Teaching Assistant Professor in Bluegrass and Musicianship

Appointment Type Fixed Term Faculty Vacancy ID FAC0006126 Full-time/Part-time Full Time Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Dependent on Experience and/or Qualifications Proposed Start Date 07/01/2027 Position Information Be a Tar Heel! The Department of Music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks candidates for a Teaching Assistant Professor position with expertise in bluegrass and musicianship. We wish to hire a pedagogically innovative colleague to serve a wide range of students studying bluegrass and old-time music within a broad liberal arts education (https://ideasinaction.unc.edu/), as well as music majors and minors developing their musicianship skills across the full range of art music, jazz, musical theater, and popular music. We especially seek candidates who can engage creatively with a broad population of students and build connections between different modes of music-making.

Our department’s bluegrass program began in 2016 and has grown to include two bands, individual applied lessons, and courses on bluegrass history and culture, along with related courses on songwriting, audio production, and country music. Our musicianship courses focus on aural skills, improvisation, and embodied practice. The successful candidate will teach a combination of those courses, including lessons and ensembles, that align with the candidate’s expertise and our departmental mission as outlined on our website (https://music.unc.edu/about/). Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit The Department of Music at UNC -Chapel Hill offers a BMus and BA in Music for undergraduate students and an MA and Ph.D. in Musicology for graduate students.

Our educational mission is to teach music majors and non-majors, to connect the study of music to a broader understanding of the world, and to guide graduate students as researchers and teachers. We serve the public by presenting performances and academic lectures by students, faculty, and guest artists and scholars. We offer over one hundred concerts and recitals each year, and our facilities include a state-of-the-art auditorium with recording capabilities (audio and video) as well as lighting and sound systems. Our 60 full-time and part-time faculty teach approximately 2500 students during the academic year and another 200 during summer school.

Through our teaching, research, and creative activities, we share music’s multiplicity of forms and meanings, connecting the study of music to a broader understanding of societies and affirming music’s importance as an expression of humanity.

Position Summary

This is a full-time, teaching-track (non-tenure-track) position with an initial 3-year appointment, eligible for renewal and promotion. Teaching load will be three courses (3 credit-hours each) per semester or the equivalent and may include a combination of individual lessons, ensemble direction, and classroom teaching of both music majors and non-majors. Responsibilities begin on July 1, 2027. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements The successful candidate will have a master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Preference will be given to candidates who have at least three years of experience teaching both individual lessons and courses at the university level, and nationally recognized accomplishments as a performer and/or band leader in bluegrass, old-time, or string-band music. Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

Please submit links to professional work samples (audio and/or video) and the names and contact information for four references at the time of application. The committee may solicit additional materials including letters of recommendation, sample teaching materials and/or evaluations, a sample syllabus, and a teaching statement that addresses pedagogical strategies candidates might use in a public university setting where students reflect the varied socioeconomic, racial, religious, and other demographics of the state. Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325935 Department Contact Information Department Contact Name and Title Jocelyn Neal - Department Chair Department Contact Telephone or Email [email protected] Academic Personnel Office Contact Information If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to [email protected]. Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

Equal Opportunity

Employer Statement The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Applicant Documents Required Documents Curriculum Vitae / Resume Cover Letter List of References Other Document Optional Documents Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). * What is your highest degree? PhD MD PharmD DDS DVM JD MLS/MIS Masters Other Office of Human Resources 919-843-2300 [email protected] © 2026 The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill About Human Resources UNC-Chapel Hill Policies Office of Faculty Affairs To ensure the security of your data, you will be logged out due to inactivity in 3 minutes at .

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