Department of Music - Tenure Track Appointment in Jazz Studies

Department of Music – Tenure Track Appointment

The Music Department at St Francis Xavier University (StFX) is inviting applications for a Tenure Track position in Jazz Studies, with a focus in Drum Set/Percussion, to begin July 1, 2023.

The Department of Music seeks candidates who can contribute to and strengthen the diversity of our community and will prioritize applications from one or more of the following underrepresented groups: individuals who identify as women, Indigenous persons, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+, or any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community.

Candidates must have significant professional performance experience in Jazz/Studio Drum Set, with an emphasis in Jazz and its related sub-genres, as well as experience with applied studio instruction, classroom teaching and ensemble leadership at the post-secondary level. The Department of Music seeks to expand its offerings and welcomes candidates who demonstrate expertise in one or more of the following areas: African American and/or African Canadian music, Indigenous music, Latin Jazz, Ethnomusicology (including Jazz History), or Feminism in Jazz and Popular Music. The successful candidate will be responsible for 15 credit hours of teaching at the undergraduate level and will be expected to be active in creative work (performance, composition, recording, etc.) and/or scholarly research in their field. Applicants will be required to work in masterclass and ensemble environments. The successful candidate will also be required to perform as a part of the faculty ensemble for visiting artists, and faculty recitals when required. Other teaching duties will be based on the candidate’s expertise and experience.

A terminal degree (Ph.D., D.M.A., etc.) is preferred; a Master’s degree in an appropriate discipline is required.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy and research interest, links to three representative recordings, and the names and contact information of three references to:

 Professor Paul Tynan

Chair, Department of Music

St Francis Xavier University

Email:  Ptynan@stfx.ca

Additional support materials may be requested at a later date. Consideration of applications will begin on January 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

St. Francis Xavier University is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), racialized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at hr@stfx.ca or 902-867-5038.

About the Music Department

StFX Music is a pioneer in jazz education in Canada. Our jazz program, which was established in 1977, was the first in Canada to offer a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies. Located in historic Gilmora Hall, our jazz faculty boasts some of the best improvising musicians in Canada, and our program focuses on mentorship and strong, practical performance skills. The Visiting Artist series (past artists include John Abercrombie, Tierney Sutton, Peter Erskine, Larry Grenadier, Mike Stern, and many more!) brings internationally renowned performers to perform for and work with our students. Graduates of our program have gone on to successful performance careers in a variety of genres, as well as working in musical theatre, arts organizations, education, and more. Our graduates have also moved on to further study in well-respected graduate programs throughout North America.

About St. Francis Xavier University

Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today’s undergraduates through providing the very best academic experience -- outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada’s most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and the personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world.

In 2022, Maclean's annual university rankings put StFX #1 in student satisfaction and #2 in reputation across Canada in the primarily undergraduate category. For more, visit www.stfx.ca

About Antigonish, Nova Scotia

The beautiful and historic town of Antigonish is located within the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia. Only a 15-minute drive from the ocean and a two-hour drive to major urban centres, Antigonish is a family-friendly community with a diverse and growing population and provides access to excellent education at all levels. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful beaches and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, sports and other active lifestyle activities. Antigonish supports a vibrant culture in the arts with music, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, and fabulous festivals happening throughout the year.  

For more information visit www.townofantigonish.ca or www.visitantigonish.ca