About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Description

The Department of Music & Dance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks a highly motivated, creative, dynamic music educator and researcher who demonstrates a commitment to visionary music education practices, within traditional and non-traditional settings inside and outside of schools. This person will join a faculty that values collaboration, innovation, and inclusion in its mission of preparing music teachers and music teacher educators.

Position: Lecturer of Music Education. This is a full-time nine-month Non-Tenure track (NTT) Lecturer position to begin on September 1, 2026. The initial appointment period will be two years with the possibility of reappointment governed by the MSP Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Responsibilities: 

● Teach and team-teach undergraduate music education courses including introduction to music education and secondary general methods.

● Teach graduate music education courses according to expertise and program needs.

● Supervise pre-practicum students and student teachers.

● Advise undergraduate and graduate music education students.

● Guide graduate research and capstone projects (assignment will depend on candidate’s areas of expertise and the needs of the Department).

● Maintain an active, well-articulated practitioner-based scholarship agenda.

● Offer practice-related presentations for current teachers in the field.

● Build and maintain professional relationships with music educators on the local, regional, and national levels.

● Participate in department, university, and professional service.

Requirements

● ABD required for consideration; completed doctorate in music education or other relevant field required at time of appointment.

● A minimum of 3 years of successful public school music teaching experience.

● Demonstrated record of success as a secondary general music educator with knowledge of contemporary secondary general music education approaches.

● Record of and/or demonstrated potential for practitioner-based scholarly contributions to the field.

● Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.

● Interest and/or experience in traditional and non-traditional music education practices, as well as an interest in developing new course offerings and community engagement opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications:

● College-level teaching experience.

Additional Information

This position is a 9-month academic year appointment at 100%FTE with full benefits. Opportunities may be available to teach summer course offerings for additional compensation.

For more information on living, working, and learning in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts please visit: 

https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty

Position is dependent on available funding.

Salary Information

The University of Massachusetts Amherst expects to pay within an approximate range between $65,550 and $77,473 for this position. Please note:

• The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.

• The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.

• The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required or relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Application Instructions

To apply, submit 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) list of three current references (willing to provide a letter of reference upon request) with full contact information including valid email addresses, and 4) at least one representative example of scholarship. Additional supporting materials, including a teaching video, may be requested from finalists. Application materials will not be returned.

This position will remain posted until filled. Initial review of applications will begin on December 8, 2025. Applications received after this date may not be reviewed.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.