Piano/Piano Pedagogy 2014-15

Searches for academic positions in Piano and Piano Pedagogy in 2014-2015. This page is for jobs that begin in Fall 2015, unless otherwise specified.

Previous Pages:


 * Piano/Piano Pedagogy 2013-2014 (last year)
 * Piano 2012-2013 (two years ago)

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Schools with Accepted Offers
Format for this section:

University: Name (Current Position [if applicable], DMA-GRANTING INSTITUTION, and year, if known)

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Allegheny College - Assistant Professor of Music (Deadline: Nov. 1, 2014)

 * Full-time, tenure-track position beginning August, 2015. The position requires a strong performing artist or collaborative pianist to teach applied lessons in classical piano and to serve as coordinator of the keyboard area within a liberal-arts curriculum. Other teaching responsibilities will include Departmental courses in music theory; expertise or interest in world music is also desirable. All faculty are expected to participate in delivering college-wide first-year/sophomore seminars in areas of professional or personal interest. The overall teaching load is between 5.5 and 6 courses annually, depending on Senior Project advising. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, provide evidence of ongoing scholarship and professional development, and contribute through service to the learning community. A completed doctoral degree in music is required for tenure; candidates who are ABD will be considered. Allegheny College is a highly selective, private liberal arts college with a dedicated faculty of teacher-scholars. Rank: Asst. Professor. Start Date: August 2015. Application deadline: Until filled. Please send a letter of application as well as a full CV including references before November 1, 2014 to Dr. Lowell Hepler, Allegheny College, 520 North Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335, or email to  [mailto:musicsearch@allegheny.edu musicsearch@allegheny.edu]. Requests for supporting materials may follow. Please do not send audio or video at this time. Allegheny College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, with a strong institutional commitment to developing a diverse faculty and staff. Women and members of other under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.
 * recordings asked (Nov. 20) x3
 * phone interview conducted (Jan. 9) x2
 * on campus interview x4

California State University, East Bay

 * DUTIES OF THE POSITION: The successful candidate will assume a leadership role in curricular development and offerings in keyboard throughout the curriculum, including teaching applied piano at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The successful candidate will also assume a leadership role in the musicianship coursework (music theory, aural skills, etc.) in the curriculum and work closely with applied music faculty in order to build and strengthen the overall standards of musicianship and performance of the Department. Additional coursework may include collaborative piano, chamber music and music theory. Other coursework assigned as necessary. The successful candidate will contribute to department recruiting activities and efforts. In addition to teaching, all faculty have advising responsibilities, assist the department with administrative and/or committee work, and are expected to assume campus-wide committee responsibilities. Please note that teaching assignments at California State University, East Bay include courses at Hayward, Concord and Online campuses.


 * RANK AND SALARY: Assistant Professor. Salary is dependent upon educational preparation and experience. Subject to budgetary authorization.


 * DATE OF APPOINTMENT: Anticipated appointment beginning Fall Quarter, 2015.


 * QUALIFICATIONS: Earned Masters in Music degree at time of effective date of appointment required. Earned Doctorate in Music at time of effective date of appointment preferred. Preparation in one or more of the following areas is required as evidenced by terminal degree and record of scholarly achievement: applied piano, collaborative piano, music theory, or music composition. Candidates with successful teaching experience at the university level are preferred.Candidates should demonstrate experience in teaching, mentoring, research, or community service that has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a record of scholarly activity. This University is fully committed to the rights of students, staff and faculty with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. For more information about the University’s program supporting the rights of our students with disabilities see: http://www20.csueastbay.edu/af/departments/as/
 * Phone Interview, Jan 16.
 * Campus Interview, second week of February

California State University, Fullerton - Assistant Professor of Piano (Deadline: January 5, 2015)

 * Isn't the deadline January 31?

