Tenure-Track Full-Time Faculty in Music

The Department of Music at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) invites applications for two full-time tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professors of Music beginning Fall 2026. Together these faculty members will provide leadership and instruction in Choral Activities Music Theory and Core Musicianship and Commercial Music each according to their skills experience and training. The department seeks dynamic collaborative educators and artists who will contribute to a thriving community of students pursuing degrees in Music Music Education and Commercial Music. Candidates should demonstrate excellence in teaching artistic or scholarly activity and a clear commitment to PLNUs Christian mission and values. (The job descriptions for these two positions have been left intentionally flexible to allow the department to shape each position according to the skills experience and training of candidates exhibiting the best mission fit for the department and the university.)

The successful candidates will combine to cover the following responsibilities.

Each selected candidate will be assigned responsibilities based on their strengths; no single candidate is expected to perform all duties listed.

Choral Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the universitys choral program including conducting leading and traveling with the university Concert Choir

• Develop and direct additional ensembles aligned with student and faculty interest (e.g. Gospel Choir Chamber Choir or Jazz Choir etc.)

• Teach undergraduate courses such as Conducting Choral Methods Choral Literature and/or Church Music

• Maintain and evolve annual choral traditions such as Cider Celebration Madrigal Dinner and Messiah (Choral Union)

• Recruit and mentor students interested in music and choral studies

Theory & Core Musicianship

• Teach a range of music theory aural skills and core musicianship courses that serve both traditional and commercial music majors

• Mentor and advise students in theory and composition

Commercial Music

• Teach Commercial Music courses such as Arranging Songwriting Digital Audio I/II Studio Production or Commercial Music Ensemble

History & General Music Studies

• Teach music history and world music

General Faculty Responsibilities

• Participate actively in curriculum development student advising and program growth across the department

• Support collaborative performances interdepartmental initiatives and community/church outreach events and/or tours

• Engage in creative or scholarly work appropriate to the faculty members area of specialization

• Contribute to departmental governance recruitment and committee service

• Demonstrate a consistent commitment to inclusive pedagogy diverse musical traditions and the integration of faith and learning in a liberal arts context

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Music Department including Commercial Music and Music Education faculty

• Participate in departmental meetings and service consistent with PLNUs mission

• Other duties as assigned by the Assistant/Associate Dean

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree in Music Music Education Conducting Theory Commercial Music or a related field

• Evidence of successful teaching at the collegiate or secondary level

• Demonstrated excellence as a choral conductor theorist or commercial music practitioner with the flexibility to teach in multiple areas of the curriculum

• Strong collaborative and communication skills

• Commitment to mentoring students nurturing musical excellence and fostering spiritual growth within a Christian university environment

• Personal: Evidence of Christian commitment and active church addition faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNUs Community Life Covenant.

• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants including those with criminal histories in a manner consistent with state and local Fair Chance laws.

Desired Qualifications (depending upon the position)

• Doctorate (PhD or DMA) in Music Music Education Conducting Theory or a related field or commensurate professional experience

• Keyboard proficiency and ability to demonstrate concepts at the piano

• National stature as a choral conductor theorist composer and/or commercial musician

• Evidence of highly developed choral conducting and rehearsal skills

• Prior experience teaching at the university level

About the PLNU Department of Music

Located on PLNUs oceanfront campus in San Diego the Department of Music offers students and faculty an inspiring setting for performance scholarship and creative work.