Assistant Professor - Jazz and Commercial Music

Position Overview

Assistant Professor of Jazz and Commercial Music – a nine‑month tenure‑track position starting August 2026 at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). The role is based on the Main UNCW Campus and is number 6213, vacancy 16F-760.

Teach undergraduate courses in Jazz Studies and Commercial Music (Arranging, Keyboard & Theory, Improvisation, Combo) and an Applied area that complements the current faculty. Fulfill other departmental needs as assigned by the chair, advise students, serve on committees, and contribute to an inclusive and equitable community within the department, college, and university. Additionally, the successful candidate may teach rotating courses in Music Technology (Intro to Music Technology, Digital Music Production, Live Sound Production).

• Ph.D., D.M.A., or ABD in Music at the time of application. Applicants who are ABD will be considered; however, the doctoral degree must be conferred by August 1, 2026 to be eligible for employment.
• Experience and expertise in teaching jazz or commercial music at the college/university level.
• Evidence of ongoing performance activity (live performances, commercial recordings, projects).
• Demonstrated professional experience as a jazz or commercial music arranger and/or composer.

• Evidence of teaching and recruiting an applied studio (jazz piano, bass, drums, trombone).
• Experience in teaching jazz or commercial music arranging and/or composition.
• Experience in teaching music technology.
• Demonstrated commitment to educational outreach.

Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM EST on the posting closing date (January 26, 2026). Complete the online application process at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and attach the following materials as an Adobe PDF document:

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application that includes a 1–2 page statement addressing the qualifications cited above and addressed to the Search Committee Chair.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Three pieces of evidence of professional activity in jazz and/or commercial music. Examples may include projects, performance videos, arrangements/compositions, and professional recordings.
• Two pieces of evidence of teaching jazz and/or commercial music. Examples may include course syllabi, assignments, and a teaching video in class and/or applied settings.
• List of three professional references.
• If needed, applicants may upload additional materials under the Other category.

Please note that a minimum of three references is required for all applications. References will be requested during the screening process. Letters of application without the requested components will not meet the application requirements. For questions about the position or online application process, contact the UNCW Department of Music administrative associate, Sydney Stone: stones.

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents - except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.