Part-time Visiting Instructor of Music - Violin/Viola

The Department of Music at St. Olaf College invites applications for a part-time (0.7 FTE), one-year position in Violin/Viola at the level of Visiting Instructor or Assistant Professor, to begin August 2025 This position has the potential for additional years of reappointment.

The successful candidate will possess a strong background in violin and viola pedagogy, a consistent record of professional experience or emerging visibility as a performer/scholar, and a demonstrated commitment to supporting a thriving and diverse undergraduate music program. The position focuses on teaching studio violin lessons to music majors and non-music majors in both professional and liberal arts degree programs; the successful candidate may also teach intermediate-to-advanced viola students. Additional responsibilities may include coaching string chamber music, assisting with string-related events, collaborating with music faculty in performances, serving on departmental committees, and participating in student recruitment efforts. Consequently, the successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills.

Salary: $41,300 - $44,800 

Qualifications
To be considered, applicants must possess an MM or DMA in violin or viola performance and/or pedagogy. Experience teaching viola is preferred but not required. 

About the Department
The Department of Music serves over 1000 students in the classroom and in a variety of large and small ensembles. Internationally renowned faculty and excellent facilities create a stimulating learning environment, part of campus life that embraces the arts in general and music in particular. The Department hosts approximately 180 concerts each academic year, and is dedicated to providing conservatory-level music experiences to majors and non-majors alike. The Department offers a wide variety of majors, including Bachelor of Music in Performance, Music Education, Church Music, Composition, and Elective Studies, along with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music and Music for Social Impact. More information about the Music Department may be found at wp.stolaf.edu/music.

We strive to be a campus of welcome where students, faculty, and staff thrive by bringing their full humanity—gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic class, disability, religion, spirituality, and age—to the Hill each day. Our goal is to generate conversations and processes that over time create greater clarity, transparency, trust, cooperation, consensus, respect, and measurable outcomes. Practices that support this goal include listening, cultivating a growth mindset, respecting those with different views, being informed by data, and understanding that the work is ongoing, collaborative, organic, and ever evolving. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Community and Belonging webpage to learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts.

How to Apply
A complete application includes the following: 

References: Provide contact information for three professional references who can speak to your abilities in violin/viola teaching and performance.   

Supporting Documents and URLS:

1. Cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are interested in this particular position
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Graduate transcripts (unofficial)
4. Teaching Statement
5. Links to three videos of recent performances
6. Links to three videos of teaching demonstrations, 20-30 minutes each, featuring teaching of advanced repertoire suitable for college level study 

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position, department, or college may be directed to Louis Epstein, Department Chair, at epstein@stolaf.edu. 
 

Who We Are:

Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College is a residential, coeducational liberal arts college with approximately 3,000 students and 800 faculty and staff. The college is located on a picturesque 300-acre campus in Northfield, Minnesota, a vibrant, historic river town of 20,000 located 45 minutes south of culturally rich and diverse Minneapolis and St. Paul. 

The college offers an academically rigorous, nationally ranked liberal arts education that fosters the development of the whole person in mind, body, and spirit and emphasizes learning in an inclusive and globally engaged community. We encourage applications