Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies

The University of New Mexico is seeking a tenure track Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies. This Assistant Professor will provide administration of the jazz studies area, including supervision of faculty/staff, budget management, oversight of jazz ensembles, scheduling of concerts and venues, and the organization of and participation in recruiting activities. They will also teach courses in the jazz studies area according to expertise. This faculty member will establish/maintain a high-level research/performance profile. They will recruit excellent jazz students and oversee jazz area graduate assistantships. They will work to build positive, collaborative relationships with jazz educators in the metropolitan area, throughout the state, nationally, and internationally. This faculty member will work collaboratively with faculty in applied instruction, ensemble conductors, and academic instructors to create an inclusive environment. In addition to the calculable load, the faculty member will contribute to Department, College and University service, including committees, recruiting, and community outreach.

RANK & SALARY: Assistant Professor - This is a full time, tenure track position with benefits. Salary begins at $70,000.00

APPOINTMENT BEGINS: August 1, 2027

Quarterfinalists will be notified by November 15, 2026, and asked to submit the following materials by January 1, 2027:

1. Names, titles, current phone numbers, and current e-mail addresses of 3-5 professional references.

2. A .pdf document containing links to a recent (within the last three years) 30-minute jazz performance video with a jazz combo, or as a featured soloist or composer with a big band, and a 20-minute teaching video of a university level instrumental jazz lesson/masterclass or jazz studies course.

Semifinalists will be asked to participate in a 30-minute video interview and references will be contacted.

Finalists will be invited to campus where they will:

1. Interview with the Search Committee, the Chair of the Department of Music, and the Dean of the College of Fine Arts

2. Teach a 30-minute jazz masterclass/lesson/jazz studies course.

3. Perform a 30-minute jazz combo recital.

4. Have a 30-minute rehearsal opportunity with one of the university jazz ensembles

5. Meet with UNM faculty, staff and students.

Only complete applications will be considered.

INTERVIEW: Two or more finalists will be invited to the University of New Mexico to interview and audition for the search committee and administration as well as meet students and faculty.

DEADLINE: For best consideration, submit application materials by November 15, 2026. Complete applications must include all materials as described in the section titled "Applications" above.

For further inquiries, please contact Ramona Garcia (raymona@unm.edu), (505)277-8923

Located in Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, The University of New Mexico is a Carnegie R1 Highest Research Activity Institution. UNM's campus is located along the foothills of the beautiful Sandia Mountains- one hour from Santa Fe, two hours from Taos, and within 10 minutes of the Albuquerque International Sunport. Albuquerque is an ethnically diverse metropolitan area with a population of close to 1 million residents, offering a variety of cultural experiences as well as numerous outdoor and recreational opportunities. Learn more about our city here: https://advance.unm.edu/why-abq/

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master of Music degree

2. High-level expertise (performance, teaching ability, musicianship and scholarship) related to jazz studies or jazz performance.

3. Two years, or more, university-level teaching experience in the capacity of graduate assistant or above.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Doctorate in Music

2. Excellence in university-level teaching experience as demonstrated by the CV, teaching philosophy statement, videos, references and experience.

3. A demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university's mission to serve local and global communities, as shown in the cover letter and/or teaching statement.

4. Commitment to scholarship and a vision for future research activity as detailed in the application materials and interviews.

5. Teaching has been informed by performance experience and contemporary issues in the jazz field as demonstrated in the CV, interview, references and application letter.

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Applicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.