Gordon College - Assistant Professor of Music (Deadline: December 15, 2014)

 * They are looking for either a pianist or composer/theorist
 * Previous pianist was denied tenure.  Reasons unknown.
 * 1/5 Rejection email x2
 * This is probably a pro forma search anyway. Possible internal candidate: http://www.gordon.edu/modaff
 * Maybe, maybe not.  Not all internals are viable candidates for tenure-track jobs.  Where I work, we have a non-tenure track person who would never get a tenure position if it were announced.  The thing is, from the outside, you never ever ever know.  Ever.  You think can tell.  You can't.  I've learned this the hard way.
 * No internal candidate. Additional information, i.e. recommendation letters have been asked.
 * haven't got rejection email nor recommendation letter request.. what does it mean??
 * Yes, that is the great question of the job search:  What does silence mean?
 * It usually means "no," but some searches move slowly and might not make contact until well after the deadline (as was the case with several searches last cycle).  If you've had some sort of contact followed by silence, it's either "no" or that you're on their backup list if their finalists don't work out.  In this case, I'd say that you're on hold.
 * I didn't get a rejection e-mail from this job until 1/9. Perhaps there's a little extra consideration afoot, perhaps not.
 * Video interview has been set up.

Grand Valley State University

 * Review of application begins on November 1, 2014.
 * GVSU has two piano faculty on their website.  Is this a replacement for one of them (if so, which?) or an additional position?
 * It's a replacement.
 * Thank you for the information.  Do you know which professor is leaving?
 * Yes, who's leaving?
 * Giuseppe Lupis is leaving.
 * Nov. 13: Recordings requested. x3
 * Why is Giuseppe Lupis leaving? Is he retiring?
 * Any news on this one?
 * Hello? Anyone?
 * Someone was offered the position
 * Did s/he take it?
 * We believe she will.
 * This should be moved to "Schools with Accepted Offers" when she finalizes everything.

Ithaca College    2 Piano positions  begins August 16, 2015

 * Tenure eligible position for a teacher/performer of piano
 * non tenure-eligible position in group piano and secondary piano
 * A heads up to applicants for this position: the tenure-eligible position is open because someone was denied tenure last year.  Make of that what you will.
 * Wrong. Someone is retiring.
 * Initial contact made; asked to submit recordings. x4
 * Rejection email
 * Any news? Is this a faux search?
 * Although there is an internal, she has only been there since September, so I wouldn't assume that it's a lock.
 * who's the internal?\
 * any news on this search?
 * Campus interview scheduled.
 * For which of the two searches? Any news on the NTT search?
 * 1/30 - request for recordings for NTT search

===Longy School of Music at Bard College - Artist Teacher of Piano (Screening begins immediately [posted in MVL 8/22/14] - APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED) ===
 * Candidates should have the interest and demonstrated ability to recruit and develop an active studio in the school's Conservatory. Enthusiastically recruit high level undergraduate- and graduate-level pianists to Longy. Provide weekly, hour-long private lessons to undergraduate- and graduate-level pre-professional musicians. Attend and provide professional feedback on undergraduate and graduate student admission auditions, student juries, dress rehearsals, and recitals. Guide students in selecting appropriate professional repertoire for technical development, promotional juries, undergraduate- and graduate-level final recitals, and professional job auditions. Provide recommendations and support to students seeking to pursue graduate or doctoral study. Counsel students on performance and teaching job opportunities and summer programs post-graduation. Creatively incorporate elements of the Longy mission, "to prepare musicians to make a difference in the world", into private lesson delivery. Participate in large school events including new student orientation, commencement, full faculty meetings, and Piano departmental meetings. Enthusiastically take steps to raise the profile of the Longy conservatory and its Piano department. Evaluate and grade the performance of your private lesson students, according to the grading standards of the Longy Conservatory. Provide ongoing assessment of student progress and development and take steps to accommodate the needs of students with individual learning styles. Provide curricular recommendations to conservatory advisors about failing students. Communicate with Longy advisors about students who are struggling emotionally. Qualified candidates will possess an outstanding record as performers and teachers, with a strong national or international reputation. An advanced degree (MM) in piano or demonstrated equivalent is required. Candidates with a minimum of three years of teaching in higher education are preferred. Date of appointment: 2015-2016 academic year. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names and phone numbers of five references by hard copy or email to Brian Moll, Chair, Department of Keyboard and Vocal Studies, Longy School of Music of Bard College, 27 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 (  [mailto:brian.moll@longy.edu brian.moll@longy.edu]) Please DO NOT send any additional materials at this time. Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
 * I can confirm that applications are no longer being accepted.
 * This is probably a faux search. They already know whom they want.
 * Oct 30: Rejection email

