Assistant Teaching Professor of Jazz Studies

The Boise State University Department of Music invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor of Jazz Studies. Although non-tenure track, this full-time position offers salary and promotion opportunities similar to those of tenure-track faculty, including advancement to associate and full teaching professor. The successful candidate will provide leadership in the jazz area, direct the university big band, and teach courses in jazz studies, music theory, and the department’s University Foundations offerings. The role also includes serving as director of the Gene Harris Jazz Festival and building working relationships with area and regional educators to support jazz education and promote the Department of Music. The workload is 80% teaching (12 credits per semester) and 20% service.

The Music Department

Boise State University is the largest university in Idaho, and is located in a thriving metropolitan area. In addition to serving as a cultural hub for the arts, Boise offers a vibrant downtown, picturesque vistas, and great outdoor recreation. The Department of Music, housed within the School of the Arts and the College of Arts and Sciences, has approximately 170 majors in the undergraduate and graduate degrees, 20 full-time faculty and 22 adjunct faculty. We offer Bachelor of Music degrees in Composition, Music Education, and Performance; a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music; and Master of Music (MM) degrees in Choral Conducting, Music Education, and Performance.

Boise State University

Boise State University is a powerhouse of creativity, research, and impact. Our campus sits along the Boise River and reaches into the heart of Idaho’s capital – a vibrant hub for innovation, culture, and outdoor adventure. We’re nationally recognized for trailblazing research, student success, and community impact.

Our faculty are scholars, mentors, and changemakers who advance ideas, discoveries, and the next generation of leaders. Boise offers the perfect backdrop – a welcoming city with a thriving arts scene, growing tech sector, and mountains on the horizon. Join us and help shape a bold, collaborative academic community.

Learn more about faculty careers at Boise State and the City of Boise.

Minimum Qualifications

• Teaching experience in music.
• Ability to teach courses in the jazz area and music theory curricula
• Ability to teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students

One of the following:

• A terminal degree appropriate to the field, such as a DMA in Jazz Performance or Jazz Studies, or a related doctoral degree.
• An advanced degree in music, music education, jazz studies, jazz performance, or a closely related field and at least eight years of teaching experience in the discipline.
• An advanced degree in music, music education, jazz studies, jazz performance, or a closely related field and equivalent substantial applied experience in jazz education and/or performance (The department will consider the relevance, depth, and scope of an applicant’s experience in relation to the position. Examples may include professional jazz performance, teaching, ensemble direction, arranging or composition, and jazz program leadership).

Preferred Qualifications

• Substantial experience in jazz education at the secondary and/or collegiate level
• Experience in leadership of a jazz program

Required application materials

Please complete the online application (including names of 3 references), and in the attachments section, applicants will submit:

• Cover letter, indicating candidate’s interest and qualifications for this position
• Curriculum vitae
• One unedited video displaying evidence of teaching jazz in a rehearsal setting, 20-30 minutes in length
• One unedited video displaying evidence of teaching improvisation, 20-30 minutes in length
• At least one additional piece of evidence of professional activity in jazz or music theory

*Please note that our application system only allows for the upload of 5 documents, including your CV and cover letter*

Closing Date

Position will remain open until filled, with review to begin on Monday, November 9, 2026.

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Dr. Lori Gray, Chair, Music Department - lorigray@boisestate.edu - (208) 426-1071

Salary and Benefits

Salary starts at $58,656.

Our standard faculty contract is a 9-month contract (unless otherwise noted) with pay and benefits spread over 12 months. This is a yearly, renewable contract, unless noted that the position is temporary. More information about faculty contracts and work days is available here.

Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• Dual Career Assistance Support for spouses and partners.
• See our full benefits page for more information

Additional Resources

Boise State University Music Department

Blue Thunder Marching Band

Boise State University Foundations

City of Boise