Department of Music, Director of Bands - Assistant/Associate Professor

The Music Department at La Sierra University is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time faculty position as Director of Bands; employment for this position is anticipated to start July 1, 2026. The successful candidate may be hired at either the assistant or associate professor level based on experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities include conducting the La Sierra University Wind Ensemble and Brass Ensemble; teaching undergraduate and performer’s certificate courses; advising undergraduate students, assisting with applied area instrumental recruiting efforts, and other service (e.g. recruiting) that supports departmental goals. Expectations include organizing at least three (3) concerts per school year with extra performances in churches, schools, or performance tour(s). The Director of Bands will organize and lead a regional High School Band Festival every other year. Pursuing an ongoing scholarship and/or performance program will also be expected as part of future promotion expectations. 

Successful faculty life is defined by performance in three key areas: teaching, research, and service. 

TEACHING

Serve as instructor for classes as assigned by the department chair each quarter (fall, winter, spring) and as appropriate to the background and expertise of the Director of Bands. These classes may include, but are not limited to:

●       MUHL classes (Music Appreciation, World Music, etc.),

●       Applied Music Instruction (MUPF Individual Instruction, and

●       appropriate MUED classes (Methods, Music Education Class Curriculum, etc.).

RESEARCH

Maintain an established national/international profile as a professional conductor and scholar. Scholarship may include areas in the Director of Bands’ areas of training and expertise, including conducting symposia, composition, etc. Expectations for research required for promotion and tenure (when applicable) are outlined in the Faculty Handbook (FH). 

SERVICE

Participate fully in academic and professional activities, including service assignments, across the campus and the profession. Active participation in recruiting activities in conjunction with other full-time faculty, visibility and presence at campus events. Relevant service activities include the following examples cited in the Faculty Handbook (FH). Engage in service to the Department, College of Arts and Sciences, University service, including:

●       Membership and participation in one or more committees (FH III.2.1.D, III.2.2.E.2.i)

●       Attend Music Department meetings and CAS Faculty Meetings (FH III.2.6.B)

●       Maintain a respectful, professional and collegial working relationship with students and colleagues.

●       Provide Music Department support (such as recruiting, documentation for accreditation, etc.; FH III.2.g.F-H). Recruiting activities include:

○       Holding Clinics, Masterclasses, Workshops at middle and secondary schools, in Director’s area(s) of expertise.

○       Collaborating with other music faculty for outreach performances to churches and schools.

○       Adjudicating off-campus competitions.  

Time Expectations:

A faculty member will meet all teaching appointments and scheduled office hours, and will consult with the Department Chair before any extraordinary cancellation(s). The position of Director of Bands assumes a minimum of 20 hours per week on campus teaching classes, holding four scheduled office hours per week, mentoring students, and collaborating with colleagues.

Conflict Of Interest:

Ensure that non-La Sierra University activities do not interfere with meeting the expectations listed above and adhere to all the requirements included in the Faculty Handbook (FH), including those listed below:

●       “the outside activity will be secondary and will not encroach on the faculty member’s time for meeting the responsibilities of their faculty load” (FH III.2.8.C.3)

●       “the external activity will not involve the faculty member for more than the equivalent of one day per calendar working week. (The allowed time is not cumulative.)” (FH III.2.8.C.5)

●       Provide an annual report of outside activities for which you are compensated: “The report includes the number of days spent in the outside activities and any financial interest the faculty member may have in the organization involved, etc.” (FH III.2.8.E) 

Qualifications:
Candidates are required to have a Master’s Degree in Conducting; a Doctoral Degree in Wind Band Conducting is preferred. Significant teaching experience at the undergraduate level is desired. To qualify for associate professor rank, a candidate must have a teaching and research record lasting at least five years. Preference will be given to candidates who are Seventh-day Adventist.

Wage Range: $70,304.00 to $78,501.00 plus generous benefits: 

Assistant professor – PhD $70,304
Associate professor – PhD $70,304 - $78,501
Salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus benefits.
Comprehensive health coverage available.
Tuition Assistance
10 Paid Holidays
FSA, Pet Insurance, Legal Services, Identity Protection Services, and more.