Nazareth College - Assistant Professor of Piano (Deadline: Jan. 12, 2015)

 * Recordings requested

Northern Kentucky University - Assistant Professor of Piano (Deadline: November 18th)

 * Dec.16  Request for recordings x6
 * 6?
 * Probably more like 10-15. From a pool of ~100 applications (just guessing), they might request recordings from 12, do 6-8 phone interviews, and then invite 2-3 to campus.
 * I'm at least the 7th
 * I just got an email that the search is "suspended for the foreseeable future"
 * Me too. Time to inaugurate this year's "Failed and Canceled Searches" (see below
 * What happened?

ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY - Assistant Professor of Piano (Deadline: February 15, 2015)

 * Roosevelt University Chicago College of Performing Arts seeks an Assistant Professor of Piano to teach undergraduate, graduate, and post-master's piano performance majors. Coach chamber music. Assist with weekly department performance class. (Other teaching assignments in the candidate's areas of interest are possible.) Maintain an active professional artistic profile. Assist the Head of Piano and artist-faculty in recruiting highly qualified students. A Master's degree in Piano is required. Will accept any suitable combination of education, training and experience. A Doctorate is preferred as well as national/international professional achievement as a solo and/or collaborative artist and demonstrated ability to recruit and retain highly qualified students. Teaching experience at the college or university level is preferred. Rank: Asst. Professor. Start Date: 08/15/2015. All applications must be submitted online via the Roosevelt Careers website at https://jobs.roosevelt.edu/postings/1720. Applicants should upload a curriculum vita, letter of application, the names and contact information for 3 people who are familiar with the applicant's teaching and professional qualifications, and audio or video recording of recent performances. Recordings may be uploaded to the recording sample field, (maximum file size 9mb). Applicants may also provide links (within the letter of application or the CV) to YouTube, Vimeo, or other web-based recordings. Direct discipline-specific questions to Dr. Dana Brown, Chair of the Music Faculty, at [mailto:dlbrown@roosevelt.edu dlbrown@roosevelt.edu]. Phone: 312-341-4154. Phone: 312-341-4154. Screening begins February 15, 2015 and will continue until the position is filled. Roosevelt University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes women, LGBTQ, disabled, veterans, international and minority-classified individuals as applicants for all positions.
 * does anyone know about this position? Does is have anything to do with the core studies/secondary piano position posted earlier? It seems that they have a fairly high turnover rate...
 * My teacher forwarded me an e-mail from the chair of piano at Roosevelt. This would be a separate position from the core studies/secondary position, looking here for artist-teaching faculty.

