Assistant Professor or Lecturer of Music​/Director of Orchestral Activities

The University of North Alabama’s Department of Music invites applications for Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor or Non-Tenure-Track, Lecturer of Music/Director of Orchestral Activities beginning in August of 2026. The rank of the position will depend on the successful candidate’s qualifications. The Department of Music is a proud member of the UNA School of the Arts, alongside wonderful colleagues from the departments of Cinematic Arts and Theatre, Visual Arts & Design, and Entertainment Industry.

Located in the Shoals, known for its rich musical heritage and vibrant creative community, the UNA Department of Music cultivates musicians equipped to contribute to the world stage.

This position also serves as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Shoals Symphony Orchestra  Shoals Symphony was founded in 1979 as a violin teaching program for students of all ages. Through the strong support of the Shoals community, the SSO developed into a thriving symphony. The SSO performs a variety of concerts each year including classical masterworks, pops concerts, special guest concerts including Michael Bolton, John Paul White, and Mac McAnally, and annual movie concerts.

The initial review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, applications must be received by November 1, 2025. Salary is commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain excellence in conducting the Shoals Symphony Orchestra and the University Orchestra; teach applied lessons; develop and maintain an agenda of research and/or creative activities relevant in the field; perform recruiting activities for the department; attend faculty and other relevant meetings; and mentor and provide academic advising to students in the department.

This position is responsible for serving as artistic director and conductor of the Shoals Symphony at UNA and the University Orchestra. The successful candidate will be expected to teach in related areas such as: applied strings, string ensemble, literature and pedagogy, instrumental conducting, and string methods; develop and maintain an agenda of research, scholarship, and/or creative activities relevant in the field;

serve on departmental and university committees; advise students; recruit string students; and work in collaboration with the Shoals Symphony Orchestra personnel and Board in the administration of the orchestra.

Applicants for the Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor position must hold a doctorate in music or music education. ABD candidates close to completion of a doctorate or applicants who hold a master’s degree in music may be considered for the position, but at the rank of Non-Tenure-Track, Lecturer. Specialization in viola, cello, and/or double bass is preferred. Evidence of successful, professional level conducting experience, success in recruitment of string players, interest and skill in a variety of appropriate orchestral repertoire, and a strong commitment to undergraduate string teaching are also required.

Please be prepared to upload at the time of application, a cover letter, curriculum vitae with evidence of successful teaching in applied strings and orchestral conducting, and contact information for at least three professional/academic references. In addition, video links of rehearsal conducting and applied teaching are required as well as audio/video recording links of orchestral and recital performances. These links may be included as part of the resume/cv or uploaded as another document.

Transcripts are also required.

Official transcripts for the highest degree attained are required of the successful candidate, but unofficial copies will be accepted for the application process. If any of your graduate hours in the relevant teaching discipline are taken from a degree(s) that is not your highest attained, an official transcript of that degree(s) must also be submitted. Electronic copies, if available, of unofficial transcripts may be attached under the attachment headings of Unofficial Transcript 1, Unofficial Transcript 2, etc.

Electronic copies of unofficial/official…