Job description
West Virginia Wesleyan College seeks a dynamic music educator to join a student centered, small college music department. The ideal candidate will be a pianist, with a background in performance, collaborative piano, and/or piano instruction and pedagogy. Special consideration will be given to those individuals with the ability to work in a variety of genres, especially those with understanding and experience as both music director and pianist/conductor for musical theatre productions and as a jazz musician. Above all, the successful candidate will be a professional musician with superior musicianship.
The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching applied piano to music majors and non-majors. They will also be responsible for accompanying ensembles and individual students (playing piano and/or organ) for concerts, department recitals, juries, Lessons and Carols, and other performances. The ideal candidate would also be qualified to teach advanced level theory and ear training, and would work in collaboration with the Department of Theatre & Dance to prepare one mainstage musical theatre production each academic year.
Evidence of success, or potential success, in new student recruitment, innovative curriculum design that engages music majors, minors, and non-majors is highly desired. The candidate would help with recruitment efforts, supporting direct recruitment for ensembles, both in terms of outreach and by traveling with faculty and ensembles as an accompanist to visit schools within West Virginia and the surrounding region. Teaching and director duties will be determined by the expertise of the successful candidate; contribution to the college’s general education core curriculum is an expectation.
A Masters degree in music is required, and a PhD or DMA are preferred. However, individuals with documented tested knowledge in professional musicianship commensurate with advanced degrees in music will be considered.
Founded in 1890, West Virginia Wesleyan is a private residential college located in the foothills of the Appalachians in Buckhannon, WV, named one of the “100 Best Small Towns in America.” The College is related to the United Methodist Church, with a curriculum committed to intellectual rigor, self-discovery, human dignity, mutual support, social justice, self-discipline, mental and physical wellness, the appreciation of diversity and the natural world, and the judicious use of resources. The College has over 40 undergraduate academic majors, six graduate programs, 22 NCAA Division II sports, comprehensive student life, community engagement, and outdoor recreational programs.
How to apply
To apply, e-mail a single PDF containing a letter of interest connecting your experience to the position, curriculum vitae with contact information for three references, and copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts (can be unofficial). The candidate will be notified prior to references being contacted.
Following review of initial materials, candidates may be asked to provide another document with links to high-quality video recordings of recent (within the past 3 years) collaborative performances (both vocal and instrumental collaboration). Videos should not exceed 30 minutes of music. Application materials should be sent to Dr. Lynn M. Linder, Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Prior to a final offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to submit to a background check.
For questions about the position, please contact the Chair of the Department of Music, Dr. R. Dan Hughes, [email protected]
West Virginia Wesleyan College, a private educational institution, is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all qualified persons, welcomes students of all backgrounds and takes pride in the diversity of its faculty and staff. It assures students of access to all the privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available at the College. West Virginia Wesleyan College does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, ancestry, marital/family status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, religion, age, disability or blindness, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law , to include Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and the Age Discrimination Act, in the administration of its admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, educational programs, employment, athletic programs, co-curricular activities, or other College administered programs.
