ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MUSIC (Director of Jazz Studies)

TENURE TRACK

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Whitworth’s Department of Music invites applicants for the position of Assistant Professor of

Music (Director of Jazz Studies), tenure track.

Since 1890, Whitworth University, a private, residential, comprehensive, master’s-level, liberal-
arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian church, has held fast to its founding mission to

provide its students an education of mind and heart characterized by rigorous and open

intellectual inquiry and the integration of Christian faith and learning. Anchored in the

Reformed tradition and enriched throughout its history by strong evangelical and ecumenical

currents, Whitworth’s mission is carried out by a diverse community of dedicated Christian

scholars and staff members who are called to a variety of vocations to serve and support

students. Whitworth believes the best learning occurs in the context of relationship – inside

and outside of the classroom – where professors and staff members alike invest in the lives of

students. Whitworth is committed to modeling the highest standards of integrity and fairness

and being a trusted and valued member of the community.

The Department of Music, housed in the recently renovated and expanded Cowles Music

Center, offers both the Bachelor of Arts in Music and Bachelor of Arts in Music Education

Degrees. The department has nine full-time faculty, two full-time lecturers, and over thirty part-
time instructors, with approximately 100 music majors as well as many non-majors in elective

courses, lessons, and ensembles. The music programs are fully accredited by the National

Association of Schools of Music. The music department serves the Spokane community by

performing nearly 100 recitals and concerts each year on campus, in schools and churches, and

at the historic Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox.

The Whitworth Jazz Program has been widely recognized as one of the top university jazz

programs in the country. Each year the Whitworth Jazz Ensemble performs with internationally

recognized artists, and past guest artists have included Branford Marsalis, Joshua Redman, Pat

Metheny, and Maria Schneider. The Whitworth Jazz Ensemble has appeared at national,

regional, and state conferences and festivals, and tours both nationally and internationally.

Recent tours have included Italy, Cuba, Brazil, New Orleans, and New York.

STARTING DATE: July 1, 2022

PRIMARY TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct the Whitworth Jazz Ensemble; coordinate overall jazz program, including the annual Jazz

Guest Artist Concert; coordination of jazz adjunct faculty and recruitment of music students and

curriculum planning; teach in a secondary area depending on expertise and departmental

needs; establish and maintain positive relationships with regional music educators

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Possibility of developing new courses that contribute to the university’s innovative,

interdisciplinary Shared Curriculum. Additional responsibilities include participation in

departmental activities and governance, professional and research activities, attending state,

regional and national professional association meetings; attending faculty assemblies,

development days, and retreat, serving on committees, and advising.

REQUIRED JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Evidence of promise in effectiveness at college-level teaching (demonstrated

effectiveness preferred)

• A personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and

learning

• An on-going stream of scholarship in the candidate’s area of specialization (this includes

traditional published scholarship, but can also include music composition and

performance)

• Demonstrated growth in cultural competence, awareness of societal and structural

inequities and proven experience in effectively establishing relationships and positive

communications with students and other constituents across multiple dimensions of

diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, varying abilities, nationality, sexual

orientation, gender identity, class or religious perspectives

• A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a comprehensive

Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: MM in Jazz, DMA or ABD, or professional equivalence

SALARY: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

TO APPLY: Please submit to www.whitworth.edu/facultycareers

• A letter of application addressing your qualifications for the position and interest in

teaching at a Christian liberal arts university with an increasingly diverse student body

• Curriculum vitae

• Your teaching philosophy

• A short personal essay describing your personal Christian faith. This essay is intended to

be a statement in your own words that will help the committee to understand your

interest in joining Whitworth’s community of Christian scholars. (Click here for guidance

on writing the faith essay)

• Three most recent student feedback surveys
  

• Link to recent videos of performances of two contrasting jazz ensemble works led by

candidate

• Link to audio or video of a performance on the candidate’s primary instrument

• Link to an unedited video of a recent 15-20 minute rehearsal with the candidate

conducting a jazz ensemble

• Names, addresses, email address and phone numbers of at least three academic

references (one or more additional non-academic references who are able to speak to

your qualifications for the position may also be included)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: A background check, sexual misconduct check, credit check, and

confirmation of degrees earned will be required of the successful candidate

DEADLINE: Application materials will be received until the position is filled. Initial screening of

applicants will begin February 1.