Job description
School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts
Music
Instructor/Assistant Professor
Tenure Track
Academic Year 2026 – 2027
Western Connecticut State University’s School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts (SVPCA) is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for a tenure track Instructor or Assistant Professor position in the Department of Music.
WCSU is committed to enhancing our diverse university community by actively encouraging people with disabilities, members of LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, veterans, and women to apply. We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek excellence through diversity and inclusion. WCSU is honored to be awarded the federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in our progress toward fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our campus community.
The School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts www.wcsu.edu/svpa is situated in the innovative Visual and Performing Arts Center. Only an hour from New York City yet located in the scenic foothills of New England’s Berkshires, the school offers a professional training program in a liberal arts context at the relatively affordable cost of a public university. New York City’s proximity means our students receive the benefit of a faculty of nationally recognized artists, directors, designers, performers, and scholars dedicated to teaching a highly diverse student population. The Visual and Performing Arts Center houses the university’s recording studio, featuring a 48-channel Solid State Logic Duality console, a wide selection of microphones and outboard gear, and professional capabilities for stereo, 5.1, and 7.1 surround mixing and mastering. VPAC also includes the Veronica Hagman Concert Hall, renowned for its exceptional acoustics, variable acoustic treatments, 5.1 HD recording capabilities, and two premier concert grand pianos (Steinway and Yamaha). All performance spaces are integrated via advanced fiber optic audio and video systems.
The Department of Music is a friendly, vibrant, student-oriented community dedicated to serving as an accessible, responsive, and creative intellectual resource. The faculty and staff strive to meet the educational needs of a diverse student body through excellent instruction, performance opportunities, scholarship, and public service. The department maintains the highest standards of teaching and research at both undergraduate and graduate levels, supporting a just and inclusive society through the achievements of its graduates, faculty, and staff.
WCSU offers a distinctive Bachelor of Music: Audio & Music Production program, blending musical artistry and technical audio engineering expertise. Students in this program learn critical listening skills, music composition, arranging, and firsthand audio production techniques. Lessons are provided by award-winning faculty members and industry professionals, utilizing our state-of-the-art recording studio and facilities. Information on the department may be found at www.wcsu.edu/music. Information on the university may be found at www.wcsu.edu.
Position Summary: The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in Audio Production, which may include Audio Recording, Production, and Post-production. Additional responsibilities may include directing Pop/Rock Ensembles and teaching Applied Lessons in contemporary commercial music. Other responsibilities may be assigned depending on the candidate’s expertise and the department’s needs.
The successful candidate must maintain an active program of professional creative activity in audio production and contemporary commercial music performance and will be expected to demonstrate significant industry experience. The candidate should also expect to contribute to departmental and university service and to build and maintain professional relationships with regional and national communities in audio production and commercial music.
Qualifications: A terminal degree or doctorate is strongly preferred. A Master’s degree in Audio Production or a closely related field (e.g., Recording Engineering, Music Production) will be considered.Candidates may also qualify through substantial professional experience and distinguished achievements in audio/music production. Examples include recognition through major industry awards (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) or equivalent accomplishments demonstrating national or international distinction. Successful teaching, mentoring, or instructional experience at the collegiate or professional level is required.
Applicants must show significant professional experience, evidenced by credits in film, television, multimedia, commercial music, or related media. Proficiency with digital audio workstations and expertise in one or more areas of production (such as mixing, mastering, sound design, synthesis, scoring, or post-production) is expected. As a secondary area of competence, candidates must demonstrate proficiency as a musician in contemporary commercial music. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.
Candidates must provide evidence of at least three (3) years of successful college teaching experience and departmental service. A candidate who does not meet the above standards may also be appointed provided the candidate has credentials and/or experience substantially comparable to the above experience.
WCSU is particularly interested in applicants who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for first-generation and under-represented groups.
Salary & Benefits: The hiring salary range for an Instructor is $65,308 – $76,193. The hiring salary range for an Assistant Professor is $73,912 – $86,231. The salary will be commensurate upon candidates’ experience. WCSU offers a comprehensive benefits package. Additional information on benefits can be found at www.wcsu.edu/hr/benefits/. There are grant opportunities to support research and conference attendance.
How to apply
Interested applicants must submit a letter of application, which outlines interest in, and qualifications for the position; areas of teaching expertise and experience, areas of professional work in areas of service and leadership highlighting excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, research/professional interests, and a statement of teaching philosophy; a current curriculum vita; and the names and contact information for at least three (3) professional references who can comment on the applicant’s teaching, scholarship, and professionalism. Additional materials may be requested by the search committee upon review of materials. Questions may be directed to [email protected] referencing Music TT. To apply, submit your materials to: https://westernconnecticutstateuniversity.applytojob.com/apply/byT7mUf70Z/Music-InstructorAssistant-Professor
All materials should be submitted as PDF files and be submitted no later than Sunday, November 17, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
Western is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer
