndon Organ Endowment in partnership with the University Chaplain, ensuring care and preservation of historic pipe organs.
• Contribute to the University’s general curriculum (Pathways) and participate in university service, student recruitment, interdisciplinary initiatives, and alumni relations.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in Music (e.g., DMA, PhD) in Organ Performance, Music Theory, or a closely related field (ABD considered if degree will be conferred before Fall 2027).
• Successful record of providing individual instruction in organ.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching undergraduate music theory.
• Active and established record of high-level solo and/or collaborative organ performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a church, cathedral, or university setting with worship planning and ceremonial leadership.
• Professional experience in collaborative keyboard playing (e.g., accompanying choral ensembles, chamber groups, or continuo playing).
• Record of successful student recruitment, particularly engaging non-majors and interdisciplinary students in studio instruction.
• Experience with organ curation and stewarding historic or endowed instruments.

Skills

• Superior keyboard skills, including service playing, improvisation, solo repertoire, and collaborative performance.
• Strong foundation in music theory pedagogy, with an emphasis on performance-integrated instruction.
• Ability to adapt pedagogical approaches for novice and advanced undergraduate organ/harpsichord students.
• Musical leadership in sacred and ceremonial settings.
• Willingness to collaborate across departments and interdisciplinary programs.
• Active scholarly research and creative activity.
• Openness to curriculum innovation and evolving educational needs.
• Active participation in professional organizations.
• Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills, with knowledge of relevant music technologies.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Schedule

This is a 9-month appointment (with 9- or 12-month disbursement) starting August 2027, including a standard pre-tenure probationary period.

Trinity University is a secular, independent, private institution founded in 1869, offering high-quality science, liberal arts, and pre-professional programs to approximately 2,500 undergraduate students. The Music Department, part of the Carlos Alvarez School of Arts and Humanities, includes 11 full-time tenure-track faculty and offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Music, and minor in music, with concentrations in composition, performance, or pre-certification in music education.