Assistant Professor of Music (choral conducting)

Luther College seeks an Assistant Professor of Music (choral conducting) to begin late August 2021. This is a three-year renewable term, non-tenure-track appointment. Located in Decorah, IA, Luther College is an undergraduate liberal arts college with a population of eighteen-hundred students. Our faculty and students are highly engaged in academics and research, music programs, athletics, sustainability, and service. Founded in 1861 by Norwegian immigrants, Luther values its heritage, just as it values the diversity of its students, staff, and faculty, who hail from many faith backgrounds and heritages. Coming from 39 states and 60 countries, 14% of our students are domestic students of color and 8% are international students.

Our location in the beautiful driftless region of northeast Iowa offers a wealth of opportunities not often found in small towns. The economic vitality of the Decorah area is attributable to being a regional hub for outdoor recreation, two nationally recognized healthcare systems, top ranked schools, business, agriculture, specialty retail, dining and tourism. In a scenic rural setting, we are an easy 70 mile drive to three urban areas including Rochester, MN, home of Mayo Clinic and an IBM major campus.

Luther College is committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty, with a focus on mentoring and providing development opportunities and support to new faculty cohorts. This support includes new faculty workshops, development and research funding, faculty mentoring groups, providing membership to the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD), and opportunities through the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM). Applicants from historically underrepresented groups, in particular ethnic, racial and gender groups are encouraged to become a candidate.

POSITION & QUALIFICATIONS:  Luther College seeks a conductor-scholar-teacher for its choral program. Luther’s Music Department includes 31 full-time and 15 part-time faculty members, with approximately 200 music majors and over a third of the student body (700+) participating in music. Doctorate preferred, ABD accepted. Completed doctorate required for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. A record of excellence and success as a choral conductor, teacher, and recruiter. Commitment to the mission of a liberal arts college of the church. Significant record of musical and artistic achievement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  Conduct Aurora (80-voice select SA choir for first-year students) and Collegiate Chorale (80-voice select SATB choir for juniors and seniors).  Advise students.  Other teaching assignments based on the successful candidate’s strengths and interests and the needs of the department, including conducting, vocal pedagogy, choral methods, world music, music history, music theory, ear training, and applied music-voice. Partner with the head of voice and opera and with applied voice faculty to promote and develop Luther's vocal arts program. Serve as a member of the artistic team for Christmas at Luther. Prepare choirs for other collaborative projects such as oratorio performances. Work closely with admissions staff to recruit prospective students. Participate in festivals, on and off campus, aimed at high school students. Communicate with prospective students and parents regularly.  Listen to music auditions. Engage in appropriate service to the College.

Apply:  Complete applications received by March 1, 2021 will receive full consideration; review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Apply at https://luthercollege.hiretouch.com.  Applicant’s dossier will include:

• letter of application describing teaching/performing interests, experience, educational philosophy and professional development goals
• curriculum vitae, including a list of works conducted
• unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• URL web links to videos—recent recordings, conductor facing the camera. Videos should provide a frontal view of the candidate’s gestures and countenance.  Roughly 30-45 minutes of conducting, including at least 15 minutes of rehearsal and 15 minutes of live performance. 
• three references from those familiar with the candidate’s teaching and/or professional experience (the college will send an email to each reference identified in the application process with a link to upload their reference letter)

Inquiries about the position may be directed to Dr. Andrew Last, search chair and Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Music, at lastan01@luther.edu. Additional information about the college is available by visiting the college website www.luther.edu. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to facultysearch@luther.edu.