Assistant Professor (tenure-track) or Clinical Assistant Professor (fixed-term) of Jazz Bass

The School of Music, Dance and Theatre in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University seeks an exceptional jazz double bassist for a full-time tenure-track assistant professor or full-time fixed-term clinical assistant professor position, depending on experience, with appointment beginning fall 2023. This position is on the ASU Tempe campus.

About ASU
Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 80,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

About the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is the largest comprehensive design and arts school in the country, located within a dynamic research university focused on transformative change. Built on a unique combination of disciplines, the Herberger Institute comprises the Schools of Art; Arts, Media and Engineering; Music, Dance and Theatre; The Design School; The Sidney Poitier New American Film School, and the ASU Art Museum. The Herberger Institute is committed to redefining the 21st-century design and arts school through developing and scaling ideas that strengthen the role of designers and artists across all areas of society and culture, increasing the capacity of artists to make a difference in their communities. For more information on the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, visit herbergerinstitute.asu.edu.

About the School of Music, Dance and Theatre
The School of Music, Dance and Theatre in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University is widely recognized for preparing artists, scholars, visionaries and entrepreneurs to become creative leaders who transform society through their art. Our internationally recognized faculty artists, scholars and guest artists are motivating and compassionate mentors who work with students to cultivate excellence and personal growth. Our nationally recognized programs feature a comprehensive range of degrees plus minors and certificates and more than 600 concerts, events, performances, productions and recitals each year. Located in the culturally rich Southwest in one of the most vibrant, expanding urban centers, our programs afford students access to a diverse environment and engagement in Phoenix’s flourishing arts community. Above all, we value the creativity, personal experience and voice each student brings to the school. For more information on the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, visit musicdancetheatre.asu.edu. 

The successful candidate is expected to teach an undergraduate and graduate studio of bassists, provide class and individual instruction in jazz bass, coach jazz combos, potentially direct large jazz ensembles, and, as necessary, teach other music courses and provide administrative support for the Jazz Studies program. They must be committed to educating outstanding performing musicians, teachers, music therapists, and scholars. In addition, the candidate will pursue a continued performing career and contribute to the musical life of the School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Further responsibilities include recruiting a diverse cohort of high-quality students regionally, nationally, and internationally, mentoring and assisting students towards their professional goals, and working effectively with faculty colleagues and administration in service to satisfy and advance the school’s mission. 

Required Qualifications:

• MM degree in Jazz or Orchestral Double Bass Performance or commensurate experience. Demonstrated excellence in teaching applied jazz bass, and jazz ensembles. Evidence of excellence in creative achievement in jazz as demonstrated through professional performances, presentations, and/or publications. Evidence of a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in teaching and service.

Desired Qualifications: Demonstrated success in one or more of the following areas:

• DMA or PhD in music. National/international recognition in creative activity and/or scholarship. A record of successful teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. Experience coaching jazz combos and directing big bands. Commitment to innovation in teaching. Willingness to teach via in-person, online, and hybrid formats. Interdisciplinary creative activity within and outside of the arts. Demonstrated experience partnering with community music programs. Evidence of success in recruitment and/or mentoring of prospective students.

Instructions to Apply:

Please submit:

• Letter of interest addressing how the candidate uniquely meets the qualifications for the position, in particular: work experience, creative activity and/or research, collaboration, innovative teaching, and service. Curriculum vitae. A one-page statement addressing the candidate’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. A separate document with the names and contact information of at least three references. A document with up to five live hyperlinks to video or audio recording(s) of unedited live performances by the candidate (within the last five years), encompassing contrasting musical styles, and totaling 15-20 minutes. For detailed instructions on how to create a document with live hyperlinks, please click here.

All applications must be submitted electronically via https://apply.interfolio.com/113585

Application Deadline: The application deadline is December 4, 2022. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool.  Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses and certifications.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.

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We acknowledge the 22 tribes who are native to Arizona, and more specifically the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Piipaash or Pee Posh (Maricopa) tribes on whose ancestral homelands ASU’s Tempe campus resides.