POSITION SUMMARY

The Colburn Conservatory of Music seeks a full-time faculty member to teach courses in Music History and Literature at both the undergraduate (BM) and graduate (MM) levels with demonstrated expertise in 20th- and 21st-century music, particularly within the context of American classical music.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary duties include:

Teach the undergraduate sequence in music history.
Teach undergraduate and graduate elective courses in music history.
Engage in curricular assessment and implement change in coordination with the Chair and Conservatory administration.
Participate in graduate student placement exams.
Act as academic advisor to a cohort of degree students.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

PhD in musicology.
Multiple years of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate students.
Demonstrated ability to teach both introductory-level courses and advanced coursework related to the individual’s area(s) of expertise.
Background in performance with the ability to incorporate this perspective into the instruction of music history.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a relatively small community of students, faculty, and administrators.
Established record of collaboration and collegiality within academy and professional environments.
Preference given to candidates with a specialization in music post-1900. Commitment to championing all music, representing a wide range of styles and traditions.
Passion for teaching and the ability to foster curiosity and growth in students

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Physical: Must be able to see, hear, feel, and use hands to type and grasp objects with fingers. Primarily sedentary with intermittent standing, walking, bending, and stooping; occasional light lifting and carrying of objects weighing 25 pounds or less; light to heavy repetitive use of hands, wrists and forearms while working on a computer.

Emotional: Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships involving interactions and communications personally, by phone and in writing with a variety of individuals and/or groups of individuals from diverse backgrounds on a regular, on-going basis; ability to concentrate on detailed tasks for extended periods of time and/or intermittently while attending to other responsibilities; ability to work effectively under pressure on multiple tasks concurrently while meeting established deadlines and changing priorities.

Working Conditions: Primarily indoor office environment; frequent contact with and interruptions by individuals in person or by phone.

INSTITUTION INFORMATION

In 2004, the Colburn Conservatory of Music matriculated its first class, with full-tuition scholarships and room and board grants for all students. The institution awards undergraduate and graduate degrees and advanced certificates, preparing students for professional careers in music. With 130 students, the Conservatory’s small size provides the students and faculty with the ideal setting for highly-individualized and focused study.

The Conservatory, located in downtown Los Angeles, exists within an institution that also features the Music Academy, the Community School of Performing Arts and the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute – all dedicated to nurturing and training highly-gifted and dedicated students. The mission of the Colburn School is to provide the highest quality performing arts education at all levels of development in an optimal learning environment. Faculty at The Colburn School are an integral part of the daily life at the institution, with a highly visible presence and active level of engagement on campus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $60,000 to $80,000 based on qualifications and experience.

The Colburn School offers excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance plans, Long Term and Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and a 403(b)-retirement plan with a generous employer matching contribution.

TO APPLY

Please submit a detailed cover letter describing your qualifications and suitability for the position, as well as a curriculum vitae, through the Colburn School’s careers portal at www.colburnschool.edu/careers. The CV should include the names and contact information of 3–5 professional references.

The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Primary consideration for finalists to be invited to campus will take place in April 2026, with on‑campus interviews for finalists also scheduled for April 2026.

Colburn School

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Professor of Music History and Literature