About the role
Title: Non-Tenure Track Lecturer in Jazz
Executive Area: Academic Affairs
College/School/MBU: Humanities & Fine Arts
Department: Music & Dance
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Job Summary
The Department of Music and Dance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Lecturer in Jazz. The successful candidate will be an accomplished instrumentalist in trumpet, trombone, drums, or guitar.
This is a full-time, nine-month appointment with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2027. The initial appointment is for two years. Reappointments during the first four years are made at the discretion of the Dean and are contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.
Essential Functions
Teaching courses such as responsibilities will include applied lessons at the undergraduate and graduate level, courses in theory and improvisation, jazz arranging, and beginner jazz piano.
Leading weekly jazz ensemble and applied studio class.
Serving as combo and jury coordinator.
Participating in recruiting activities which may include but are not limited to: 1) visiting secondary schools, 2) offering workshops, 3) participating in summer programs, and 4) adjudicating. This position is also expected to participate in the student audition process.
Participating in on-campus faculty performances.
Participating on committees and perform other departmental, college, and university-related service as appropriate.
Maintaining a documented record as a performer as well as an arranger for small and large ensembles.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in Jazz Studies required. DMA preferred.
Experience teaching Jazz and African American Music, as well as courses in arranging, improvisation, big band, and combo at the collegiate level.
Demonstrated record of successful collaboration and community engagement.
Fundamental knowledge of jazz piano.
Additional Details
For more information on living, working, and learning in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts please visit:
https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty
This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.
Salary Information
The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $65,550 and $85,275 for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is a 9-month academic year appointment at 100% full-time equivalency with full benefits.
Please note: The low end of this range is based on the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA. The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience. The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.
Special Instructions for Applicants
Please upload your cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for 3 professional references who are willing to provide letters of reference upon request. Additionally, please submit links to three audio and/or video performances.
Please address your cover letter to the Chair of the Search Committee discussing your interest in the position, teaching philosophy, ability to contribute meaningfully to the present and future activities of the Department of Music and Dance, and how your work as teacher, artist, academic citizen and public servant would further the university’s values and goals as outlined in the university’s strategic plan. You can find these values and goals in our strategic plan here: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan.
The position will remain posted until filled. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2026. Applications received after this date may not be reviewed.
If you have questions about this position, please contact the Chair of the Search Committee, Professor Fumi Tomita via email at stomita@umass.edu.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.