Adjunct Faculty - Appalachian Studies

East Tennessee State University · United States

The Department of Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University is establishing a pool of qualified adjunct instructors to teach in the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music program. Primary teaching needs include individual applied instruction in guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, bass, dobro, drums, keyboards, Celtic instruments, and related roots instruments, as well as band and ensemble instruction in bluegrass, old-time, country, and Celtic styles. Adjunct faculty may be assigned to teach private lessons, band courses, and other undergraduate classes across the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music curriculum, depending on program needs and the candidate’s qualifications. These part-time, non-tenurable appointments are contingent upon sufficient enrollment and available funding, with renewal based on performance, program needs, and budgetary considerations.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree in music or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution, or equivalent professional experience in bluegrass, old-time, country, Celtic, or related roots genres in lieu of an advanced degree, consistent with ETSU and SACS expectations.
Demonstrated proficiency on at least one of the program’s primary instruments (guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, bass, dobro, drums, keyboards, Celtic instruments, or related roots instruments).
Documented experience teaching private lessons, ensemble/band classes, workshops, or comparable instructional settings at the collegiate, pre-collegiate, or professional level.
Ability to work effectively with diverse students, faculty, and staff and to support ETSU’s commitment to inclusive excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree or higher in Music, Ethnomusicology, Appalachian Studies, or a closely related discipline with documented study of American vernacular or traditional music.
Significant professional performance experience in bluegrass, old-time, country, Celtic, or related roots music, including touring, recording, or festival appearances.
Experience teaching in a university or college music program, especially in applied lessons and small ensemble or band formats.
Familiarity with the mission and curriculum of ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music program and its emphasis on American vernacular music traditions.
Experience mentoring student musicians in goal-setting, repertoire development, and preparation for juries, recitals, or capstone projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Advanced knowledge of repertoire, style, technique, history, and performance practice in bluegrass, old-time, country, Celtic, and related roots genres.
Strong applied teaching skills, including the ability to design lesson plans, sequence technical and musical development, and provide clear, constructive feedback in one-on-one and small-group settings.
Ability to rehearse and direct student bands and ensembles, including arranging parts, leading sectional work, coaching vocal and instrumental blend, and preparing students for live performance and recording situations.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to foster a supportive, student-centered learning environment and to collaborate with colleagues across the department and college.
Organizational skills necessary to manage lesson schedules, maintain accurate grading and assessment records, and meet program and university deadlines.
Commitment to preserving, teaching, and innovating within vernacular and traditional music traditions in ways that align with the program’s academic and artistic goals.

ETSU is an equal opportunity employer.

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.

The Department of Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University is establishing a pool of qualified adjunct instructors to teach in the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music program. The primary teaching needs are for individual applied instruction in voice, guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, bass, dobro, drums, keyboards, Celtic instruments, and related roots instruments, as well as band and ensemble instruction in bluegrass, old-time, country, and Celtic styles. Adjunct faculty members may be assigned to teach private lessons, band courses, and other undergraduate classes offered in the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music curriculum, depending on program needs and the candidate’s background. Appointments are part-time, non-tenurable positions contingent upon sufficient enrollment and available funding, with opportunities for renewal based on performance, program needs, and budgetary considerations.

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