Chair of Composition, Contemporary Music, and Core Studies

Job Description:

Boston Conservatory at Berklee invites applications for the position of Chair of the Composition, Contemporary Music, and Core Studies Department. Reporting to the Dean of Music, the chair serves as the academic and administrative leader of the department. The chair oversees all composition activities from individual applied lessons to classroom teaching; artistic programming and curriculum for the Contemporary Classical Music Performance (CCMP) graduate programs; and all core courses in Music Theory and Music History. These core courses include the undergraduate core (harmony and counterpoint, ear training, Time and Rhythm, and music history), graduate core (research and bibliography, remedials, and graduate theory and history seminars), and the undergraduate and graduate electives (musicology, analysis, and applied theory). The chair is part of the academic leadership team charged with oversight of curriculum, pedagogy, management of faculty and students, communication, and the implementation of strategic initiatives for the institution.

The ideal candidate for this position will be an outstanding musician with a strong compositional profile and/or contemporary performance experience at a high level, and an experienced educator and effective administrator with a background of successful employment in a collegiate setting. Thorough knowledge of contemporary repertoire and comprehension of a diversity of stylistic contemporary trends and national recognition as a musician are essential. A master’s degree or equivalent professional experience is required.

Situated within the Music Division, the Composition, Contemporary Music, and Core Studies Department at Boston Conservatory includes undergraduate and graduate programs in composition, and graduate programs in contemporary music performance. The department in total comprises 11 full-time and 13 part-time faculty, providing instruction to over 400 Boston Conservatory at Berklee students. 

Boston Conservatory at Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of the conservatory community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area. This is a 12-month administrative position with a renewable contract. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities:

• Lead curriculum development, review, and management in composition, the contemporary music program, and core studies

• Develop and communicate departmental policies, procedures, and standards

• Hire, evaluate, and oversee departmental faculty and staff, including determining teaching responsibilities and service to the institution

• Facilitate departmental meetings

• Support the advising of students

• Manage semesterly jury process for all composition and CCMP students

• Oversee hiring of guests and soloists

• Facilitate and assist with recruitment and orientation activities such as admissions yield events

• Teaching as appropriate, determined through consultation with the division dean

• Foster artistic and academic partnerships with other departments within the institution

• Represent the department and division as an administrative leader on- and off-campus

• Serve on the Academic Leadership Council, division committees, and other conservatory committees as needed

• Maintain professional engagement 

• Other duties as required by the division dean and provost

Qualifications:

• Record as an effective administrator with a background of successful employment in a collegiate setting

• Prominent professional experience as an active composer or contemporary music performer as well as professor

• Experience in curriculum development

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Command of technology to support classroom and studio instruction

• Keen interest in working within a diverse environment, both with faculty and administrative colleagues and students

DIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT:

As a performing arts conservatory, we acknowledge that conservatory education has historically been focused on Western classicism. Boston Conservatory at Berklee is committed to reinventing this educational model through curricular and programmatic innovation that immerses our students in a wide range of artistic and aesthetic languages, engages them in understanding performing arts as cultural documents, and ensures equitable racial, ethnic, gender, and LGBTQ+ representation at every level of our institution. We are committed to removing barriers that may discourage any person from learning, teaching, and working with us.

SUBMISSION PROCESS:

Electronic applications only.  Please submit the following materials in PDF format at berklee.edu/jobs .  Address your materials to: Chair of Composition, Contemporary Music, and Core Studies Search Committee, Attn: Michael Shinn, Dean of Music.

Please send:

• Cover letter

• Curriculum vitae

• A statement of your teaching philosophy

• Phone and email contact information for three (3) professional references

• Links to websites or online resources with representative samples of your compositions and/or performances

APPLICATION REVIEW and DEADLINE

1) For full consideration, applications and supporting materials must be received by January 15, 2023.

2) Incomplete applications will not be considered.

3) The position will remain open for applications until filled.

Berklee 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.

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 [email protected] 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