Job description

University of Montana: Provost: Missoula: College of the Arts and Media

Location: Missoula, MT, United States

Open Date: Nov 05, 2026

Deadline:

Description
The University of Montana School of Music, Theatre, and Dance seeks a creative, collaborative music educator to prepare future elementary music teachers, instrumental music directors, and choral directors. Responsibilities include teaching introduction to music education, classroom instruments, general music methods for music majors, music in the classroom for elementary education majors, and other courses that match the chosen candidate’s strengths and the program needs.

In collaboration with faculty colleagues, the successful candidate will coordinate practicum placements, supervise field experiences, and support student teaching. The position also serves as a liaison between the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance and the College of Education. It is expected to maintain strong relationships with local and regional music educators, schools, and professional organizations.

As a tenure-track faculty member, the successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, creative scholarship, and service. This position will also contribute to committees, meetings, auditions, and recruitment activities.

Position Details

Tenure Track Faculty: Assistant Professor

Salary: $55,000-$65,000 commensurate with experience

Schedule: Full-time, tenure-track academic year position beginning August 2027

Benefits: Medical Insurance/Mandatory Retirement Contribution/Professional Development/Partial Tuition Waiver/Wellness

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in music and a minimum of five (5) years of successful elementary general music teaching experience.
• Training and/or certification in one or more recognized music teaching approaches (e.g., Orff, Kodaly, Dalcroze, Feierabend, Gordon) is expected.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate in music education.
• Experience working in a variety of teaching settings.
• A record of effective college-level teaching.
• Developing or established record of scholarly activity.
• Experience in emergent areas (e.g., popular music pedagogies, world music pedagogies, culturally responsive/sustaining pedagogies, etc.)
• Knowledge and ability to use current interactive technology (including AI), as a tool for teaching in multiple learning modalities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
University of Montana (UM) is an equal opportunity employer. UM does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request.

Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Background check is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to background investigations per UM’s policy and procedure.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.

How to apply

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date of December 6, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.

To apply, please upload the following materials:

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position.
• Detailed curriculum vitae or resume listing education and describing work experience.
• Three (3) professional references – Names and contact information.
• A personal statement – presenting your teaching philosophy including, but not limited to, the themes of music teacher preparation, field experiences, and classroom culture.
• Unofficial transcripts

Questions about the position may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Joanna Berg, [email protected]

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always”; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

For more information and to apply, visit