Assistant Professor of Practice of Music Education

Job Description

Position Summary:

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (SMTD) seeks an Assistant Professor of Practice of Music Education, specializing in Music Education (K-12 General Music). This full-time, non-tenure-track position will contribute to the leadership, direction, and growth of well-established undergraduate and graduate degree programs in music education. This faculty position is dedicated to teaching two upper-division methods courses in elementary music education, student teacher observation, and student teacher seminar. In addition to these classes, other potential teaching responsibilities may include keyboard competency specific to music education, graduate courses in music education, musicianship classes in music education, and other related music education courses.

This faculty member is expected to proactively attract and recruit undergraduate and graduate music education majors; cultivate relationships with CSU Alumni and teachers across Colorado for student teaching and job placements; place and supervise students in practicum and student teaching; develop and maintain record of refereed scholarly engagement within the field of music education appropriate to a 10% effort distribution; maintain and develop partner relationships with the CSU School of Education; Participate in School governance, School Events, and demonstrate strong leadership within the state of Colorado, Western region, and emerging leadership in general music education within the United States. Faculty rank and title are commensurate with degree status.

For full consideration, please apply by November, 30, 2026, 11:59 PM (MT).

Work Unit Description:

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at Colorado State University empowers students to create, collaborate, innovate, and inspire. Through teaching, creative artistry, research, advocacy, and service, we elevate arts education.

The school offers degrees in music education, music therapy, performance, jazz studies, conducting, composition, theatrical performance, musical theatre, design and technology, including costumes, lighting, projections, set design, and sound, as well as the dance B.F.A.

https://smtd.colostate.edu/

Essential Job Duties: 

Teaching (80%):

• This faculty position is dedicated to two upper-division methods courses in elementary music education, student teacher observation, and student teacher seminar.
• Other classes may include: keyboard competency specific to music education, graduate courses in music education, musicianship classes in music education, and other related music education courses.

Research/Creative Activity (10%):

• Develop and maintain record of peer-reviewed scholarly publications and/or state, regional, and national research/practitioner presentations within the field of music education appropriate to a 10% effort.

Service (10%):

• Cultivate relationships with CSU Alumni and teachers across Colorado for student teaching and job placement.
• Proactively attract and recruit undergraduate and graduate music education majors.
• Contribute to the leadership, direction, and growth of well-established undergraduate and graduate degree programs in music education.
• Place and supervise students in practicum and student teaching.
• Participate in School governance, School Events, and demonstrate strong leadership within the state of Colorado, Western region, and emerging leadership in string music education within the United States.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Background Check (required for all new hires).

Supervision:

• This position reports to the Chair of the department.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Earned Doctorate in Music Education or ABD conferred no later than August 16, 2027, in the relevant discipline.
• Minimum of three + years of successful elementary music teaching experience in public schools.

• State Teaching Licensure in K-12 Music (or equivalent [e.g., 6-12 license in instrumental music is acceptable]; license may be currently lapsed but needs to have been active within the timeframe of your K-12 teaching as referenced by listing the state, title of license, and license number on your CV).
• Demonstrated record or the potential for peer-reviewed scholarly presentations and/or publications in known regional and/or national music education journals and a clearly defined line of inquiry is required.
• Interest in advocacy and regional/national leadership in music education and active involvement in national and/or international music education organizations required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five + years of successful elementary music teaching experience in public schools.
• Experience teaching undergraduate and graduate-level college students in music education is preferred.
• Demonstrated initiative as a self-starter and ability to work well independently and as a part of a team.
• Evidence of preparation and experience in one or more established approaches to elementary general music teaching (e.g. Orff, Kodály, Gordon Music Learning Theory, Dalcroze, Feierabend, etc.).

Application Instructions:

For full consideration, interested applicants must submit the following:

• Letter of interest/Cover letter (2-page maximum).
• Curriculum vitae, which should clearly detail your State Teaching Licensure number (where applicable) for K12 teaching positions, your research publication record, narrative regarding your research agenda, and evidence of advocacy and leadership.
• Unofficial transcript for highest degree conferred.
• Statement of teaching philosophy (1-page maximum).

Please Note: Semi-finalists will be asked to submit a 20–30-minute teaching video (can be of K-12 teaching, or teaching at the college level), a sample course syllabus for a preservice string techniques course, and names and contact information for 3 professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

For questions, please contact the search chair, Tim Burns ([email protected]).

Salary Range

$58,000 to $62,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Statement of Teaching/Research Philosophy, Transcripts

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

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Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.