The Music Department at Millsaps College invites applications for a full-time Visiting Assistant Professor of Music beginning Fall 2026. This is a two-year visiting position with possible renewal. The successful candidate will teach six (6) courses or the equivalent per academic year. The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for mentoring and recruiting Millsaps music scholars—both music majors and non-majors—and will bring excellent written and oral communication skills to their teaching and service.
This position includes teaching music courses commensurate with the candidate’s expertise, with a primary emphasis on applied piano instruction, class piano, and collaborative performance. The candidate will serve as a primary accompanist for choral ensembles and voice students and will provide piano support for special services and institutional events, including Opening Convocation, worship services, and events involving College leadership and Board members.
Primary Responsibilities
Collaborative Performance & Accompanying
- Serve as collaborative pianist for choral ensembles (Millsaps Singers and Chamber Singers), voice students, and departmental performances, including recitals and juries
- Provide piano support for select college events such as Opening Convocation and Baccalaureate
- Contribute to the artistic life of the Music Department through active collaboration with faculty and students
Applied Piano, Class Piano & Program Engagement
- Teach applied piano lessons and class piano courses, as appropriate
- Recruit and mentor piano students, including both music majors and non-majors
- Support the continued growth and visibility of the applied and class piano programs through outreach, recruitment, and student engagement
Academic Course Support
- Teach academic music courses as needed, based on departmental needs and candidate strengths, which may include Music Theory and/or Music History
Any of the following will strengthen the candidate’s application:
- Demonstrated excellence in applied and/or class piano teaching at the college level
- Proven experience as a collaborative pianist, including accompanying:
- Choral ensembles
- Vocal studios
- Musical theatre productions and related rehearsals and performances
- Experience teaching or supporting music technology-related coursework, such as recording, notation, production, or technology assisted musicianship
- A record of successful recruitment or studio development, particularly involving non majors
Qualifications
- Terminal degree in Music (DMA or PhD) preferred; master’s degree considered
Application Process
Application materials should be submitted electronically to [email protected]. Review of applications will begin immediately, followed by online and/or on-campus interviews. Review of applications will begin April 24.
Questions about the position may be directed to Henry Waters, Search Chair, at [email protected].
A complete application will include:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Teaching Portfolio (e.g., teaching philosophy, course ideas, syllabi, )
- Links to videos of collaborative performance and accompanying
- Three letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation should be sent confidentially on the candidate’s behalf to the same address noted above.
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.