Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies

Summary

Job Summary

The College of Music at the University of Colorado Boulder is pleased to invite applications for a full-time tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies to begin August 2025.

The Thompson Jazz Studies Program at the University of Colorado Boulder is a creative and engaging program offering BA, BM, MM, and DMA degrees in jazz studies. The program supports the CU Concert Jazz Ensemble, the Thompson Latin Jazz Ensemble, and multiple jazz combos. As an endowed program, we have the ability to host major artist residencies and we provide opportunities for students and faculty to study and perform nationally and internationally.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The College of Music strives to be a community whose excellence is premised on diversity, equity and inclusion. We seek candidates who share this dedication. The warm and collegial climate of the College of Music as a whole reflects the genuine respect among faculty and the unified goal of providing a nurturing and encouraging environment for the students.

The College of Music offers degree programs in Performance, Jazz Studies, Composition, Theory, Musicology, and Music Education. CU Boulder is located in one of the most picturesque and desirable geographic locations in the country, within easy driving distance of a major metropolitan area and the Rocky Mountains.

Responsibilities

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Teaching in areas of expertise including directing jazz ensembles and combos, and teaching jazz studies courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels such as Jazz Theory, Jazz Arranging, Jazz Composition, Jazz Improvisation and Jazz History.
• Weekly applied lessons.
• Serving on graduate student committees overseeing thesis and dissertation work. Active participation in recruiting prospective students.
• Serving on College and University committees. Participation in shared administrative responsibilities.
  
  

What You Should Know

The appointment is expected to begin on August 14, 2025.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary range for this assistant professor position is $70,500 - $79,000, plus possible summer research stipend. Onboarding assistance is available within department guidelines.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .

Be Statements

Be inspired. Be unique. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• MM/MA in Music is required.
• Documented experience teaching Jazz Studies at the university level.
• Significant professional experience as a performer, composer and/or arranger.
  
  

What You Will Need

• Proven ability to collaborate with colleagues.
• Commitment to curricular development.
• Willingness and ability to undertake necessary administrative duties required of the position.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  
  

What We Would Like You To Have

• Doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in Music (DMA/Ph. D./Artist’s Diploma).
• Substantial record of excellence in teaching at the public school, community program, and/or collegiate levels.
• Active career as a performer, composer, arranger or researcher at the national or international level.
• Experience with recruiting students.
• Facility with and experience in the digital realm, including social media, internet use, AI, and music technology
• An understanding of the historical roots of Jazz and the ability to communicate its cultural significance to a diverse audience.
  
  

Special Instructions

To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials

• A current curriculum vitae.
• A letter of application that specifically addresses your interest in the position and how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy, uploaded in PDF format.
• An electronic press kit that includes video and/or audio recordings (with Vimeo or other links), scores, publicity materials, reviews, etc. Document should be uploaded in PDF format with link(s).
• Diversity and Inclusion Statement: please submit a short essay (500-word limit; uploaded in PDF format) that responds to this statement, “The College of Music recognizes that our mission is strengthened by contributions of varied perspectives. Describe what your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion looks like in your practice.”
  
  

All files must be converted to PDF format.

During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for three (3) professional, academic references. We may request confidential letters of recommendation later in the search process. This information will be kept confidential and viewable only by the search committee.

Applications received by March 1, 2025, will receive full consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

For questions, please contact Professor John Gunther, Director, Thompson Jazz Studies, Chair-Jazz Search Committee at john.gunther@colorado.edu.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs .

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.