Assistant Professor - Cello

The School of Music in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in cello at the rank of assistant professor. This is a 100%-time position over the nine-month academic year.

We seek a collaborative and creative colleague eager to help us build the future of music studies in higher education. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record as a performer and pedagogue in solo, chamber, and/or orchestral performance, and show outstanding potential to recruit undergraduate and graduate students into the cello studio from a variety of backgrounds. At the University of Minnesota, our cello students may be pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in performance, music education, music therapy, and other programs, and we seek a colleague eager to work with students from across these disciplines. We are particularly interested in applications from individuals who bring innovative performance expertise, including, but not limited to, working with marginalized communities, nurturing emerging career pathways, or merging traditional and new approaches to performance.

The successful candidate will be invited to join a remarkable group of faculty in a state with a strong commitment to secondary musical education, a region with vibrant Somali, African American, Indigenous, Hmong, and Latinx communities, and a School eager to challenge structures of racism and colonialism.

Responsibilities:

• Proactively recruit and maintain an outstanding, nationally competitive studio of cello students from a range of musical backgrounds at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels.
• Teach applied lessons in cello, conduct studio class, coach chamber ensembles, and otherwise prepare students for impactful career opportunities.
• Develop and teach workshops or courses in one or more secondary areas, including-but not limited to-community engagement, career readiness, technology, or other areas of interest.
• Maintain an active professional performance career that deepens and expands our musical world.
• Advise undergraduate and graduate students on academic and career goals.
• Provide service through participation in faculty governance.
• Contribute to community and civic engagement activities that strengthen the School of Music's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Required Qualifications:

• One or more graduate degrees in music or equivalent professional experience.
• An established record as an artist and teacher able to prepare students to navigate the contemporary musical landscape.
• A demonstrated ability to recruit and mentor students with a wide range of career goals.
• A demonstrated commitment to collaborative music making in a variety of different contexts
• Strong verbal, written, and digital communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• An expertise in community engagement/civic practice and/or entrepreneurship
• Experience with current and emerging technologies and applications

The School of Music has been an important part of the University of Minnesota since 1902, serving both music majors and students from the many diverse programs offered across our campus. Our distinguished alumni representing a wide range of states, provinces, and nations are making significant contributions to music and artistic life around the world as performers, educators, scholars, and therapists. The mission of the School of Music explicates our commitment to the highest level of excellence in scholarly, creative, and pedagogical endeavors, providing opportunities for quality artistic development, academic learning, and direct engagement with the Twin Cities community. Our faculty members are recognized nationally and internationally for their expertise in performance, scholarship, education, therapy, and creative studies. The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the University: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Review of applications will commence November 15, 2024, and the position will remain open until filled. Nominations of outstanding potential candidates for this position are welcome. Applications must be submitted online through the University of Minnesota's employment system. To be considered for this position, please visit https://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs and follow the instructions [Reference Job Opening #: 365090]. You will be asked to complete an online application, and attach a cover letter and CV. Additional documents must be uploaded by accessing the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section under your "My Job Applications" page. The following materials must be attached to your application:

• A cover letter describing your interest in and qualification for the position as described. Please be sure to outline your creative and collaborative experience, your recruitment, teaching and mentorship background, and your ability to work across genres and skill levels.
• A curriculum vitae that outlines significant professional teaching, performance, and creative experiences.
• A list of three to five references, including names, email addresses, and phone numbers, on an additional document submitted through the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section under your "My Job Applications" page. No references will be contacted before the search committee chair notifies candidates.
• Three high quality examples of your solo and/or collaborative performance totalling 20-30 minutes. Include scores and relevant materials if appropriate. These may be submitted using a YouTube private channel or other online platforms. To submit media files:
  • Create an account in SlideRoom at: https://umnmusic.slideroom.com/#/login/register
  • Complete the "Cello Faculty Search - Media Uploads" application. To access the application, use this unique link: https://umnmusic.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/81171

Candidate confidentiality will be maintained until the campus-interview stage. Additional materials may be requested from candidates at future dates. For position description questions or specific questions related to the search, including nominations, contact Professor and Search Committee Chair, Matthew Mehaffey (mehaffey@umn.edu). To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).