===San Diego State University- Assistant Professor of Piano and Piano Pedagogy (Deadline: Oct. 1, 2014) ===
 * Tenure-track faculty member at the assistant professor level for a Fall 2015 appointment. The position requires providing vision, teaching, and leadership for all aspects of the group piano program and piano curriculum, in addition to training the keyboard majors in the necessary skills required in both studio and group piano lessons. Responsibilities will include teaching undergraduate class piano courses to non-piano music majors, studio piano instruction of undergraduate and graduate piano majors, piano pedagogy courses, keyboard literature, and other teaching duties that match the candidate's qualifications, background, and interests. The position is expected to provide leadership for the group piano area, including assessment and curricular development and coordination and training of graduate assistants to teach group piano, in addition to the training of undergraduate and graduate piano majors in the art of teaching piano at all levels from be-ginning to advanced. The candidate will be expected to promote collaborative relationships across the School of Music and Dance, maintain active connections with community piano instructors and community college instructors, and participate in the recruitment/retention of outstanding students to the music program. Active and sustained involvement in professional growth beyond the university is required to obtain tenure and promotion, as is participation in faculty committees and governance. Appointment will be at the rank of assistant professor with salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Qualifications: Earned doctorate in piano performance and/or piano pedagogy (or equivalent) is required. The successful candidate will possess teaching and performing abilities at the highest artistic level, a successful track record of studio and group piano instruction at the university level, a comprehensive knowledge of current piano pedagogy, and experience using technology in class piano instruction. Ability to implement assessment procedures to monitor student success and determine program effectiveness is required. Experience developing curriculum for music majors with varying backgrounds and professional goals is desired. The candidate must have a track record of professional engagement in the area of piano pedagogy and possess superior administrative and organizational skills. The candidate will have an ongoing commitment to advancing the profession as reflected in an active research agenda in keyboard pedagogy and performance in the field. Additional evidence of expertise in collaborative piano, early keyboard music or twentieth century performance practice and/or music technology is welcome. Evidence of commitment to university, public school, and community collaborations is required. Rank: Asst. Professor. Start Date: 08/17/2015. Screening for the position will begin on October 1, 2014 and continue until the position is filled. Evidence of the earned doctorate should be in-hand at the start of the appointment. Applicants should apply via Interfolio at:  http://www.apply.interfolio.com/25673. Please submit the following required application materials: Cover letter; Curriculum vita; Three current letters of reference that outline the candidate's fit for this position; Reference list of five individuals familiar with the candidate's current professional background and experience; URLs to online video clips (YouTube or Vimeo) of 20-30 minutes of material that (1) demonstrate the candidate's teaching skills and techniques and (2) a live solo piano performance of 3 contrasting selections from different style periods reflecting the candidate's repertoire strengths and interests. Candidates may also submit up to two additional URLs to online digital recordings of unedited (non-commercial) live performances demonstrating their performance skills. http://www.apply.interfolio.com/25673. SDSU is a large, diverse, urban university and Hispanic-Serving Institution with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence. Our campus community is diverse in many ways, including race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, pregnancy, medical condition, and covered veteran status. We strive to build and sustain a welcoming environment for all. SDSU is seeking applicants with demonstrated experience in and/or commitment to teaching and working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and members of underrepresented groups. SDSU is a Title IX, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status. The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirement set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
 * Anything happening with this?
 * I heard it is going to the insider--faux search.
 * <span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:'TrebuchetMS',Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:13px;line-height:19px;">That would explain why they rushed the process, giving some candidates very little time to prepare and the insider (Toni James) the most time to get ready. They knew from the start it would go to her.
 * <span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:'TrebuchetMS',Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:13px;line-height:19px;">so the decision has made for sure? Had a Skype interview in late October,but didn't have any communication ever since.
 * <span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:'TrebuchetMS',Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:13px;line-height:19px;">Many schools are now changing their faculty profile to include more ethnic diversification and piano searches at many universities recently have heavily favored recent graduates with an Asian background. Tina Chong was recently on campus and although she may have not been the strongest pianist and teacher of the four candidates, I would not be surprised if she were the one favored in this search..


 * <span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:'TrebuchetMS',Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:13px;line-height:19px;">​Given the fact that only eight out of fifty-one candidates (or 15.7%) who won jobs last year (as per the 2014-2015 wiki) were of "an Asian background," I feel fairly safe in saying that it is my belief that this viewpoint is racist.

Shenandoah University - Assistant or Associate Professor of Piano (Deadline: November 21, 2014)

 * Is there anything going on with this?
 * Any information about this position? (Jan 25)
 * Yeah, I just e-mailed them -- they're interviewing finalists

University of Alabama - Assistant Professor of Piano (Deadline: Dec. 1, 2014)

 * This is a second attempt after a failed search a few years ago.  Prior search was for tenured faculty member at the Associate level.  Very interesting departmental atmosphere concerning the piano faculty there.  Tenure-track faculty beware.

