Department Summary:

Drake University’s Department of Music (School of Fine Arts) is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Music Department’s mission is to provide a center for the study and understanding of music that develops students’ intellectual, practical, and expressive abilities by emphasizing professional preparation, collaborative learning, critical thinking, and musical communication. Drake University seeks to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.

Drake offers the best of both worlds: a department that is large enough to support a vast range of musical activities, but small enough that students receive highly personal attention. We pride ourselves on providing big-school opportunities in a small-school environment, and our graduates are well-trained and well-rounded musicians who are highly competitive in a wide range of vocational fields.

For more about the Department, visit: https://www.drake.edu/music/.

Job Summary:

Teach undergraduate studio percussion including leading the percussion studio and ensemble and direct the Drake University Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and “Bulldog Brass” Pep Band. If qualified, additional duties may include teaching Marching Band Techniques.

The search committee seeks a candidate with demonstrated success as an active and visible recruiter; commitment to and record of successful teaching at the University level; an active performer at regional and national levels; demonstrated commitment to professional growth; ability to forge strong community ties and maintain a strong relationship with the Drake Athletics Department.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree, college teaching experience, record of scholarship via performances, publications, presentations, or other activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

Completed doctorate or ABD (or commensurate professional experience)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please complete the online application and attach (1) a cover letter, (2) CV/Resume, (3) a 1-2 page teaching philosophy, and (4) the contact details for three references. (5) Include a PDF document providing links (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) to recent examples of percussion solo performance(s) and conducting in rehearsal and/or performance settings.

Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.

All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of work authorization.

Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Vince Kenney, Director of Bands/Associate Professor of Low Brass, at Vincent.kenney@drake.edu

Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.

Review of Applications Begins:

A review of applications will begin on June 8, 2025.