Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor-Assistant Director of Athletic Bands: Setnor School of Music

The Setnor School of Music within the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor - Assistant Director of Athletic Bands, to begin Fall 2026. This is a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure track appointment.

The successful candidate will be a dynamic, innovative wind conductor with college-level athletic band experience, including drill design, music arranging, recruiting, and organizational leadership. Candidates must demonstrate a record of sustained excellence in musicianship through wind ensemble performance and university-level teaching; the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students; experience recruiting and teaching outstanding undergraduate and graduate students; and a growing regional to national profile as a conductor and pedagogue.

The school is particularly interested in candidates who have communication abilities and cross-cultural competencies to maximize their effectiveness with many different groups of students, colleagues, and community members.

About The College of Visual and Performing Arts

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship, and commentary. We provide the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action. To learn more about the college, our distinguished faculty, and our program, please visit our websites at www.syr.edu, www.vpa.syr.edu.

This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (DMA or PhD) in Wind Conducting or a closely related field from an accredited institution, or commensurate professional experience at the very highest level.
• Experience leading college-level marching and pep bands.
• College-level teaching experience in conducting, methods, and/or applied instruments.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Current knowledge of wind repertoire and performance practice.
• Effective rehearsal and conducting techniques and skills.
• Strong communicative and interpersonal skills that contribute to a respectful and collaborative work environment.
• Ability to create imaginative/innovative shows and programs.
• Ability to develop strategies in defining and supporting the future direction of the band program and the School of Music.
• Ability to utilize and implement new pedagogies and classroom strategies to advance comprehensive learning opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct the Syracuse University Pep Band and Concert Band.
• Co-conduct the Syracuse University Marching Band and teaching marching band techniques.
• Teach conducting, methods and literature classes, applied lessons in wind, brass, or percussion.
• Other teaching within candidate's area of expertise as assigned by the Director.
• Maintain active expertise in the field of wind conducting and pedagogy.
• Serve on committees in the School, College, and University.
• Recruitment, program development, community outreach.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, and travel as needed.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach the following:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Philosophy
• Portfolio Website URL (applicants can upload their link to video recordings of conducted performance and rehearsal, as well as recordings of playing their instrument, here
• Name and contact information for a minimum of four (4) references.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but priority consideration given to candidates who apply by June 15, 2026. For further information contact Professor Tim Diem, Search Committee Chair (twdiem@syr.edu)