About

• Description
• NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
• COLLEGE OF ARTS & HUMANITIES
• Faculty, Department of Music

• The Department of Music at Northwest Nazarene University offers degrees in Bachelor of Arts, Music Education, Applied Music Emphasis, Worship Arts, Musical Theater, and Commercial Music. Our comprehensive curriculum covers theory, history, methods, and applied coursework. Students at NNU participate in various ensembles and receive private instruction from our esteemed faculty and professional musicians from the Treasure Valley, many of whom are members of the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra. The building offers practice rooms, ensemble rehearsal spaces, an iMac-based Center for Digital Media, and an on-site recording studio. On-campus performances are held in our state-of-the-art Brandt Center’s 1500-seat hall, along with three intimate recital spaces. The department frequently hosts the state music conference and other festivals and events. Our ensembles perform both locally and across the Northwest, as well as internationally. NNU has a beautiful array of pianos in practice rooms and performing halls and is close to receiving the “All Steinway School” designation.

• The position is a full-time, nine-month tenure-track position beginning as early as January of 2026. This includes teaching courses in the music core, including music theory, commercial music courses, and courses within the applicant’s areas of training and inquiry.

• We are seeking an innovative and dedicated faculty member to contribute to our music department, focusing on teaching courses in the music core (including music theory and music technology), overseeing the commercial music curriculum, and leading the expansion of the commercial music program.

• The ideal candidate will possess a passion for traditional and contemporary music education, demonstrating the ability to mentor and inspire students. Responsibilities include evaluating and adjusting the commercial music curriculum to stay current with industry trends and fostering relationships with local and national music industry professionals to provide students with valuable networking and internship opportunities.

• Essential Functions
• Teach courses in music theory, music technology, and commercial music
• Teach courses based on departmental needs and specializations
• Oversee and update the commercial music curriculum
• Expand and develop the commercial music program
• Continually integrate commercial music students into the music department ethos
• Oversee recommendations for music department technology, including equipment and notation and DAW software
• Lead efforts for student recruitment, focusing on talented instrumental musicians
• Cultivate relationships with local high schools and churches
• Build partnerships with industry professionals for student networking and internships
• Teach private lessons in an applied area
• Contribute to enhancing the music department and university community
• Participate in student advising, committee work, and departmental service
• Support the music department's culture by fostering relationships with faculty and affiliates
• Collaborate on projects with other faculty members
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Requirements
• Minimum Qualifications
• Extensive teaching experience and an earned Master of Music Degree focusing on music from an accredited university, as well as experience teaching music at the collegiate, community, or professional levels
• Evidence of leadership potential (e.g., positions held and experience with recruiting and building programs)
• Demonstrated expertise in music theory, music technology, and commercial music
• Evidence of effective teaching at the collegiate level
• Strong connections within the music industry and a proven ability to cultivate professional networks for students
• Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, and developing student talent
• Ability to teach private lessons in an area of specialization
• Ability to contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community
• The University requires that all candidates be Christians (preferably in the Wesleyan tradition). Faculty must be comfortable with the mission and agree to live within the lifestyle values of NNU
• Preferred Qualifications
• DMA in music with three or more years of college teaching experience (graduate teaching assistantships with substantial teaching responsibility acceptable). Evidence of established leadership (e.g., positions held and evidence of recruiting and building programs).
• Additional consideration will be given to candidates with
• Experience teaching courses within the music core
• Experience running commercial ensembles
• Production and post-production work
• Experience in Worship Arts
• Experience running jazz ensembles and combos
• Ability to teach in a related area (commercial ensembles, jazz, history, songwriting, etc.).
• Compensation
• The salary and rank will be determined by the educational background and experience of each applicant and will be discussed with individual candidates as they are invited to interview for this position. Full-time personnel will be offered access to a benefits package including health, vision and dental insurance for employee and family, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending plan, tuition benefits for employee and dependents, opportunities for professional development, and a retirement program.

• Northwest Nazarene University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As an educational institution operating under the auspices of the Church of the Nazarene, Northwest Nazarene University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Sections 702-703, United States Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended).