Assistant Teaching Professor of Music: Low Strings (Cello and Double Bass)

Position Title:

Assistant Teaching Professor of Music - Low Strings (Cello and Double Bass)

Appointment Type:

Faculty

Job Description:

The Department of Music and Theatre at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa seeks a dynamic and experienced Assistant Teaching Professor of Music in low strings (cello and double bass) starting 8/16/27. The successful candidate will teach applied cello and double bass lessons, teach low strings techniques class, and perform as a member of the Ames Piano Quartet.  The successful candidate may also be assigned to teach additional courses within the department based on their qualifications and expertise.

This is a 7/8 full-time equivalent (FTE) term faculty, 9-month position with an initial 3-year term. Competitive salary, retirement options, and health benefits.  Staffing needs and budget availability may provide the opportunity in some semesters to increase to 1.0 FTE in exchange for teaching one additional course.

Responsibilities:

• Teach cello and double bass applied lessons
• Teach the low strings portion of the music education string techniques course
• Perform cello in the Ames Piano Quartet
• Teach additional courses as assigned based on qualifications and expertise

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Required Minimum Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Music or related discipline
• Demonstrated experience performing chamber music
• Demonstrated experience teaching low strings

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree or higher in music with an emphasis in cello performance or cello pedagogy
• Demonstrated experience and achievement in cello performance
• Demonstrated experience teaching low strings (cello and double bass) at the college/university level
• Demonstrated successful recruitment strategies
• Demonstrated experience teaching other areas of music

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Music and Theatre:

• prepares music and theatre students for professional life.
• creates high impact learning experiences for students across the university.
• serves as the central contributor to the artistic and creative vitality of the university, Iowa, and beyond.
• provides a welcoming community for all.  

The Department of Music and Theatre is committed to a philosophy of education that draws its goals from the larger purposes of liberal arts education and from the guidelines of its accrediting agency, the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). With strong undergraduate music and theatre programs, students study with full-time faculty professionals in a supportive environment that encourages students to become their best. The first documented mention of a Symphony Orchestra at Iowa State University is found in the student yearbook of 1894, meaning there has been an organized orchestra on campus for over 125 years. From its earliest days as a small, student-led group, the ensemble has since grown into a full-size orchestra led by distinguished faculty, performing major symphonic, choral and operatic repertoire.  Learn more about the ISU Symphony Orchestra here: https://www.music.iastate.edu/ensemble/symphorch 

In various iterations, the Ames Piano Quartet has been the ensemble-in-residence at Iowa State University since its inception in 1976. The ensemble has an extensive discography, including fourteen CDs under the Ames name and a further two as Amara. Labels for which the group has recorded include Musical Heritage, Dorian, Sono Luminus, Albany, and Fleur de Son Classics. The Ames Piano Quartet has appeared in concert throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in France, Austria, Taiwan, South Africa, and Russia. The Ames Piano Quartet’s recording of George Tsontakis’ Piano Quartet #4 has been released, August 7, 2026 by Navona Records. Learn more about the Ames Piano Quartet here: https://www.music.iastate.edu/ensemble/apq 

Department Unit/Website: music.iastate.edu

Proposed Start Date:

August 16, 2027

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

May 15, 2030

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

Time Type:

Part time

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae

2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

3) Links to two performance video samples (can be within the cover letter)

4) Contact Information for Three References

*Second round candidates will be asked for teaching video samples

For guaranteed consideration, please submit your application by November 9, 2026.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

October 2, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:

R20027

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.