The Department of Music at Northwest Nazarene University offers degrees in Bachelor of Arts, Music Education, Applied Music Emphasis, Worship Arts, Musical Theater, and Commercial Music. Our comprehensive curriculum covers theory, history, methods, and applied coursework. Students at NNU participate in various ensembles and receive private instruction from our esteemed faculty and professional musicians from the Treasure Valley, many of whom are members of the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra. The building offers practice rooms, ensemble rehearsal spaces, an iMac-based Center for Digital Media, and an on-site recording studio. On-campus performances are held in our state-of-the-art Brandt Center’s 1500-seat hall, along with three intimate recital spaces. The department frequently hosts the state music conference and other festivals and events. Our ensembles perform both locally and across the Northwest, as well as internationally. NNU has a beautiful array of pianos in practice rooms and performing halls and is close to receiving the “All Steinway School” designation.

Job Description 

The position is a full-time, nine-month tenure-track position beginning in August of 2025. This includes teaching courses in the music core, including music theory, commercial music courses, and courses within the applicant’s areas of training and inquiry. 

Duties, Responsibilities, and Goals 

We are seeking an innovative and dedicated faculty member to contribute to our music department, focusing on teaching courses in the music core (including music theory and music technology), overseeing the commercial music curriculum, and leading the expansion of the commercial music program.

The ideal candidate will possess a passion for traditional and contemporary music education, demonstrating the ability to mentor and inspire students. Responsibilities include evaluating and adjusting the commercial music curriculum to stay current with industry trends and fostering relationships with local and national music industry professionals to provide students with valuable networking and internship opportunities. 

The successful candidate will be prepared to: 

• Teach courses in music theory, music technology, and commercial music.
•  Additional teaching will be based on departmental needs and specializations. 
• Oversee and update the commercial music curriculum. 
• Expand and develop the commercial music program. 
• Continually integrate commercial music students into the music department ethos. 
• Oversee recommendations for music department technology, including equipment and notation and DAW software. 
• Lead efforts for student recruitment, focusing on talented instrumental musicians. 
• Cultivate relationships with local high schools and churches. 
• Build partnerships with industry professionals for student networking and internships. 
• Teach private lessons in an applied area.
• Contribute to enhancing the music department and university community. 
• Participate in student advising, committee work, and departmental service. 
• Support the music department's culture by fostering relationships with faculty and affiliates. 
• Collaborate on projects with other faculty members.

Qualifications 

Successful candidates will have earned a Master of Music degree, as well as extensive teaching experience at the collegiate, community, or professional levels. These minimum qualifications will be supported by: 

• Demonstrated expertise in music theory, music technology, and commercial music. 
• Strong connections within the music industry and a proven ability to cultivate professional networks for students.
• Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, and developing student talent.
• Ability to teach private lessons in an area of specialization.
• Ability to contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. 

Preference will be given to candidates with a DMA in music with three or more years of college teaching experience (graduate teaching assistantships with substantial teaching responsibility acceptable). Evidence of established leadership (e.g., positions held and evidence of recruiting and building programs). 

Additional consideration will be given to candidates with: 

• Experience teaching courses within the music core 
• Experience running commercial ensembles
• Production and post-production work
• Experience in Worship Arts 
• Experience running jazz ensembles and combos 
• Ability to teach in a related area (commercial ensembles, jazz, history, songwriting, etc.). 

For more info, contact: Dr. John Dally, Chair, (208) 467-8755, jdally@nnu.edu, and visit our website music.nnu.edu. 

About Northwest Nazarene University

At Northwest Nazarene University, you will discover a university with a century-long history of providing a transformational education that is committed to helping individuals elevate their God-given purpose as they live into our Here for Good promise. We believe an education is more than an intellectual pursuit; it is more than merely acquiring a degree to get a better job. At Northwest Nazarene University, we believe that a meaningful life is rooted in timeless values and empowered by a close-knit community that embodies these principles for each and every one of our students, staff, and faculty. Together, we realize our potential by committing to a life of service that transforms ourselves, our society, and the world. Founded in 1913, Northwest Nazarene University is a comprehensive Christian university with over 80 undergraduate areas of study, 18 master’s degrees in six different disciplines, five Education Specialists degrees and two doctoral degrees. NNU has more than 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 6,000 continuing education students and more than 10,000 high school students who participate in the University’s concurrent credit program. Our students are highly... motivated and engaged. They tend to be well-rounded, often participating in athletics, music, student life and spiritual development—all while taking their academics seriously. NNU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), a regional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). NNU has a long and deep association with the Church of the Nazarene, and all University faculty and staff commit themselves to living out their faith in a community shaped by serious scholarship and Christian values.

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