Assistant Professor of Music Therapy
Job Summary
The Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging and the Bower School of Music & the Arts at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) invite applications for an Assistant Professor position (non-tenure track) in the area of music therapy with a focus on aging/gerontology.
The Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging was established in 2022 as a university-wide entity to strengthen interdisciplinary inquiry on aging and the life course, with the specific aims of advancing research to optimize the aging experience of various populations and preparing future leaders for the field of gerontology. The Institute will draw upon the expertise of faculty, staff, and students from across the FGCU campus, fostering a vibrant interdisciplinary community.
The Music Therapy Program within the Bower School of Music & the Arts is comprised of over 50 undergraduate students. The Bachelor of Music Therapy degree is one of four undergraduate music degrees offered by the Bower School of Music. The music therapy curriculum is in keeping with the theme of ‘research and innovation in practice’. Undergraduate scholarship and applications of technology across service delivery are emphasized. The program has experienced rapid growth through philanthropy, an expanding music therapy community and local agency support.
As an Assistant Professor in Music Therapy with a focus on gerontology, the successful candidate will teach bachelor and master level courses in both music therapy and in aging/gerontology, will be involved in course and curriculum development, will work effectively with various populations of students, colleagues, and members of the community, and will support the overall work of both the Bower School of Music & the Arts and the Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging.
Florida Gulf Coast University is a comprehensive university dedicated to quality education, research, and service. All faculty are expected to: be excellent teachers, responsive to changing professional needs; be committed to innovative delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning; be committed to effective use of technology including distance learning; produce peer reviewed scholarship; and provide service to the College, University and Community. Teaching assignments may be on the main campus or at off-campus sites within our region.
FGCU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies.
Job Description
Typical duties may include but are not limited to:
–Teaches courses in which students learn and apply skills for professional music therapy practice and/or in service of older adult populations.
–Supervises music therapy students in fieldwork experiences.
–Fosters/Initiates scholarly pursuits around the topics of music/music therapy and aging.
–Mentors students in scholarly activity, including formal research opportunities.
–Works collegially and actively with other Bower School and Institute faculty and staff on program/curriculum development and program assessment.
–Participates in music and non-music applicant recruitment, information sessions, interviews, and decision-making.
–Provides meaningful contributions to music, the health sciences, and other academic areas, whether formally or informally, or through peer collaboration.
–Contributes to dialogue and decision processes associated with establishing a post-baccalaureate music therapy equivalency program, as well as development of graduate studies in music therapy.
–Participates in department, college, institute, and university activities, meetings, and committees.
–Serves on department, college, and university committees, and attends general academic meetings, commencements, and other special events.
Required Qualifications
–Earned terminal degree (Ph.D) from an accredited institution in music therapy or closely related field.
–ABD may also be considered, if degree is conferred by August 7, 2024. If successful candidate is an ABD, appointment will be made at a Lecturer level on a fixed contact.
–A minimum of 12 semester hours or equivalent of graduate credits in music therapy beyond undergraduate equivalency requirements.
–Current certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT)
–A minimum of 5 years of effective clinical experience as a music therapist (or equivalent in part-time employment).
Preferred Qualifications
–Evidence of quality teaching and meaningful service.
–Demonstrated experience providing clinical supervision for music therapy practicum students that is developmental and competency-based.
–Experience teaching courses relevant to aging/gerontology.
–Focus on interdisciplinary research addressing current clinical developments in music therapy and/or in aging/gerontology.
–Demonstrated record of scholarly/creative achievement through presentation, publication, and/or performance commensurate with career stage.
–Established research agenda with evidence of extramural funding.
–Demonstrated experience and commitment to collegial and collaborative engagement with colleagues to support an increasing various student population.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
–Ability to use instructional technology, a willingness to cultivate an interdisciplinary perspective; and a demonstrated commitment to professional development.
–Ability to use technology in distance learning & university teaching. Interest in collaborating both within and outside the University in the development and delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning. Must value continued scholarship and service to the school and university.
–Ability to teach music therapy courses across freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years.
–Ability to contribute through research, teaching, and/or public engagement to the excellence of the Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging.
–Effective communication skills both written and oral
Special Instructions to Applicants
Appointment will be made on a 9-month multi-year appointment basis available August 2024.
Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida’s Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore, all submitted materials including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property of FGCU.
Under Florida’s Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request.
Required Application Materials
–Unofficial Transcripts
–Statement of Teaching Philosophy
–Curriculum Vitae
–Cover Letter
–Statement of Research
–Five (5) Professional References
–Copy of certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT)
The position is listed as “open until filled”, however applications received by December 15, 2023 will receive priority consideration.
Salary commensurate with education and experience.
