Northwestern University

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY  

Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music  

Director of Bands 

Associate Professor or Professor of Conducting 

The Northwestern University Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music invites applications for a tenured appointment as Director of Bands at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, beginning September 1, 2024. The Bienen School of Music offers conservatory-level training within a top-ranked university and features a dedicated faculty, unparalleled facilities, and proximity to the vibrant music community of Chicago. 

Responsibilities: 

The Director of Bands will provide forward-looking artistic and curricular leadership for Northwestern’s comprehensive band and wind programs; teach and recruit graduate conducting students; supervise doctoral committees; maintain connections to an active alumni community; and actively participate in the activities of a School of Music in a research university. 

Required Qualifications:

Candidates must possess an established national and international reputation as a wind conductor, a commitment to and proven record of successful recruitment and teaching, and a Master of Music degree or equivalent professional experience. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will possess a proven record of successful teaching in a School or Conservatory of Music within a university, a commitment to collaborative collegial engagement, and a doctoral degree. 

Application: Screening begins Friday, December 1, 2023, and continues until position is filled. Candidates must submit: 1) a letter of application; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) links to video recordings of recent rehearsals and performances (approx. 20 minutes for each); 4) a statement of teaching and artistic philosophies, as well as perspectives on inclusion, equity, and preparing students for success; and 5) names and contact information of three references. Questions should be directed to Professor Taimur Sullivan, Search Committee Chair, at taimur@northwestern.edu. Visit www.music.northwestern.edu for information regarding the Bienen School of Music. 

Department: Music Performance

Please read ALL instructions and make preparations before proceeding to the application page:

• Applications will only be accepted via online submission (see link below).
• Please prepare all documents in advance as Adobe PDF files, and please be sure all information is entered correctly and accurately (especially names and email addresses), as there will be no opportunity for online revision after your application has been submitted.
• Please also prepare a list of names and email addresses for your external academic references; your references will be contacted directly by the online system and invited to upload their letters on your behalf.
• All required fields in the application form are marked with an asterisk and must be filled before clicking the “Submit” button.
• Be aware that incomplete applications cannot be saved.

Applications accepted here: Apply for Job

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.