Assistant Teaching Professor of Music (Director of Wind Band Activities) – Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Worcester, MA in United States

Summary

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is seeking an Assistant Teaching Professor of Music to serve as the Director of Wind Band Activities, starting in Fall 2027. This is a full-time, non-tenure-track, 9-month faculty position. The successful candidate will lead the WPI Concert Band and small ensembles, teach core and specialized music courses, and advise student projects and clubs. Responsibilities include organizing rehearsals and concerts, facilitating international tours, and curriculum development. Applicants should hold a Doctorate in Music, or a Master's degree for consideration at the Instructor level, and have successful experience directing university-level bands. The position requires strong teaching, organizational, leadership, and mentorship skills. Applications are due by November 1, 2026, for full consideration.

Key Facts

Department	Humanities & Arts
Position Type	Assistant Teaching Professor
Discipline	Music
Research Area	Instrumental Music, Wind Band Activities
Degree Required	Doctorate in Music
Experience	Successful experience directing bands at the university level.
Contract Duration	9-month faculty position, secure long-term contracts
Deadline	2026-11-01
Employer Address	Worcester, MA, United States

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the WPI Concert Band and a variety of small music ensembles.
• Teach courses in the core music curriculum as well as specialized courses in their area of interest.
• Serve as an advisor on student projects and clubs.
• Organize and lead the WPI Concert Band in regular rehearsals and concerts.
• Advise and coach smaller ensembles derived from the Wind Band Association.
• Work with student officers in the Wind Band Association to manage activities and performances.
• Organize and facilitate national and international performance tours with the Concert Band.
• Ensure proper maintenance and organization of band equipment.
• Teach music courses and seminars as assigned, including introductory courses and a practicum in music performance.
• Design and revise the music curriculum in collaboration with other music faculty.
• Participate in initiatives conducted by the Humanities and Arts Department.
• Advise student projects.
• Work with WPI's Advancement Office and Alumni Relations Office to manage regular giving and alumni focused activities.

Required Skills

• Teaching excellence
• Organizational skills
• Leadership skills
• Strong mentorship skills
• Flexibility
• Cultural sensitivity
• Ability to teach engaging, project-based courses
• Ability to mentor students of mixed experience levels in performance ensembles
• Ability to contribute to creating a positive and inclusive culture for all students

Who Should Apply

Candidates with a doctorate in music and successful experience directing university-level bands are encouraged to apply. Those with a master's degree may be considered for an Instructor level appointment. Applicants should demonstrate teaching excellence, organizational and leadership skills, strong mentorship skills, flexibility, and cultural sensitivity, with an ability to teach engaging, project-based courses and mentor students of mixed experience levels.

Benefits

• Robust retirement match
• Wellness perks
• Tuition assistance

About the Employer

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), founded in 1865, is one of the nation's oldest technological universities located in Central Massachusetts. Its mission is to create and convey scientific and technical knowledge in ways that benefit society, with education in the humanities and arts being central to this connection. The Humanities and Arts Department has over sixty faculty members across various disciplines including Music. WPI encourages collaborations within multidisciplinary departments and throughout the university, focusing on real-world projects and purposeful research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the start date for this position?

The position is expected to begin in the Fall of 2027.

What is the teaching load for this position?

The teaching load is equivalent to eight courses per year, including performance responsibilities for the Concert Band and small ensembles, four academic music classes, and student club advising.

What is the nature of the contract for this position?

This is a full-time, non-tenure-track, 9-month faculty position on WPI's "teaching track," which offers secure long-term contracts and opportunities for promotion.

Are international tours part of the responsibilities?

Yes, organizing and facilitating national and international performance tours with the Concert Band is one of the responsibilities.

What is the deadline for applications?

Applications received by November 1, 2026, will receive full consideration, though review will continue until the position is filled.