Assistant Professor String Music Education/Orchestra Conductor

Position Title:  Assistant Professor String Music Education/Orchestra Conductor

Summary: Grand Valley State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, invites applications for a 9 month, full-time, tenure track position in the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance to begin on August 6, 2023. We are seeking a committed string music educator and orchestral conductor with experience in both aspects of the position. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from candidates from underrepresented groups, and from candidates who have interest and/or experience in working with diverse student and community populations.

Required Qualifications and Education:

• ABD candidate in music education or orchestral conducting will be considered for a two-year contract with provision that the doctorate must be completed by December 2024. Three years of successful teaching experience in string education with certification at the K-12 level  Excellent verbal and written communication skills Experience in, demonstrated understanding of, or interest in social justice education and/or initiatives, and/or inclusion, diversity, and/or intercultural training.  Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and empathy. 

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

• Completed doctorate in music education or orchestral conducting 5 years of successful K-12 teaching experience in string education

• A record of successful music education instruction, ensemble conducting, and pre-service supervision at the college level A record of scholarly and creative work which could include recordings, performances, publications, conference and workshop presentations, and participation in professional organizations 

Responsibilities: Duties will include conducting the Orchestra and teaching Secondary Instrumental Methods & Materials, Introduction to Conducting and Advanced Conducting. Additional teaching duties may be assigned based on the needs of the music program and the strengths of the candidate and may include pre-service teacher supervision, instrument methods courses, or introductory courses in music education.

Salary/Benefits

The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The university offers an excellent comprehensive package that includes health/vision/dental plans, life insurance, retirement, sick/leave disability, tuition waiver, adoption resources, wellness coaching, and free access to campus fitness facilities. Family and childcare options on and off-campus are also available. For a detailed description of benefits, please visit Benefits and Wellness - Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu).

Department/College:  Music, Theatre, and Dance (CLAS). The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance offers curricula leading to the Bachelor of Arts in music, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, certificate in piano pedagogy, Bachelor of Arts in theatre, Bachelor of Science in theatre, and the Bachelor of Arts in dance. Minors in music, theatre and dance are also offered. These degree programs provide personalized attention, career building opportunities, and professional and extensive training in the various idioms of music, theatre, and dance. In the context of a broad liberal education that fosters critical thinking, creative problem solving, and cultural understanding, these degree programs prepare students well to answer the call of rewarding careers in music, theatre, and dance.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to equitable, inclusive, career-connected, and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together.

Campus/University:  Grand Valley University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon and Traverse City. The University attracts more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities, and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at Community Resources - Human Resources - Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu). Grand Valley is highly rated for safety, sustainability, and veteran and LGBTQ friendliness, and is committed to supporting employees and their families in work-life balance.

How To Apply:  A complete application must include: (1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) teaching philosophy, (4) a statement that describes ongoing and anticipated activities to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research/creative activity, and service, with particular attention to experiences engaging and supporting a diverse student body, (5) contact information of three professional references, (6) graduate transcripts (unofficial issued to students are acceptable to apply), and (7) Video Links to at least 1 recent live performance conducting an orchestra and 1 recent example of classroom instruction. Apply online at Open Positions - GVSU Jobs - Grand Valley State University and select “Apply now”. The online application will allow applicants to attach these documents electronically.

Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview. If you need assistance, call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.  Email questions about the position to: Dan Graser graserd@gvsu.edu

Application Deadline:  The review process will begin on November 8, 2022, and the posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

Allendale, Michigan 49401 - (616) 331-5000

For more information about Grand Valley, see our website at www.gvsu.edu

Grand Valley State University is an EOE which includes protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. See http://www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State)