Assistant Professor Jobs in Iowa

INTRODUCTION

Luther College seeks a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music in Vocal Coaching and Collaborative Piano to contribute to our commitment to academic excellence in teaching, research/performance, and community service. This is a one-year interim position beginning Fall, 2026. We seek candidates with the ability and interest in teaching the equivalent of six courses (a full-time teaching load) spread over fall, January and spring terms. Primary teaching responsibilities include private coaching for singers in art song, opera, and other vocal literature; a weekly studio seminar (studio class); and musical direction for fall and spring opera productions. Collaborative piano duties include some faculty and student recitals and other music department events (such scholarship auditions, concerto competitions and guest master classes). Additional duties include coordination of student and staff accompanists and occasional choir accompanying. This position serves students in our music, music education, musical theatre, and general education programs.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Applicants who hold a DMA in collaborative piano are preferred. ABD candidates and those with MM degrees will be considered at instructor rank. Extensive experience as a vocal coach, breadth of familiarity with vocal literature, knowledge in diction and interpretation of primary singing languages, experience in accompanying instrumental repertoire, advanced sight-reading ability and the ability to learn music quickly are required. The successful candidate will communicate knowledge of and interest in teaching at Luther College, demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, possess a collaborative and collegial approach to music-making, and exhibit potential for excellence in college teaching and working with undergraduates.

LOCATION

Luther College is located in rural Northeast Iowa, a regional hub for outdoor recreation in the vibrant and scenic Driftless region, containing two nationally recognized healthcare systems, top ranked schools, business, agriculture, specialty retail, dining and tourism. Major Midwest metropolitan areas within a three-hour driving distance include Des Moines, IA; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; and Madison, WI. We are an easy drive to La Crosse, WI, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, IA, and Rochester, MN, home of Mayo Clinic.

At Luther College, inclusion and belonging are central to our educational mission and values. We are committed to the institutional change required for visioning and realizing a more equitable and socially just college and society. Strong candidates will have experience and vision regarding teaching and mentorship of students of multiple and diverse backgrounds with attention to structural barriers that limit access to educational opportunities. As a liberal arts college, all Luther College music faculty routinely teach music and music education majors as well as non-majors.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Apply: Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, applications should be submitted no later than June 30, 2026. Apply for this position at https://www.luther.edu/offices/hr/careers. Applicants’ dossier should include:

• Cover letter, describing your interest in the position at Luther College as articulated in this position description, documenting your training and experience appropriate to the position, and articulating how your teaching philosophy would contribute to an undergraduate liberal arts education
• Curriculum vitae, including study of multiple languages and opera experience
• Repertoire list
• Required: Links to video recordings of 3-4 recent collaborative performances, no more than 20 minutes total, ideally featuring both vocal and instrumental performances. Optional: Candidates may also submit links to solo piano performances (no more than 20 minutes total)
• Candidates who are selected for interviews will be asked to provide links to two video recordings that demonstrate teaching ability; at least one should be a one-on-one vocal coaching
• Unofficial graduate and undergraduate transcripts
• Contact information for three references (name, affiliation, email and phone). References will only be contacted for those candidates selected for an interview with prior notification to the candidate

COMPENSATION

The current salary range for assistant professors with 0-5 years of experience is $53,100 to $58,900; placement on scale is dependent on credentials and applicable experience.

Inquiries about the position may be directed to Brooke Joyce, Search Chair, Dept. of Music, Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa 52101; phone: 563-387-1386; email: brooke.joyce@luther.edu. Additional information about the college is available by visiting the college website, www.luther.edu. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to hr@luther.edu.