Assistant Professor in Commercial/Jazz Piano - School of Music

Description

A full-time, 9-month, tenure-track, benefits-eligible position. The primary assignment is teaching applied piano with an emphasis in commercial/jazz music, keyboard for commercial musicians, some applied classical piano, and other commercial music courses and ensembles. The successful candidate will demonstrate musical versatility, foster an entrepreneurial approach to teaching, actively recruit commercial and jazz piano students to the School of Music, and maintain an active research agenda that demonstrates a growing national presence in the field.

Additional teaching, administrative, and service responsibilities will be assigned according to the needs of the program, the School of Music, and the abilities and interests of the candidate. Participation in School of Music activities, attracting and retaining students, and faculty governance are required.

Active participation in professional organizations in the field is expected, and the successful candidate will participate in and contribute to the School, serve on committees, and engage in the university and professional communities.

DATE OF APPOINTMENT: August 14, 2026 (classes begin August 18, 2026)

THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC (music.wvu.edu) brings together musicians and scholars from across the nation and the world in a vibrant musical community that is dedicated to fostering excellence, creativity, and innovation in the arts and humanities. It is the flagship music institution in the state, located about an hour's drive from Pittsburgh and about three hours by car from Baltimore or Washington, D.C. Housed in the multi-million-dollar Creative Arts Center, the School of Music comprises 40 full-time and 23 part-time faculty and is the only fully accredited music unit in the state of West Virginia that offers BA, BS, BM, MM, MA, and DMA degree programs in music. Music faculty members can benefit from an active program of professional development and travel grants sponsored by WVU and by the College of Creative Arts.

The WVU School of Music is an All-Steinway Institution, meeting the rigorous standards that demonstrate a commitment to excellence and an unparalleled education experience.

The School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, and the music education program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the West Virginia Department of Education.

THE COLLEGE OF CREATIVE ARTS & MEDIA has over 2,000 students. It comprises four professionally accredited and nationally recognized Schools of Art & Design, Media & Communications, Music, and Theatre & Dance. Each School offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees addressing such fields as the creative and performing arts, advertising and communications, arts education and scholarship, design disciplines, journalism, marketing, and public relations, museum studies, the recording industry, theatre technology, and the intersection of art and health.

The College of Creative Arts & Media is housed in WVU's Creative Arts Center and Martin Hall and has more than 70 full-time faculty and 20 professional staff whose mission is to educate succeeding generations of artists, teachers, and scholars through an experiential student-centered approach to learning. The College advocates the Arts as a medium through which the diversity of human experience is understood and valued. Exemplifying excellence and innovation in performance, exhibition, scholarship, and creative research, the College offers artistic and cultural opportunities for the citizens of West Virginia and the regional community.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must have demonstrated experience as a commercial/jazz performer and educator, and a minimum of two years teaching experience, and the ability to instruct undergraduate classical keyboardists. A master's degree in music is required for this position. A working knowledge of AI is expected. Candidates must demonstrate evidence of, or strong potential for, establishing and maintaining an agenda of research/creative activity. The School of Music seeks a candidate who will demonstrate exemplary communication skills, collegiality, and the ability to contribute to the intellectual and cultural life of the University.

DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin February 4, 2026. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

APPLICATION: Applicants must submit the following:

• Letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• Links to recordings of unedited recent performances. One of the unedited recordings needs to showcase classical piano ability
• Link(s) to recording(s) of recent music teaching demonstrations, including at least one recording of applied piano instruction.
• 3-5 references who may be contacted (including names, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses and relationship to the applicant).
• Additional materials may be requested at a later date.

Applications must be submitted online at https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY (wvu.edu) is classified as a Doctoral/Research University-extensive and is the state's only comprehensive doctoral-granting land grant institution. The university community is committed to student-centered priorities, academic excellence, research, creative activity, and service to the state. WVU is located about 70 miles south of Pittsburgh in Morgantown, West Virginia, a college town that enjoys high-quality health care, sporting events, performing arts and outdoor activities.

The city of Morgantown has 55,000 residents and has been ranked as the "#1 Small City in America," the "Best Small City in the East," and the "3rd Best Small Town" in the nation. Boasting a strong economy and an unemployment rate well below the national average, the area also offers a wide variety of cultural and recreational activities.

West Virginia University has created a dual career program to help faculty partners or spouses find employment in and around the university (https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities/dual-career-program).

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.