Instructor of Songwriting

University of Colorado | Denver
Faculty Level/Title: Instructor
Working Title: Instructor of Songwriting
FTE: 1.0
Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000
Position #00638760 - Requisition #38464

About the University of Colorado - Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description

At the College of Arts & Media (CAM), we empower a diverse community of makers, scholars, and innovators to thrive in the rapidly evolving creative industries. Through a dynamic blend of critical inquiry, creative exploration, and real-world engagement, CAM prepares students for lives filled with opportunity, meaning, and purpose. Rooted in community and driven by a spirit of intellectual and artistic freedom, CAM embraces risk-takers, visionaries, and cultural disruptors by providing access to cutting-edge technology, global perspectives, and a nurturing environment where bold ideas flourish. CAM offers top-ranked degrees and programs in Film & Television, Media Forensics, Music & Entertainment, and Visual Arts.
As one of the only music departments in the country with a contemporary focus, Music & Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS) at CU Denver provides students with the guidance, knowledge, and expertise needed to transform passion for music into a lifelong profession.
Beyond just a superior study of contemporary musicianship, the Singer/Songwriter program positions students for professional success as singers, songwriters, and accompanists. This unique and modern program fosters a supportive and collaborative community through collaboration with peers and mentorship from faculty who are active and successful industry professionals. Denver's thriving music scene is the perfect extended classroom to connect with professional musicians, promoters, and venues.
Students develop the skills to live their dream of working as professional touring and recording musicians, performing nationally and internationally. Singer/Songwriter graduates are uniquely qualified to succeed in music publishing, to work as song pluggers, perform in combos and as studio musicians, write jingles, work in media, teach private lessons, and to be community music leaders. Others find success at the graduate level, studying advanced music performance, musicology, and music education.
Music & Entertainment Industry Studies is seeking a full-time Instructor specializing in songwriting. This non-tenure-track position will begin in August 2026.

Instructor of Songwriting
What you will do:
100% Teaching

As a Songwriting Instructor you will teach a variety of core and advanced courses, mentor aspiring professionals, and contribute to a program that focuses on the contemporary music industry.
* Teaching Load: You will teach 12 credit hours per semester, 24 credit hours per academic year.
* Instruction: Your focus will include core singer/songwriter and songwriting entrepreneur courses such as Songwriting for Television and Film, Songwriting Production, Singer/Songwriter Ensemble, applied upper division Songwriting lessons, Music Business Analysis, Music Supervision and Sync.

* Advanced Instruction: You may also have the expertise to teach classes such as Introduction to Audio Production, Concert Promotion, Music and Entertainment Marketing, and additional applied lessons in Singer/Songwriter guitar, voice, and/or piano.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Master's degree in Music or related advanced degree or substitution of tested experience as exemplified by one or more of the following:
* Recording with a reputable national/international label (corresponding review from a national media outlet)
* Extensive experience as a performer/composer/arranger with a national or international reputation (corresponding review from a national/international media outlet)
* Representation with a reputable national/international artist management company
* Evidence of a national/international tour/festival (corresponding review from a national media outlet)
* Evidence of song published/performed by a major artist/publishing/media outlet (i.e. film or TV show) or company
* Five years successful experience teaching at a major university or college in same or similar program
* Industry credits and accomplishments as a Songwriter, plus Performer (Singer/Instrumentalist) and/or Producer.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)
* Three years teaching experience at the college or professionally comparable level
* Demonstrated ability to teach individual lessons in singer-songwriter, guitar, and/or voice lessons at an intermediate-advanced level
* Demonstrated ability to teach multiple genres including but not limited to Pop, Rock, R&B, EDM, etc.
* Demonstrated ability to teach contemporary music theory concepts
* Demonstrated ability to teach track recording with Logic Pro
* Experience supporting the ability to use and teach music technology (e.g., DAW recording, software, notation)
* Experience in music publishing, and/or sync licensing and media placement
* Experience collaborating on cross-disciplinary initiatives

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
* Proven experience in establishing effective working relationships with a diverse population at all levels throughout the institution-and in the community.
* Ability to communicate in a positive and effective manner, across various modalities.
* Ability to balance multiple projects and tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
* Ability to create equitable and positive experiences for all.
* Outwardly contribute to a respectful, positive, and professional workspace.
* Demonstrate influential ability to embrace and advance equity and equitable inclusion.
* Ability to establish work priorities, follow through, and meet established deadlines.
* Strong judgment and critical thinking skills.
* Ability to authentically listen and communicate relevant information, anticipate problems, and offer suggestions for resolution.
* Demonstrated dedication to developing professional relationships with students and alumni.
* Demonstrate dedication to mentoring students to best realize their potential as artists in society.
* Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity equitable practices, and inclusive pedagogy
* Demonstrated excellence and experience in organizational teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu .

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $ 55,000-60,000.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Benefits statement to include in all benefits-eligible positions. See Eligibility Matrix.
Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits
Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline
* Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, and interviews begin. Preference will be given to complete applications received by January 15, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:
To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:
* A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.
* Curriculum vitae / Resume outlining experience(s).
* Five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address. (We will notify you before contacting both on- and off-list references.)

Questions should be directed to Karen Ludington, karen.ludington@ucdenver.edu

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.