Job Title: Assistant or Associate Professor of Keyboard Studies & Collaborative Piano
Reports To: Program Director of Music; Chair of the Department of Arts & Humanities
Location: Briar Cliff University, Sioux City, IA
Position Type: Full-time, 9-month faculty contract (tenure-track)
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications, with a competitive benefits package
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Job SummaryThe Music Program at Briar Cliff University invites applications for a collaborative, student-centered musician to join our growing department as an Assistant or Associate Professor of Keyboard Studies & Collaborative Piano (tenure-track). The successful candidate will support the Program Director of Music in cultivating a vibrant undergraduate program, with a focus on class piano instruction, collaborative performance, and student mentorship.
This individual will take an active role in developing the keyboard area, accompanying choral ensembles and student performers, and contributing to the continued growth of the music program through teaching, performance, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching excellence, artistic collaboration, and the values of a liberal arts education within a Franciscan university setting.
Department CultureBriar Cliff's Music Program is in an exciting period of growth. We seek a colleague who brings both artistic excellence and a generous spirit - someone who values collaboration, works with purpose and enthusiasm, and contributes to a culture grounded in service, creativity, and care for others. As part of a Franciscan liberal arts community, we encourage curiosity, community engagement, and the pursuit of music as both an art and a vocation.
Key ResponsibilitiesI. Teaching & Performance- Coordinate the keyboard area (placement exams, class piano, applied lessons, etc.).
- Teaching duties in keyboard studies, including applied piano lessons and class piano.
- Accompany students in applied lessons.
- Additional teaching duties based on the candidate's interest and expertise, which may include:
- Music Theory I-IV
- Music History
- Music Technology
- General education music courses (Listening to Great Music, Listening to Popular Music)
- Foster an inclusive, diverse musical environment that supports a wide range of genres, styles, and cultural expressions.
- Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the applicant's qualifications and interests.
II. Student Recruitment & Retention- Develop and implement creative, strategic recruitment efforts to attract high-caliber music students, particularly those studying keyboard instruments.
- Develop strategies and programs to increase engagement in both on- and off-campus recruitment opportunities.
- Cultivate relationships with K-12 music educators, community music organizations, and private music instructors.
- Track and assess recruitment outcomes to inform future initiatives.
III. Program Development- Collaborate with the Program Director of Music to enhance the curriculum and identify opportunities for program expansion and interdisciplinary partnerships.
- Develop initiatives to strengthen the keyboard and collaborative piano areas, supporting long-term goals for future music majors.
- Assist in the creation and coordination of a collegiate chamber music program and liturgical music opportunities.
- Participate in planning conversations and initiatives that foster the continued growth and visibility of the music program.
- Support and contribute to a collaborative, student-centered, and service-oriented culture aligned with Briar Cliff University's Franciscan mission and values.
IV. Artistic & Community Engagement- Serve as principal collaborative pianist and accompanist for departmental vocal and instrumental ensembles, rehearsals, and performances, working closely with the Director of Choral Activities and other ensemble directors.
- Provide reliable and musically sensitive accompaniment for applied student lessons, juries, recitals, and faculty/guest performances.
- Participate in departmental concert programming, which can include solo piano recitals.
- Engage in outreach and partnership-building with local schools, community choirs, and arts organizations to promote the music program and support student recruitment.
- Support campus ministries and other service-oriented musical activities in keeping with Briar Cliff University's Franciscan mission.
- Represent the music program at professional, regional, or national events as appropriate, and assist with planning departmental performances, festivals, and masterclass events.
- Maintain professional standards for rehearsal preparedness, score/library organization, and instrument care; coordinate scheduling needs for accompanist duties as required.
- Work in close partnership with the Program Director to align community engagement efforts with recruitment and program-development goals.
Minimum Qualifications- Master's degree in collaborative piano, piano pedagogy, piano performance, organ performance, or a related field. Equivalent related experience considered.
- Demonstrated success in teaching at the collegiate or equivalent level (minimum of three years preferred).
- A demonstrated record of excellence in accompanying ensembles and soloists (students and faculty).
- A demonstrated record of excellence in piano pedagogy.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public relations skills.
- Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within music programs.
Preferred Qualifications- DMA, DM, or PhD from an accredited institution in collaborative piano, piano pedagogy, or piano performance (ABD with teaching experience considered).
- Four or more years of teaching experience at the collegiate level.
- Experience with music technology and its application in education and performance.
- An interest in performing chamber music and organizing chamber music groups.
- Experience in program and curricular development.
- An emerging or established record of professional performance and service.
- The ability to collaborate with and accompany faculty performers when appropriate.
- Experience or interest in fundraising and grant writing.
Application MaterialsInterested parties should apply with the following materials:
- Cover letter which includes the reason for the applicant's interest in the position, and a summary of the qualities and experiences that make them an ideal candidate for this position
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial academic transcripts from all degree-granting institutions, as well as any institutions in which the applicant is currently completing their degree program
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy
- YouTube links to video performance examples, which should include the applicant:
- Teaching a private piano lesson (10-15 minutes)
- Accompanying an ensemble, soloist, or chamber group in performance (7-12 minutes; two pieces in contrasting styles)
- Solo performance (5-7 minutes)
- 3 professional references with relevant contact information (name, place of employment, relationship to applicant, contact phone number, email address)
Additional application materials may be requested at a later date.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For full consideration, please apply by January 16, 2026.
Please address all questions regarding applications for this position to Lauren Clark, Director of Choral Activities and search committee chair at
Lauren.Clark@briarcliff.edu.
Briar Cliff UniversityPerched on a scenic hilltop in Sioux City, Iowa, Briar Cliff University is a liberal arts institution offering baccalaureate to doctoral degree programs and is home to more than 1100 students. Since 1930, the University has educated students in the Franciscan tradition of service, caring, and openness to all. Grounded in faith and pursuit of higher learning, the liberal arts education from Briar Cliff shapes more than just students' resumes - it shapes their character.
Briar Cliff University is an equal opportunity employer.