University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music - Assistant Professor of Piano (Deadline: February 1st, 2015)

 * Happy retirement to the Pridonoffs, I presume!
 * Indeed!  Another couple is hoping to take their place, though.
 * Marina L?
 * Seems possible-a finalist last year, and I was told she turned down Eastman a few years ago because there was no place for her husband. But CCM's hire last year-Soyeon Lee-is married to Ran Dank.
 * Ding ding ding ding!
 * That may be, but isn't the current (post Soyeon Lee) search for two candidates? Mr. Dank may be a likely candidate for one position, but...

University of Colorado-Boulder: Assistant Professor/ Artist-Teacher of Piano

 * http://www.jobsatcu.com:80/postings/87974
 * <span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);line-height:19.2000007629395px;">S <span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Tahoma,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:18.1200008392334px;">creening of applications will begin on  October 15, 2014<span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Tahoma,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:18.1200008392334px;"> and will continue until the position is filled. Application materials must be submitted through JobsatCU and will include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, names and contact information for three letters of recommendation, and a document listing links to media recordings which must include professionally recorded CD-quality audio, as well as samples of live, unedited performances. Prepare your list of links/URLs as a Word document and upload as “Other” document under Required Documents—do not upload media files to JobsatCU.
 * Over 200 applications
 * Is anything going on with this search?
 * 3 finalists contacted.....I guess the search at Ithaca college and this are related. wink wink
 * You mean they are the SAME  3 finalists in both places?
 * J. Haygue, H. Park


 * ​Paik or Park?
 * This is confusing. Are these TWO of the three finalists? Who's the third? Isn't she a tenured professor in Ithaca?  Is it Paik from CIM?


 * Yes, these are two of the three, but it's not Paik from CIM, but Park from Nevada.  Haygue is tenured at Ithaca; however, it's not uncommon for people who are tenured elsewhere to take a rank/pay cut for what one might perceive as a "better" gig.  This was the case last year with CCM/Lamazov.
 * Thomas Rosenkranz is the third one.
 * So are Rosenkranz and Park also finalists at Ithaca? And what if Haygue gets this job? Then a second opening at Ithaca? Weird
 * Perhaps the person who made the first comment mistakenly thought that Haygue was definitely leaving and that's why there is a TT position open at Ithaca.

University of Minnesota at Morris  .

 * Full time tenure track position beginning on Aug 17, 2015.
 * Anything going on with this?
 * Phone interviews are happening the week of Jan. 13
 * Any updates on this?
 * Campus interviews scheduled for end of February/beginning of March

University of Denver - Lecturer in Piano (Deadline: October 1st, 2014)

 * Nov. 7: Skype interview requested
 * Are they advertising again???
 * Where are they advertising again?
 * Any more information on this search?

Univeristy of Miami Frost School of Music (Deadline: Jan.31, 2015)

 * Didn't they just have a search last year? Did Evelyne Brancart not take the gig?
 * where is the job posting? any link? Thanks!
 * It's on CMS, and Brancart decided after less than one semester to go back to IU (LMAO).
 * How embarrasing. Conflict within the piano department? They just can't get it together.
 * This is typical of UM - this should be a university with great pianists/violinists on the faculty and look what direction they have chosen.
 * She's done this before with other schools, but who knows if anything happened beyond history repeating itself.

University of Northern Colorado - Assistant Professor of Piano (Deadline: Nov.15)

 * Recordings requested.  x3
 * Campus interview scheduled.

Univeristy of South Florida - Assistant Professor of Piano (Deadline: December 1st, 2014)

 * Is this a faux search?
 * Absolutely.
 * How so?
 * 2 internals.
 * Request for extra materials... (Jan. 12) x3
 * Some additional info on this search as it moves forward: I was a candidate for this job last year and had an extremely negative experience.  It didn't seem like a friendly place at all.  Apparently there were a number of tenure denials last year in addition to the failed search, and now it seems that someone from USF is attempting to whitewash the wikis for the releated searches in the Music Theory/Composition and Musicology/Ethnomusicology (here  and here).  Heads up!
 * Phone interviews made. Expecting finalists to be invited soon.

