Music Instructor, Part-Time

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location: Location varies by assignment, CA
Job Type: PART TIME
Job Number: 2500226
Division: Office of Instruction
Department: Office of Instruction
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: 6/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: CODAA - College of the Desert Adjunct Association

Description

About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.

College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.

Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION

Under administrative leadership, it is the responsibility of the adjunct instructor to participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs, courses, and other experiences that will directly result in the educational growth of the students and support advancement of the vision, mission, and values of the community college district.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Classroom environment and unassigned faculty office environment. Classes may be at the Palm Desert Campus or one of our sites in Indio, Mecca/Thermal, Desert Hot Springs, or Palm Springs. Classes may be scheduled during the day, evening or weekends.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Examples of Job Duties:

a. Classroom Responsibilities

a. Meet classes/lab on day and times assigned
b. Develop and implement instruction for each class/lab period which is consistent with the official course outline
c. Develop and distribute the first week of class, a written syllabus for each course to communicate to students course objectives, grading criteria, and classroom policies
d. Demonstrate respect for student rights as specified in District policy and applicable laws
e. Ensure course textbooks and instructional materials are made available to students in a timely manner
f. Refer students to tutoring and related student services when appropriate
g. Supervise student in off-campus activities when participation is part of the instructor's load

b. Evaluation of Students

a. Evaluate students' progress toward meeting course objectives; advise the students of course objectives, methods of evaluation and the results of the evaluation
b. Return assignments and examination results in a timely fashion
c. Assign grades to students in the manner provided by District policy and administrative procedure and prescribed by Ed Code and Title V regulations for the State of California
d. Submit grade report forms and other reporting forms, including but not limited to census, progress reports, attendance records, and proctoring forms, in a timely and accurate manner

c. Curriculum - Responsibility of Full-Time Faculty

d. Student Advising - Responsibility of Full-Time Faculty

e. Professional Development - Responsibility of Full-Time Faculty

Additional Responsibilities:

a. Abide by department regulations concerning the proper use, care, and security of equipment
b. Advise Supervisor of unsafe conditions or potential hazards and recommend solutions
c. Fulfill all obligations as established in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement
d. Keep official records required by District policy and administrative procedures and submit them in accordance with college procedures

Optional Duties*:

a. Advise enrolled students on such matters as: Learning skills, collateral or enrichment reading or experience opportunities for further understanding of the courses or subject field, career alternative/opportunities related to the subject field
b. Provide academic assistance and related services to students during office hours
c. Participate in the credit by examination program where applicable
d. Participate in the development and review of curriculum as needed
e. Participate in the development of alternative teaching modalities
f. Schedule, announce to students in all classes, and maintain office hours
g. Participate in advisory committee meetings as required
h. Participate in professional development activities
i. Attend and participate in department/center meetings when assigned by the District or shared governance
j. Participate in the process of shared governance by contributing to the academic community through committee work on the department division, college and/or district level, or participate in other significant non-classroom college, district, or community activities
k. Consult with Supervisor on personnel needs; assist with position announcements, recruitment, and screening/interviewing committees
l. Participate in mentoring of new faculty as assigned

*All optional duties are on a voluntary basis, but some may have compensation attached per the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Consult with departmental Dean for clarification.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master's in music OR Bachelor's in music AND Master's in humanities OR the equivalent
Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

EQUIVALENCY REQUESTS & FOREIGN EQUIVALENCY EVALUATIONS:

If you do not clearly meet the minimum qualifications as they are defined, you must submit an Equivalency Request Form and narrative with your application.
Degrees earned outside of the U.S. require that a Foreign Equivalency Evaluation be uploaded in addition to the foreign transcripts.
Additional Equivalency Information is available by clicking here.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

This posting is for a part-time instructor (adjunct) pool.
College of the Desert Adjunct Association (CODAA) Bargaining Unit
The primary teaching modality for this adjunct role is in-person.

SALARY PLACEMENT:

Salary Placement is according to the CODAA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
For information on salary placement, please see the CODAA Collective Bargaining Agreement and Adjunct Salary Schedule.

REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:

List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
Employment is contingent on residence in California.

Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.
Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense.
Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call (760) 773-2529.

FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions.

TIMELINES:

For consideration, please apply by June 21, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.

The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:

Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.

Salary Placement: Contingent on education, experience, and department budget. All materials must be provided at the time of application for consideration.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to ffrausto@collegeofthedesert.edu.

Attendance Requirement:

All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.

Additional Resources

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
- Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
- Reasonable Accommodation
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity (Download PDF reader)
COD - Equal Opportunity Plan (Download PDF reader)
Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)

THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofthedesertca/jobs/5358245/music-instructor-part-time

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College of the Desert jobs

Music Instructor, Part-Time