Berklee

Job Description:

Berklee College of Music, a global leader in contemporary music education, seeks a dynamic musician, educator, and administrative leader to serve as the Chair of the Brass Department. Nestled in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, the Berklee community consists of over 5,000 talented and diverse students, 840 internationally respected faculty, over 600 dedicated staff, and an extended family of alumni, whose nearly 500 Grammy awards testify to their contributions to the music of our time. 

The Brass department includes a team of 9 faculty providing private lessons and lab instruction to over 150 Berklee students. The curriculum for brass performance supports developing good technique and an awareness of performance health. Our students receive intensive training in reading and interpreting music from both a traditionally notated score and a chord-symbol notated lead sheet. Special focus is placed upon stylistic interpretation, improvisational skills, ensemble experience (small band, big band, and orchestra), overall performance skills, including the use of technology, as applied to contemporary musical styles.

As the Chair of the Brass Department, the successful candidate will be an accomplished, future-oriented visionary musician, educator, and leader who embodies Berklee's commitment to innovation, excellence in contemporary music education, embraces diversity in individuals, perspectives, and musical styles. This visionary leader will spearhead curriculum design, leverage technology in pedagogy and performance as well as foster faculty development, and contribute to the overall mission of Berklee. An ideal candidate is well versed in jazz, popular, and classical music styles. This is a twelve-month position with a renewable contract. The start date for the position is September 1, 2024, or earlier depending on availability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide visionary, empathetic, and principle-centered leadership for the Brass Department
• Supervision of the department’s musical and educational direction, including: further development of a curriculum focusing on instrumental technique, reading, stylistic interpretation, improvisational skills, health and wellness in performance, and the use of technology in teaching and performance
• Supervision, evaluation, and development of faculty
• Faculty scheduling and student advising
• Effectively manage the Brass Department’s budget and facilities
• Manage department concerts, masterclass/clinics, visiting artist, and special programs

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• Proven expertise as a brass specialist, accomplished musician, experienced educator, and effective administrator
• National visibility as a musician, with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary musical styles.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Track record of success in collegiate-level teaching
• Effective communication and leadership skills

Electronic Applications Only:

To apply, please submit the following materials to the Brass Chair Search Committee, ATTN: Sean Skeete, Dean of Professional Performance Division, Berklee College of Music, through our online platform:

• Letter of application
• Current resume or CV
• Letters of recommendation from at least two (2) references
• Links to websites or online resources showcasing representative samples of your performances

Berklee College of Music is committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

Note:

• The application deadline is ongoing until the position is filled.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee: 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

• Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type:

Chair