Collaborative Piano-Adjunct Hiring Pool

This is an open pool posting and applicants will be contacted only if a suitable position becomes available. Pool may be used to fill vacancies for the Fall 2026 - Summer 2027.

This pool expires 05/31/2027. Applicants wishing to remain in this pool past 05/31/2027, must reapply at that time.

Position Summary:

The University of Northern Colorado invites applications for collaborative pianists in the School of Music. This is a nine-month adjunct position with pay based on number of hours worked per semester. Staff collaborative pianists will provide collaborative piano services for instrumental and vocal lessons, studio classes, degree recitals, juries, and student rehearsals. Additional collaborative piano services such as concerto competition auditions, School of Music auditions, guest artist and faculty recitals, masterclasses, and search candidate recitals may also be included.

Staff pianists with a workload higher than 0.4 FTE per semester are eligible for benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in one or more of the College of Performing and Visual Arts School of Music disciplines or comparable professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s or Doctoral degree in one or more of the College of Performing and Visual Arts School of Music disciplines. Prefer evidence of outstanding artistry and record of successful college-level teaching experience in the discipline of employment. A commitment to quality instruction at the college level is essential.

School of Music Policy for Determining Qualified Faculty through Tested Experience Approved 3/9/2023

CPVA Introduction

In accordance with HLC, UNC Board Policy, and School accrediting bodies, CPVA uses credentials as the primary basis for determining faculty qualifications. In the case that individual programs may deem it necessary and appropriate to use tested experience in determining minimally qualified faculty, CPVA will follow the process developed by each School. Tested experience is defined as experience “the institution determines is equivalent to the degree it would otherwise require for a faculty position” (HLC, 2016, p. 4).

Credentialing / School of Music

Minimum Qualifications: 

All faculty in the School of Music, whether full-time or adjunct must have either
1. an earned Master of Music, Master of Music Education, Master of Fine Arts, or equivalent music-related degree, or                      2. tested experience equivalent to a Master’s level degree.

Those faculty who teach graduate-level lessons or classes must have either
1. a terminal degree in the appropriate field, or 
2. tested experience equivalent to a Master’s (if no Master’s is earned) AND tested  experience equivalent to a terminal degree as outlined below.

Terminal Degree: SOM recognizes the following degrees as appropriate terminal degrees for music faculty: DMA, DM, DA in Music, PhD in Music, Ed.D. 

Tested Experience: In some cases, tested experience (a significant record of professional achievement and experience) may be considered as a significant credential in lieu of an earned graduate degree. Per HLC policy “Tested experience may substitute for an earned credential or portions thereof. Assumed Practice B.2. allows an institution to determine that a faculty member is qualified based on experience that the institution determines is equivalent to the degree it would otherwise require for a faculty position. This experience should be tested experience in that it includes a breadth and depth of experience outside of the classroom in real-world situations relevant to the discipline in which the faculty member would be teaching.”

Faculty without an appropriate Master’s degree as defined above must meet the criteria for tested experience as listed below. To meet tested experience for the Master’s degree, faculty must have fulfilled the criteria within the last 10 years:

Fulfill all qualifications in at least one of the below categories, or Fulfill a combination of at least 5 documented qualifications among categories

Category 1: Professional Qualifications
Two or more in any combination within the program area of consideration:
A. Years of Professional Work Experience In-Field
B. Professional-Level Projects or Consulting Experiences 
C. Professional-Level Workshops, Trainings, or Seminars taken
D. Years of teaching experience In-Field

Category 2: Creative Output Expertise:
Two or more in any combination within program area of consideration:
A. Performances at the national or international level
B. Lecturer/Presenter/Visiting Artist/Panelist/Keynote at the national or international level
C. Publication of compositions

Category 3: Scholarship/Publication Experience
Two or more in any combination within program area of consideration:
A. National or International Professional Conference Presentations
B. Peer Reviewed Journal Publications
C. Peer Reviewed/Edited Books or Book Chapters

Category 4: Licensures or Certifications
Two or more in any combination within program area of consideration:
A. Licensure or certification by a nationally or internationally recognized organization  relevant to the field
B. Leadership in a nationally or internationally recognized organization
C. Awards and Honors

Faculty without an appropriate terminal degree as defined above who may be required to teach graduate students must have an MM, MME, MFA, equivalent music-related degree, or tested experience equivalent to a Master’s, plus tested experience equivalent to a terminal degree in their specialization. To meet tested experience for the terminal degree, faculty must have fulfilled the criteria below within the last 10 years:

Fulfill all qualifications in at least one of the below categories, or Fulfill a combination of at least 10 documented qualifications among categories

Category 1: Professional Qualifications
Five or more in any combination within the program area of consideration:
A. Years of Professional Work Experience In-Field
B. Professional-Level Projects or Consulting Experiences 
C. Professional-Level Workshops, Trainings, or Seminars taken
D. Years of teaching experience In-Field

Category 2: Creative Output Expertise:
Five or more in any combination within program area of consideration:
A. Performances at the national or international level
B. Lecturer/Presenter/Visiting Artist/Panelist/Keynote at the national or international level
C. Publication of compositions

Category 3: Scholarship/Publication Experience
Five or more in any combination within program area of consideration:
A. National or International Professional Conference Presentations
B. Peer Reviewed Journal Publications
C. Peer Reviewed/Edited Books or Book Chapters

Category 4: Licensures or Certifications
Five or more in any combination within program area of consideration:
A. Licensure or certification by a nationally or internationally recognized organization  relevant to the field
B. Leadership in a nationally or internationally recognized organization
C. Awards and Honors

Benefits:

Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees  who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and
continues to be a transformational force for our students. Recognized
as a top university for social mobility, UNC is proud to
be a Hispanic
Serving Institution and to serve more than 44%  of our undergraduates who are the first in their
family to attend college.  UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub, to
learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

EEO Statement
The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and working
environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNC
community. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawful
discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin,
religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic
information, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based on
gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose
a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for,
assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to
discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not be
considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the
responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure UNC’s
compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations
The University of Northern Colorado is committed
to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you
require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing
or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct
your inquiries to 970-351-2718 or [email protected]. 

Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has
been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.