University of Tennessee - Director of Class Piano/Lecturer in Piano Pedagogy (Deadline: Oct. 10, 2014)

 * 1.5 year appointment, beginning January 2015.
 * <span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:'TrebuchetMS',Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:13px;line-height:19.200000762939453px;">Salary and fringe benefits are competitive and commensurate with rank and experience. The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University. Job duties include direct and supervise the class piano program. Teach courses in class piano and piano pedagogy. Supervise graduate students assigned to the class piano program. Doctorate in Piano Pedagogy/Performance preferred. Demonstrated success in teaching class piano and/or directing a class piano program at the collegiate level. Candidate must have a record of research pertinent to piano pedagogy/group piano. Start Date: Spring 2015. Send letter of application (no email applications), at least three current (within the last 12 months) letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae, and a recent CD and/or DVD recording of representative repertoire (indicating dates of performance) to: Secretary, Class Piano Search Committee, Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, Room 117B, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-2600. Deadline: October 10, 2014, or until position is filled. The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
 * 4 finalists.
 * The search committee has recommended a candidate.

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (Deadline: Nov. 3, 2014)

 * This is a tenure-track position, for class-piano teacher, curriculum designer, collaborative pianist. FYI: matches the biography of a current Lecturer on faculty here.
 * Any updates on this search?
 * Any movements on this search?
 * I was invited on campus. The search was cancelled on Friday due to the budget cuts. The entire UW system is under the hiring freeze....

University of Wisconsin Stevens Point - Assistant Professor of Piano (Deadline: December 15, 2014)

 * Campus final interview scheduled
 * Just a "heads up" to anyone who's applied to ANY University of Wisconsin system school: $300 million of proposed budget cuts over the next two years has already spooked more than one campus into immediately terminating active searches.  I hope this doesn't apply to the openings I'm reading here, but applicants for the Wisconsin public university postings should probably keep apprised of the situation...
 * Not to politicize this forum too much, but yes, this is a very serious concern that applicants for these jobs should be aware of.  http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/walker-proposes-300-million-cut-more-autonomy-for-uw-b99433799z1-289929831.html?ipad=y

Viterbo University  - Assistant Professor-Piano (Deadline: Nov. 3, or until filled)

 * This is third time I see this advertisement within the past 12 month. What is going on with this position?
 * First time was a failed search (uninterested in their candidates, or perhaps to get away with a cut in salary), second time hired someone for a trial run, this year, they're back trying for tenure track.
 * If internal candidate has made friends on the faculty, done a decent job of teaching, and not brought shame on the institution, this will be a short search.
 * Their top candidate declined their offer and the other finalist wasn't the right fit (too old--so I was told), so they failed the search, hired a one-year, and are now re-searching the position.  It happens.

West Virginia University  -- Assistant Professor of Music-Piano

 * Tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor
 * <span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'SourceSansPro',sans-serif;font-size:15px;line-height:normal;">The primary teaching assignment is applied piano at the undergraduate through doctoral levels, along with other piano-related courses according to the needs of the School of Music and the abilities and interests of the candidate.
 * <span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'SourceSansPro',sans-serif;font-size:15px;line-height:normal;">Anyone knows if there is an inside story to this one? Is it a real search?
 * Professor Christine Kefferstan recently died; perhaps this is what her position had been.


 * <span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'SourceSansPro',sans-serif;font-size:15px;line-height:normal;">Any reason to doubt it's a real search?
 * It seems real enough; there isn't an internal candidate and the position description matches the duties of a faculty member who appears to be of retirement age.
 * I can confirm, from a non-piano WVU faculty member, this search is due a sudden death. Seems very legitimate, though one wonders how they are filling her void, might there be an internal candidate not listed online?
 * Anyone knows if there has been any updates on this?
 * The deadline was the 10th, so there will probably be some news before winter break
 * Any updates on this search?
 * i heard they were going to call some candidates. Does anyone knows if they have done that?
 * 15-minute phone interviews week of Feb. 16

Northern Kentucky University - Assistant Professor of Piano (Deadline: November 18th)

