Position Summary:

The Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University (OCU) invites applications for the nine-month, non-tenure track position of Assistant Professor of Jazz Arts with a specialty in trombone. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate applied trombone to majors and non-majors; direct the jazz ensemble and other relevant chamber groups; and teach other courses in their area(s) of expertise. Interested candidates should be fluent in playing and teaching both symphonic and jazz styles. Experience in recruiting and program development is expected, as effective teaching, scholarship, and service are required for promotion.  

This is a dynamic period for the School of Music. Through key partnerships with Oklahoma Youth Orchestra, Canterbury Voices, and the OKC Philharmonic, among others, the Bass School of Music is positioned at the crossroads of music-making in the state and throughout the heartland. The School is also preparing to launch a 3-year strategic plan that, among other things, recommits to being a national leader in developing degree programs and creative pathways for the 21st century artist. The ideal candidate will arrive prepared to join these robust conversations and to help guide the School into this next chapter.

OCU is committed to building a diverse and inclusive faculty, staff, and student body. We welcome applications from members of groups traditionally underrepresented in the faculties of higher education institutions. The Bass School of Music is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is aligned with our university’s overarching vision and mission. Further, we aspire to engage in our work in equitable and inclusive ways, and desire to work with a team member who is committed to our university’s and Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s strategic goals.   

Qualifications: 

• Graduate degree in Performance, Jazz Studies, or Composition preferred, BM required.
• An established reputation in symphonic and jazz performance, recording, composition, and/or arranging.
• Experience programming for and directing jazz ensembles.   
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, retain, and inspire students at the collegiate level; graduate teaching experience is preferred. 

About Us: 

The Wanda L. Bass School of Music is an all-Steinway school and a fully accredited institutional member of NASM with 300 undergraduate and 60 graduate students. Boasting world-class rehearsal facilities and an established reputation for excellence in classical as well as popular music styles, the Bass School of Music enjoys a pride of place in a dynamic city, a fast-developing region, and among art and entertainment industries around the world. Alumni are known for their preparedness for multi-hyphenate careers, by the difference they make in their communities, and by their notable successes in orchestras, opera houses, Broadway stages, classrooms, and as leaders in arts organizations.

Oklahoma City University is a coeducational, urban private university located in the historic and vibrant Uptown 23rd District in the heart of Oklahoma City: a unique, friendly, and energized city with a low cost of living and lots of sunshine. The university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and offers a variety of degrees in the liberal arts, fine arts, health sciences, law, and business. It is a uniquely creative place—over half the undergraduate population is majoring in music, dance, or theatre. OCU is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report, and Oklahoma City University is also listed in Forbes' "Best Christian Colleges" & "100 Best College Buys."  https://youtu.be/N4Boc4Zplfk 

Employee Benefits: 

The faculty of OCU are given a package designed to fit the needs of individuals and families. Benefits offered include health (medical, dental and vision) insurance, flexible spending accounts, university-paid life insurance, university-paid long-term disability insurance, retirement plans, and tuition remission for employees and qualifying dependents who wish to take classes or pursue a degree at OCU. 

Required Application Materials:   

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Links to representative performances (within the past five years) on trombone and in leading jazz ensembles, including at least one live, unedited video recording
• Contact information for three professional references

Deadline:

Screening will begin June 26, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

Contact:       

Prof. Tyler Shepherd, Chair - Assistant Professor of Jazz Arts Search Committee

Diversity Advocate:

Dr. Autumn West, amwest@okcu.edu.

Oklahoma City University is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the values and goals of diversity.