Assistant Professor of Music Education

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Position Overview

The School of Music at The Ohio State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in music education at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of Autumn 15, 2027. We seek a collaborative, forward-looking music teacher educator and scholar whose principal expertise is in instrumental music education and whose professional experience is grounded in PreK–12 school band teaching. The position will contribute to the School’s undergraduate and graduate programs in music education. Central to the position are the preparation of future music educators and the development of graduate students as researchers.

The successful candidate will bring a background in brass, woodwind, and/or percussion pedagogy. Particular depth in one or more of these areas is welcome; equal specialization across all three is not expected. We also welcome experience in a broader range of instrumental settings and practices, including jazz ensembles, modern band, culturally specific or community-based ensembles, improvisation, music technology, and other forms of instrumental music making. These examples describe the breadth of the field and are not separate requirements.

This is a music teacher education position. Conducting skills and experience may inform teaching in instrumental methods and related courses; however, regular conducting of a School of Music ensemble is not part of the anticipated assignment. The position is based on the Columbus campus.

Performance Objectives

• Develop and teach undergraduate courses in instrumental music education and other areas consistent with the candidate's expertise and program needs.
• Prepare and mentor future music educators for work across established and emerging instrumental settings through coursework, field experiences, and curriculum development.
• Connect educational theory, research, musicianship, and classroom practice in ways that strengthen music teacher preparation.
• Supervise student teachers and students completing early field experiences.
• Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students, including advising graduate research, theses, and dissertations as appropriate.
• Develop and teach graduate courses in areas of expertise.
• Develop and maintain a productive program of research, scholarship, and/or creative inquiry commensurate with expectations at a research-intensive university.
• Contribute to curriculum and program development in response to changes in schools, communities, technologies, musical practices, and the profession.
• Participate in recruiting and retaining undergraduate and graduate music education students.
• Initiate, sustain, and advance outreach, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives within the School of Music; across the university and its regional campuses; and with schools, communities, and professional organizations. These efforts should respond to educational and cultural priorities within a large, evolving metropolitan area while serving the varied communities reached by the university.
• Help prepare music educators to support learners with varied backgrounds, experiences, interests, and needs.
• Contribute to the service mission and shared work of the School of Music, the College of Arts and Sciences, the university, and the profession.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• A doctorate in music education or a closely related field completed by the time of appointment. ABD candidates may apply if degree completion is expected by August 15, 2027.
• A record of successful PreK–12 instrumental music teaching grounded in a school setting.
• A background in brass, woodwind, and/or percussion pedagogy.
• Evidence of, or strong potential for, effective undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring.
• Evidence of, or strong potential for, a sustained program of research, scholarship, and/or creative inquiry appropriate to a research-intensive university.
• Experience mentoring students in academic, professional, and/or research contexts.

Desired:

• At least three years of successful PreK–12 instrumental music teaching experience.
• Experience teaching at the postsecondary level and/or advising graduate research.
• Experience connecting established instrumental music education with contemporary, community-based, culturally specific, informal, interdisciplinary, or digitally mediated forms of music making.
• Evidence of successful collaboration across disciplines and with schools, communities, professional organizations, or other partners.
• Evidence of resourcefulness, adaptability, and responsiveness to contemporary practices and the evolving landscape of education and music making.
• Experience teaching or mentoring graduate students and advising graduate research.

Additional Information

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday [INSERT LINK]. Review of applications will begin on 12/01/2026. Applications received by that date will receive full consideration, and the position will remain open until filled. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Daryl W. Kinney, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected].

Application materials must include:

Required:

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: A 1–2 page letter that includes a brief summary of your academic background and explains your interest in this opportunity.
• Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): A detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including research, teaching and mentoring, service, funding, and publications.
• Attachment 3: Research Statement: A summary of past research accomplishments, current work, and a proposed future research plan as a faculty member.
• Attachment 4: Teaching and Mentoring Statement: A statement describing your approaches, experience, and philosophy regarding teaching, learning, and mentoring.

Candidates selected to advance in the search process will be asked to provide three letters of reference, a writing sample representative of their scholarly work in music education, and video recordings demonstrating their teaching. Additional instructions regarding these materials will be provided at that time.

Additional Information:

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success. 

Department Information

The School of Music at Ohio State encompasses a wide range of musical practice, research, and study, including music education, performance, composition, commercial and contemporary music, music theory, and musicology.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression. Ohio State promotes a culture of work-life balance through institutionalized policies, programs, and resources that help faculty, staff, and their families thrive both professionally and personally.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.  

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.

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The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.