 * <p class="MsoNormal">Thanks for your interest in the Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Piano at NKU. Unfortunately, we have just learned that the search has been suspended for the foreseeable future. We wish you the best of luck in your job search. (1/27/15)

Application and Interview Procedures

 * So, you have a doctoral degree in piano and are interested in teaching at a college or university?  Awesome!  Here is a short guide to applying for piano jobs:
 * 1) After reading the posting on CMS/HigherEd Jobs/The Chronicle, go to the school's music website.  Is there a Visiting Assistant Professor listed?  If so, this is possibly a pro forma search, whereupon you should skip directly to #11 on this list.  If you decide to try to unseat the internal or if it's a "clean" opening, proceed to #2.
 * 2) Prepare your CV, Cover Letter, Teaching Philosophy, and List of References.  Additionally, prepare a list of sample recordings in increments of 20-60 minutes, but do not submit this unless initially requested in the application procedures.  Your cover letter should address the following areas: your experience in higher education, a brief discussion of student success and recruitment, an overview of your professional performance/research profile, and why you are interested in this particular position.  If you've never had a job in higher education, outlay your recruitment strategy and play up other areas of your professional experience.  Finally, make sure to include the correct name and contact info of the school to which you're applying.  If you accidentally didn't swap out the information in your Cover Letter from another application and submitted your materials anyway, skip to #11.  If everything was correct in your materials (grammatically and otherwise), proceed to #3.
 * 3) Welcome to Purgatory!  Depending on the closing date and the number of applications, it's possible that you might not hear from the search committee anywhere from a few weeks to several months.  If the search committee contacts you, proceed to #4.  If not, skip to #11.
 * 4) Congratulations - you passed the paper round!  The search committee would like to hear samples of your performances!  Remember that list from #2?  Make sure that whatever you select is of high quality and has all the bases covered: a concerto, a few solos, and some collaborative/chamber playing.  Keep in mind that some search committee members might have strong prejudices about repertoire and could vote against you based solely on what you submitted rather than how you play it (it sucks, but it happens).  Thus, while your recordings should contain at least one non-standard selection, try to balance it with more canonic repertoire to assuage their fears that you have a personality. If the majority of the committee likes your playing, proceed to #5.  If not, skip to #11.
 * 5) Woot woot!  The search committee likes your playing enough to tolerate the sound of your voice!  Let's set up a phone interview!  Be prepared to verbalize your CV, teaching philosophy, recruitment strategy, and explain to the committee why, precisely, you want to teach in rural Montana.  The goal here is to see who can answer questions simply, directly, and with as little fluff as possible.  Don't quote Enlightenment philosophers; cite specific experiences and relate them to your strategy of building a piano program.  The committee will typically ask if you have any questions for them, so have one or two.  Proceed to #6.
 * 6) We're getting close to meeting people up close and personal!  Hooray!  Here's where it gets fun - the upper administration makes the final decision on which candidates to invite to campus, so even if you did everything correctly up until this point, it is quite possible that you won't be approved for a campus interview based on any number of insane factors ranging from where you went to school (some universities are against having too many people from one school on their faculty) to the fact that you only won the Bronze Medal, and not the Gold, in the Leeds Competition (bummer).  If you're approved for a campus interview, proceed to #7.  If not...well, you know where to go by now.
 * 7) YOU MADE IT TO CAMPUS!  This is truly an accomplishment these days - in a sea of overqualified candidates, making it to the finals of any job is a great sign of your career prospects.  At this point, there is one simple requirement to getting an offer: don't screw up.  Before we deal with what to deal with next, here's a sucker punch that most people don't expect: it's possible that the school will ask that you pay for your own travel expenses to the interview.  Unfortunately, many universities are limiting their travel budgets for searches and instead ask the candidate to purchase their own airfare with the promise of reimbursement (which may or may not happen - check the "Universities to Fear" page for the most up-to-date horror stories).  SOOOOOOO, after submitting your application, recordings, doing a phone interview, and paying anywhere from $500-$1000 of interview costs, it's time to get real.  When you finally get to show them your pearly whites in person, be prepared to do the following things:
