Carson-Newman University is a Christian liberal arts-based University built upon the Lordship of Jesus Christ as evidenced historically and revealed in the Scriptures.
Our mission as Christian educators is to help our students reach their full potential as educated citizens and worldwide servant leaders.
Job Title: Assistant Professor of Music Choral Faculty Tenure Track Department: School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Music Department
Reports To: Chair of the Dept of Music, Dr. Chris Headley
Location: On-site FLSA Status: Exempt Annual duration: 9-month Expected hours per week: Full-time, including some nights and weekend work. (Part-time hours if applicable)
Summary Description
This full-time tenure-track position will begin August 2026. Primary responsibilities include directing an expanding range of choral ensembles that serve both the academic and worship life of the university with a particular emphasis on ensembles performing highly skilled classical choral repertoire and contemporary Christian worship music. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to lead choirs with artistic excellence, musical depth, and theological awareness across both traditions.
Additional responsibilities may include teaching courses in conducting, diction, choral literature, vocal pedagogy, or other areas based on the candidates expertise and departmental needs. Choral faculty may also participate in Summer Music Camps and Honor Choir events for high school students.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will show a deep appreciation for the full breadth of choral music in both the church and the academy and will be committed to mentoring students as musicians, worship leaders, and servant-leaders. The successful candidate will cultivate strong relationships with area musicians, high schools, and churches, recruit and retain students, prepare ensembles for university and community performances, and collaborate in worship-related initiatives, including assisting with small worship-leading ensembles.
Faculty Responsibilities
Faculty are expected to engage in academic advising, committee service, and other responsibilities consistent with a tenure-track appointment.
Essential Functions
As an intentionally Christian academic community, hiring Christian educators, all employees will be expected to advance the mission, vision, and identity of Carson-Newman University as defined in university policy and expressed in our strategic plan, and are expected to work as cooperative and collegial members of the University.
The University expects all employees to conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate for a Christian institution and to be worthy examples in moral conduct and behavior for the students of the University and fellow employees both on and off campus.
Regular attendance during scheduled work hours reflects a commitment to our shared mission and the campus community. If applicable, all work must be performed in alignment with the terms of the signed contract.
As Christian educators, all employees of the University should regularly attend and actively participate in a local church.
Additional Essential Functions
This description is designed to describe the general nature of the job and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, and duties. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned and included in assessments and reviews.
Education
DMA or PhD. in Music preferred. ABD and masters degree candidates will be considered.
Experience
Five years of experience in collegiate choral faculty preferred
Required Skills
Choral Conductor
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time. Must be able to access and navigate campus facilities.