Assoc. Professor - Music jobs in Asheville, NC

Western Carolina University has been named to the 2022 "America's Best Employers by State" list by Forbes, ranking 14 out of the top 100 employers in North Carolina. Forbes has also ranked Western Carolina University in the Top 100 of America's Best Midsize Employers for 2023. Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. WCU's main campus is nestled in a beautiful valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 50 miles west of Asheville. WCU is located just 25 miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, one of the nation's most spectacular and most visited national parks. The entire region is known for its excellent quality of life and access to outdoor activities.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, and free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus.

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The Western Carolina University School of Music seeks a full time, 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor of Music Synthesis and Performance Technology beginning August 2024. Salary is commensurate with experience and credentials.

In addition to a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Music Minor, the School of Music offers a Bachelor of Music with concentrations in Performance, Music Education, and Commercial Music and Audio Production (CMAP). Our CMAP program combines traditional studies in music production and performance with specialized instruction in commercial, jazz instrumental, and vocal performance, performance technology, music industry studies, live sound, recording arts, music for film/gaming/video, and songwriting/producing.

The ideal candidate will be skilled in linear and non-linear MIDI sequencing, synthesis and sound design, music notation, audio recording and editing, and music production.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

WCU embraces its role as a regionally engaged university and is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a community engaged university. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to public engagement through their teaching, service, and scholarship

Expertise with current software applications for music and audio production, notation, and publishing, including Pro Tools, Logic, Finale, Ableton, MaxMSP, and related plug-ins. Expertise with electronic musical instruments including synthesizers, wind, keyboard, and percussion controllers. Utilization of digital and analog recording consoles and mixers, audio signal path, microphones, pre-amps, digital signal processors, and related hardware and software. Willingness and ability to work effectively with colleagues in the program and the School to support the mission of the institution and related academic units.

The School of Music is committed to enhancing the diversity of its community and curriculum and seeks an individual who will engage and recruit a diverse student body while also embracing the values of a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching.

Master of Music, Master of Fine Arts, or Master of Science in a field represented within the Commercial Music and Audio Production program and college-level teaching experience (applied lessons and/or classroom).

DMA or PhD in a field represented within the Commercial Music and Audio Production program, university teaching experience (applied lessons and/or classroom), and evidence of a developing portfolio of scholarship. Experience in developing music for gaming, other computer music experience, as well as knowledge of ambisonic and other surround formats are also a plus.

Review of applications will begin on January 19, 2024, and will continue until the position has been filled.

Complete an online application and upload the following attachments:

Additional materials may be requested at a later date including recordings/videos, a teaching statement, professional website, and syllabi of courses taught.

For more information, please contact, Andrew Adams, Associate Dean, College of Fine and Performing Arts at aadams@wcu.edu

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.