 * 8) * Perform a recital of 20-45 minutes in length (some bigger schools might ask for an hour, although this is a relatively rare request).  If you're applying for jobs, you should have a program ready to go during the interview season of late January-mid April.  Ideally, play something that was not on your recording list to show the breadth of your repertoire.  Make sure that you do NOT go over the requested amount of time, as it is possible that someone might vote against you for not adhering to the interview guidelines.  Concerning programming, play what you play well and have played many times before - this is not a situation where you want to try out new repertoire for the first time unless you like living dangerously.  Some schools might also request that you play a collaborative selection with a member of their faculty.  Never played the Prokofiev Flute Sonata?  GET PRACTICING!
 * 9) * Teach a masterclass for 2-3 students.  Pick your battles carefully when working with a student.  If someone needs help with their technique, address that; if someone doesn't know the background of the piece, talk about the historical context and/or style and work it into your comments.  Show that you are capable of addressing a wide range of problems and that you only scream at people when necessary (i.e., most of the time).
 * 10) * Interview with the committee, the department chair/director, and the Dean.  With the committee, the questions will mostly deal with issues such as recruiting, working collegially with others ("Approximately how many lunches do you steal from the faculty fridge per week?"), and other nuts-and-bolts things.  With the upper administration, be prepared to discuss the more broad aspects of the position, such as community involvement, your multi-year plan, and your thoughts on the school's mission statement.  Some of these interviews might happen over meals, at which point you get to answer questions while everyone else enjoys a Grilled Chicken Southwestern Wrap.  If it takes place over dinner, try not to get TOO drunk, okay?
 * 11) * Teach a class in a related area, such as piano pedagogy, chamber music/accompanying, history, or theory (if the position includes such duties).  They might give you a topic in advance.  If not, prepare a scholarly handout (avoid Wingdings font) and make sure that you engage the class as much as you lecture.
 * 12) * Generally speaking, be positive, make eye contact, and give direct answers to their questions.  Assuming that there is no internal, the big thing everyone is trying to figure out with finalists is whether or not they can work with you on a day-to-day basis.  Again, check off as many boxes as you can: no memory lapses in the recital, no students crying in the master class, no dumb jokes with the Dean, and don't throw a drink in anyone's face during dinner unless they deserve it.
 * 13) You're done!  Congratulations on making it through this unbelievably degrading process!  Go back to step #3, as it might be a few weeks before you hear any news.  If you get an offer, #9 is your next stop.  If not, keep going south.
 * 14) "I GOT THE JOB?!???!!?!?  HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?!?!?!"  Well, you must have done SOMETHING right, because you beat out a highly qualified pool of sometimes as many as 200 applicants.  High fives!  Your negotiating power on salary, tenure, and other matters will depend on several things: whether you already have a job, how much they liked you, and if they see you as a long-term prospect.  If this is your first job, you'll likely have to take what they offer unless you can provide a compelling reason why you deserve a $10K travel budget.  If you're coming from another job, some schools will match your time towards tenure or kick you to the back of the line and make you start over.  Ultimately, it all depends on the institution.  Consider this the final test in the process - how you negotiate gives an administrator an idea of your overall collegiality, and pushing too hard might make them rescind their offer and extend it to another candidate.  If you and the administration come to an agreement on salary and other aspects, congratulations!  You're done!  Now, sit back and chill for a few years until someone retires from Eastman, whereupon you may proceed directly to #1.  In the meantime, head to a hard-earned and much-deserved #11.
 * 15) "WHAT WENT WRONG?????????" If you didn't get the job and everything went well, who knows what happened.  It really could be anything - someone was mad that you didn't take the repeats in your Beethoven, the outfit you wore was scandalous, or the Dean was annoyed that you didn't have enough fundrasing experience.  If there was an internal candidate, at least you got to see how the process works and had a chance at running through everything for a clean search.  Making it to the finals of a job is no small feat, so chin up and get ready for the next one.  Also, #11 is your friend.
 * 16) Have some Chopin.

Wonderful idea! However, it costs $30 (or $25 if you are lucky).