Minimum requirement of a master’s degree (MA, MS, MM, MFA, or MBA), or higher, in areas of Music Industry Studies, Music Business, Audio Engineering, Vocal Performance, or closely related fields. Candidates with a degree in Voice must have commensurate professional experience in the music industry.  Successful candidates will have teaching experience in the music industry studies area, such as audio production and/or music business. The candidate will also have experience teaching applied voice lessons and/or voice classes in a commercial singing style.

Demonstrated

• Evidence of active engagement with the music industry and commercial voice area that informs research and innovation.
• Experience with music industry-standard software and technology.
• Experience in innovative course development.
• Experience working with a commercial music ensemble
• Experience in jazz singing styles.
• Candidates are encouraged to provide additional areas of interest or expertise.

N/A

The Hayes School of Music is home to more than 420 students and 60 full‑time faculty members. It offers undergraduate degrees in music education, music therapy, music industry studies, and music performance, with concentrations in instrumental or vocal performance, music theory/composition, jazz, and sacred music. Graduate programs are offered in music therapy and music performance, with concentrations in instrumental or vocal performance, collaborative piano, music composition, and conducting. Supported by the Hayes Endowment for Musical Excellence, the school is part of Appalachian State University, an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Dedicated to preparing musicians for professional careers, the Hayes School of Music cultivates performers, composers, educators, therapists, conductors, scholars, and music industry professionals who will shape the future of musical leadership at the state, regional, and national levels. The school is committed to equipping graduates to thrive in a rapidly evolving musical landscape and in an inclusive, innovative, and multicultural world.

The Erneston Music Library, located in the Broyhill Music Center, supports the curriculum of both the Hayes School of Music and the University. Alongside books, scores, and recordings, the Special Collections Research Center in Belk Library houses an expanding collection of rare books and manuscript materials related to classical music. Highlights include the scores of conductor Hans Schwieger, the original manuscripts of composer Tui St. George Tucker, and the Matanya Ophee Collection – one of the world’s largest collections of 19th‑century guitar music.

The Appalachian State University Hayes School of Music invites applications for a tenure-track position, Assistant Professor of Music Industry Studies and Voice, with appointment starting fall 2026.

We are seeking a collaborative faculty member to advance the music industry studies program and broaden the vocal curriculum to encompass commercial singing styles. This faculty member will join a team committed to ensuring the Music Industry Studies area is innovative, relevant, and responsive to industry needs.

Responsibilities:

• Teach courses such as Introduction to Music Industry Studies, Audio Fundamentals, Professional Development Seminar, Musician as an Entrepreneur, or others, depending on the candidate’s expertise.
• Teach applied voice class and lessons in the commercial music style. Depending on the candidate’s expertise, this faculty could also teach in the jazz style.
• Develop music industry-relevant courses, commercial/jazz voice classes, and ensembles.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with music industry professionals and companies to network and develop new internship opportunities.
• Organize guest lectures, workshops, and industry panels to connect students with professionals.
• Engage in advising, recruiting, mentorship, coordinating, and supervising student internships with industry partners.
• Contribute to the growth and strategic direction of the Music Industry Studies program and the commercial voice area.
• Participate in program assessment, accreditation, and curriculum development to maintain industry relevance.
• Engage in and maintain research, creative, or professional development activities in the field.
• Fully participate in the responsibilities of Hayes School of Music faculty members, including service at the University or Hayes School of Music level.

In the Hayes School of Music, full-time tenure-eligible or tenured faculty members are expected to teach 24 full-time equivalent hours (FTEs) per academic year. A faculty member may request up to 6 FTEs annually for extensive scholarly or creative activity.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

ABD with reduction in rank and salary: ABD will be considered for this position. Evidence of successful defense of the dissertation must be received by July 31 for a fall hire or November 30 for a spring hire. If confirmation of defense is not provided by the deadline, the candidate will receive a new one-year fixed-term contract and be hired at the rank of Instructor. The candidate’s salary will also be reduced to a lower rate commensurate with other full-time instructors in the same department. However, if degree verification is provided before the end of the one-year fixed-term contract, the candidate will be returned to the rank of assistant professor with commensurate compensation beginning July 1 of the following academic year.

No ABD consideration: Only candidates with an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution will be considered for the position. Since ABD will not meet the minimum requirements, ABD will not be considered.

For a complete application, please apply and submit all below required documents electronically through Appalachian State University’s job board:

• Cover letter/letter of interest addressing the position requirements, qualifications, and experience.
• Curriculum vitae including discography, if applicable.
• A PDF file with links to hosted video recordings. Videos should include 5-10 minutes of contrasting styles demonstrating commercial vocal performance techniques. Candidates are encouraged to also include jazz singing demonstrations, if applicable. Please do not send physical media or attach individual files for download, as the committee requires all video samples to be hosted on a media server for on-demand streaming.
• List five (minimum) professional references including contact information

Applicants selected as semi-finalists will be requested to submit an additional portfolio of materials demonstrating the candidate’s breadth of expertise in the music industry. Portfolio may include audio examples.

Applicants selected for in-person interviews will perform a short recital with faculty accompaniment, as available.

Please note that this position is based on enrollment and subject to available funding.

The continued employment of a special faculty member during the term appointment may be made expressly contingent on items such as the continued availability of funding from any source, on enrollment levels, or any other contingency established by the institution.

The continued employment of a special faculty member during the term appointment may be made expressly contingent on items such as the continued availability of funding from any source, on enrollment levels, or any other contingency established by the institution.