Open Rank Tenure Track Faculty Position, Collaborative Keyboard

Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music seeks a full-time, tenure-track faculty member in Collaborative Keyboard at the open rank. The successful candidate will join a vibrant, student-centered community where performers, educators, composers, scholars, therapists, producers, and creative partners work across disciplines to advance artistic excellence and prepare students for meaningful, adaptable careers in music.

About the role

This position offers an opportunity to shape the future of collaborative keyboard at the Cali School while maintaining an active professional profile and developing innovative learning and performance opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty members are expected to contribute to the University's mission through excellence in teaching, research/scholarship, and service.

Responsibilities

• Teach and coach undergraduate and graduate students in areas aligned with expertise and the needs of the School, including:
  • Keyboard area courses
  • Chamber music coaching
  • Vocal coaching for opera and musical theatre
  • Private keyboard instruction
  • Collaboration with vocal and instrumental ensembles
• Advise and mentor students, support recruitment and auditions, and foster an inclusive learning environment that develops versatile, collaborative, and professionally prepared musicians.
• Provide artistic and administrative leadership for collaborative keyboard activities across the Cali School, including:
  • Coordinating collaborative assignments
  • Contributing to curriculum and program development
  • Supporting instructional faculty and collaborative artists
  • Strengthening concerts and interdisciplinary projects
  • Developing equitable and sustainable processes for the School’s extensive performance activities
• Maintain an active program of performance, research, and creative or scholarly activity appropriate to a tenure-track appointment, such as:
  • Collaborative performance
  • Recording
  • Coaching
  • Interdisciplinary projects
  • Residencies
  • Conference presentations
  • Publications
• Perform service to the college/school, university, and professional communities, including shared governance and academic program vitality.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • Earned appropriate terminal degree in music or a related field, or equivalent distinguished professional experience.
  • Record of achievement and/or potential for future success in research, scholarship, or creative activity.
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching a broad range of students.
  • Demonstrated professional achievement and/or potential in collaborative performance.
  • Record that demonstrates interest and commitment to service.
• Preferred:
  • Significant record of scholarly/creative work with clear potential for a distinguished career as a performing artist, educator, and/or scholar at both national and international levels.
  • Strong background in program development, including student recruitment, concert planning, and artistic leadership.
  • Experience working across a variety of musical disciplines and genres.
  • Proficiency in lyric diction in several languages.
  • Strong artistic, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

About the John J. Cali School of Music

The John J. Cali School of Music offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education, music performance, music therapy, theory/composition, jazz studies, and recording arts and production, as well as a two-year Artist's Diploma and one-year Performer's Certificate. The Cali School collaborates with the Theater and Dance Department to provide voice instruction for students in the nationally recognized BFA Musical Theater program.

Twenty-one full-time faculty members (fourteen of whom are tenured) and approximately 200 part-time instructors serve more than 500 students, who matriculate through a competitive admissions process. The school maintains strong relationships with professional performance and educational organizations along with several music schools around the world. In the 21-22 Academic Year, it launched two major new initiatives: the Cali Pathways Project, focused on reducing barriers for burgeoning musicians in under-resourced communities, and the Cali Immersive Residency program, embedding world-renowned artists and ensembles for week-long residencies at the school.

Facilities provide a conservatory-like setting, consisting of the 235-seat Jed Leshowitz Recital Hall, teaching studios, music practice and rehearsal rooms, and faculty studios. Students and faculty engage in over 300 concerts and recitals each year.

About the College of the Arts

The College of the Arts (CART) at Montclair State University is a dynamic, collaborative, and inspiring community with more than 40 undergraduate and graduate programs across the Department of Art & Design, the John J. Cali School of Music, and the Department of Theatre and Dance. Over 2,000 diverse and talented students bring state-of-the-art studios, stages, and classrooms to life every day, supported by passionate academic advisors and a career services team dedicated to their success.

Programs are rigorous, creative, and designed to meet the needs of all students while offering rich opportunities for experiential learning, performance, and internships. Faculty include working composers, designers, actors, musicians, choreographers, conductors, fine artists, scholars, and professionals—Fulbright, Guggenheim, and Howard Award recipients among them—who shape the next generation through close mentorship and hands-on learning.

The College is also home to the University Art Galleries, Arts and Cultural Programming, and Broadcast and Media Operations, anchoring deep connections with corporate and arts partners.

Required application materials

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research and teaching statements
• Representative publications (may include commercial recordings, concert programs, and/or scholarly books and articles)
• Links to recent recordings of at least two collaborative performances, rehearsals, masterclasses, or other relevant collaborative activity

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to supply 3 letters of recommendation separately.

Pay

Annual salary range: $80,309.12 - $136,463.80.

Benefits

The position may be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, visit Montclair State University Benefits.

Schedule

Starting date: August 27, 2027. The standard annual load for tenure-track faculty is 12 teaching credit hours (TCH) a semester, with reassigned time (course release) available for faculty with additional responsibilities.

Application review begins immediately. Applications received by October 16, 2026 will receive priority consideration. Questions may be addressed to the search chair, Prof. Aaron Helgeson, at helgesona@montclair.edu.