The Music Department at Millsaps College invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Music/Director of Choral Activities beginning Fall 2025. The successful candidate will teach six (6) courses (or the equivalent) per academic year.
This position includes teaching music courses commensurate with the candidate’s specific expertise, mentoring choral music education students, and assuming full responsibilities as the Director of Choral Activities, where the successful candidate will administer all aspects of the choral program and conduct two ensembles, Millsaps Singers and Millsaps Chamber Singers. In addition, the Assistant Professor/Director of Choral Activities responsibilities are to develop a positive relationship with high school choral directors across the state and region, work closely with college chaplain to provide music for Millsaps College events and services, and develop a strong rapport with Millsaps College music alumni. Demonstration of writing excellence and strong oral communication skills is also important. The successful candidate must understand the importance of collegiality and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Duties for the Millsaps community will include serving on college-wide committees (beginning in the second year) and working closely with other music faculty and Millsaps Admissions staff to recruit students for the music programs and choral ensembles at Millsaps College.
Qualifications
- Terminal Degree in Music (PhD or DMA), preferably in Choral Conducting, or a related field with 30+ hours in Choral Music courses. A background in Music Education would be a plus. ABD candidates may be considered with a dissertation completion date of August 2025.
- Three years’ experience conducting/teaching at the college level. Experience in a small, liberal arts setting is also a plus.
- Record of, or potential for, scholarly productivity
Application Process
Application materials should be submitted electronically to MusicJobSearch2025@millsaps.edu Review of applications will begin immediately, followed by phone and/or on campus interviews. Applicants should submit their materials no later than April 11th to receive full consideration. Questions about this search should be directed to Rachel Heard, Department Chair, at heardr@millsaps.edu.
A complete application will include:
- statement of teaching philosophy
- statement of research interests that addresses how undergraduate students might be included in your research
- teaching evaluations and sample syllabi (if available) and
- three letters of recommendation, as outlined below
Letter writers will be contacted at a later stage in the review process. Candidates who advance to a shorter list will be asked to provide a research statement and a statement of teaching philosophy, both of which should outline how the candidate addresses inclusion and diversity in their work.
Letters of recommendation should be sent confidentially on the candidate’s behalf to the same address noted above.
Review of applications will begin on March 10, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.
About the Department of Music
Millsaps College Department of Music offers rigorous musical training programs within a broad liberal arts experience. We provide instruction to students of all ability levels through private lessons, ensemble performance, diverse course topics and professional development opportunities. Our faculty encourage student musicians to not only learn how to master their craft, but also continually ask the question “Why?” — coupling practical knowledge and skill with curiosity and critical investigation. In keeping with the Millsaps vision and mission statements, the music faculty encourages students to participate in community engagement and outreach, and to explore ways to bring their work to the public. Recent graduates in music have successfully entered graduate programs at The Juilliard School, Curtis Institute, University of Southern California, CalArts, LSU, University of Mississippi, and The University of Southern Mississippi.
Millsaps Department of Music boasts a rich history of successful choral ensembles, while also offering a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Music, Minor in Music, and Certificate in Performance. The department is located in the Ford Academic Complex Center, which features teaching studios, practice rooms, a recital hall, classrooms, and a choral rehearsal hall. Performance spaces include Ford Academic Complex Recital Hall and Yates Chapel, providing opportunities for student performances and community engagement.
