Jazz Professor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Teaching Professor, Music
Posting #: 5556
Position Status: Faculty, Full-time regular
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences
Position Title & Department:
Teaching Professor, Music
Posting #
5556
Department Description:
The Music Department at the University of San Diego, housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, is dedicated to providing exceptional undergraduate music education within a vibrant liberal arts context. We serve as a dynamic hub for musical creativity, offering a wide-ranging and inclusive curriculum alongside a rich array of ensembles that reflect diverse musical traditions and styles. Our distinguished faculty bring broad expertise across the musical spectrum and are deeply committed to student success through personalized mentorship and small, engaging classes. In keeping with our liberal arts mission, the department actively contributes to the cultural and intellectual life of the entire campus community. We offer a comprehensive Music major with emphases in Performance, Teaching & Learning, Composition, Theory, and History & Culture. Additionally, we provide a flexible General Music major and a Music minor, both well-suited for students pursuing dual degrees or interdisciplinary interests.
The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.
University Description:
The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.
Detailed Description:
The USD Music Department invites applicants for a full-time benefits-based non-tenure track Teaching Professor with specialization in class and applied guitar instruction. Classical and jazz styles should be prioritized, with other styles (rock, Latin, etc) included per the candidate's expertise. The candidate should also be able to teach courses in world music and introductory music theory.
This position will commence in Fall 2026, with the possibility of renewal.
This position is included in the Non-tenure Track Bargaining Unit, and the successful applicant employee, subject to the terms of the College's Collective Bargaining Agreement will be a bargaining unit member and will be subject to the University's Agreement with SEIU Local 721.
This is a full-time, benefit-based position with an anticipated end date of August 31, 2027. The appointment is renewable at the discretion of the University and dependent upon performance and continued funding.
Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.
Job Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:
A DMA or PhD in music education or conducting is required, as well as experience teaching these subjects at the university level.
Evidence of teaching students of diverse musical backgrounds at the university level is a requirement. Secondary required teaching areas include experience and ease teaching lecture courses in world music (general survey), jazz history, American music, and fundamentals of music theory (entry level).
Ability to teach courses, attend rehearsals, and concerts in person (both on and off campus), and hold weekly in-person office hours.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with recruitment and a record of connection to the community through performance is preferred.
Posring Salary:
$6,092-$6,275/monthly; Excellent Benefits
This appointment is a full-time 9-month contract, benefits-eligible, non-tenure-track position at the rank of Teaching Professor, with a salary of $6,092-$6,275/monthly. Candidates with significant college-level teaching experience may negotiate for appointment at the Senior or Distinguished Teaching Professor rank.
The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits
The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.
Special Application Instructions:
Applicants are asked to submit the following materials.

1. A brief letter of application
2. Curriculum vita
3. Contact information for three references who will be sent a link to upload letters.

Candidates are asked to submit the following materials by May 15, 2026 for timely consideration. For questions, please contact the department/search chair, Dr. Jeff Malecki (jmalecki@sandiego.edu).
Click Apply Now to complete our online application. If you have any technical difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.
Additional Details:
The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.
Advertised: May 04, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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