Employment Opportunities

Available Positions

The DAN School of Drama and Music at Queen’s University invites applications from suitably qualified candidates interested in teaching Applied Instruction in Percussion (MUSC 121/221/321/421; MUSC 120/220/320/420; MUSC 122/222/322/422; MUSC 123/223/323/423; MUSC 124/224/324/424), Percussion Ensemble (MUSC 112/212/312/412), and Percussion Methods and Techniques (MUSC 287)


Applied Music (MUSC 121/221/321/421 MUSC 120/220/320/420 and 124/224/324/424) refer to courses where students receive individual instruction in percussion. We expect that between 8-15 students will register for applied instruction. Students typically meet weekly with the instructor during the fall and winter terms to develop their technical and artistic abilities. Students gain entrance into this course through audition.


Percussion Ensemble (MUSC 112/212/312/412) is a medium-sized ensemble where students meet weekly during the fall/winter semesters, rehearse, and perform various percussion ensemble repertoire. Entrance is through audition. There is an expected enrollment of 8-12 students.


Percussion Methods and Techniques (MUSC 288) is an introductory class where students study the principles of playing percussion instruments through performing select instruments and examining various repertoire and pedagogical resources. Students will also develop proficiency in reading salient percussion notation and examine appropriate resources and activities for learning these instruments in a group setting. This is a winter-term course (January 1 – April 30, 2024). Expected enrollment is 20-24 students.


The ideal candidate will have completed graduate work in Music (MMus., PhD or DMA) or the equivalent. The ideal candidate should also have demonstrated excellence in percussion teaching and performance. Experience in Western classical styles and jazz/contemporary styles is required. Experience in one or more styles outside Western classical, including but not limited to Latin and/or Afro-Cuban, Global music traditions (e.g., Ghanaian drumming, Taiko, Brazilian, etc.), improvisation, or any other non-western or Indigenous drumming traditions is preferred. Previous university teaching experience is an asset as well as the ability to teach other courses in the department.


This is a term appointment from September 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024. The courses will be delivered on Queen’s campus in Kingston, ON.


The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized/visible minority and Indigenous/Aboriginal people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGB TQ+ persons. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.


The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation during this process, please contact: Sal Mahmud, Department Manager, DAN School of Drama and Music, dsdm.jobs@queensu.ca.


The academic staff at Queen's University are governed by the Collective Agreement between the Queen's University Faculty Association (QUFA) and the University, which is posted at http://www.queensu.ca/facultyrelations/faculty-librarians-and-archivists/queens-qufa-collective-agreement.


To comply with Federal laws, the University is obliged to gather statistical information about how many
applicants for each job vacancy are Canadian citizens / permanent residents of Canada. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or citizenship; however, all applications must include one of the following statements: “I am a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”; OR, “I am not a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”. Applications that do not include this information will be deemed incomplete.


Applications should include a complete and current curriculum vitae, a performance sample of three pieces/works, letters of reference from two (2) referees, and any other relevant materials the candidate wishes to submit for consideration such as a letter of intent, teaching dossier, etc. Please arrange to have applications and supporting letters sent via email directly to:


Dr. Julia Brook, Director
DAN School of Drama and Music
Queen’s University, Kingston Ontario Canada K7L 3N6
c/o Mr. Sal Mahmud, Department Manager, jobs.danschool@queensu.ca
*Please use the Subject line: AD Percussion, [Candidate Name]


Applications will be received until March 15th, 2023. Review of applications will commence shortly thereafter, and the final appointment is subject to budgetary approval. Additional information about the Department of DAN School of Drama and Music can be found at https://sdm.queensu.ca/


Course Descriptions:
Applied Instruction (Approximately 8-15 students across Applied Music course codes):
MUSC 121/221/321/421 Applied Music
MUSC 122/222/322/422 Applied Music
MUSC 123/223/323/423 Applied Music
MUSC 120/220/320/420 Applied Music (Advanced Performance)
MUSC 124/224/324/424 Applied Music (for non-specialization majors)


Medium Ensemble: Percussion Ensemble MUSC 112/212/312/412 (Approximately 8-12 students) Mid-size ensemble experience for qualified performers. Topics vary. Course includes weekly rehearsals of a wider variety of repertoire and a minimum of one concert per term for all students. Credit attained only with regular attendance, active participation, and ample preparation.
NOTE Students will be registered into the course number that matches their current level of study. (i.e. if a student is in third year they will be registered in MUSC 312).
Learning Hours: 168 (72 Practicum, 96 Private Study)
Requirements: Prerequisite Permission of the School upon audition.
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science


MUSC 287 Percussion Techniques and Methods Units: 3.00
Study of the principles of playing percussion instruments through performance of select instruments, and examination of salient repertoire and pedagogical resources. Students will also develop proficiency reading salient percussion notation and examine appropriate resources and activities for learning these instruments in a group setting.
Learning Hours: 114 (36 Lecture, 78 Private Study)
Requirements: PREREQUISITE (Registration in a MUSC or MUTH plan) or (MUSC 104/3.0 or MUSC 105/3.0) or permission of the School.
Course Equivalencies: MUSC187 MUSC187B
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science

Posted: (Feb 11, 2023)

Two -Year Term Adjunct Position in Music Education
July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025


The DAN School of Drama and Music at Queen’s University invites applications from suitably qualified candidates interested in teaching the following courses in music education over a two-year period. The successful candidate will be assigned to teach four courses each year, including two sections of Introduction to Teaching Music to Children (MUSC 114) along with two courses from the following: Introduction to Music Education (MUSC 273), Music Education in the Community (MUSC 335), Topics in Music Education (MUSC 470) or Music Education Seminar (MUSC 438). This is a fall/winter term appointment with classes in session from September to April each year.


Introduction to Teaching Music to Children (MUSC 114) is an in-person introductory course for students with no music background, with an expected enrollment of 90 students. Introduction to Music Education (MUSC 273) is a second-year course exploring fundamental literature and key music education practices for students with formal or informal music backgrounds. The course has an expected enrollment of 30 students. Music Education in the Community (MUSC 335), Topics in Music Education (MUSC 470,) and Music Education Seminar (MUSC 438) are upper-year courses that explore various issues in music education. The expected enrollment in each course is between 16-24 students. All course descriptions are below.


Candidates should have a Ph.D. or the equivalent in music education or a relevant discipline (ABD will be considered). Candidates should also have a professional teaching certification and at least two years of K-12 teaching experience. Teaching at the university level is also an asset, as is the ability to teach other courses in the department. This is a (fall/winter) term appointment from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025. The class will be delivered on Queen’s campus in Kingston, ON.


The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized/visible minority and Indigenous/Aboriginal people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGB TQ+ persons. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.


The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation during this process, please contact Sal Mahmud, Department Manager, DAN School of Drama and Music, jobs.danschool@queensu.ca.


The academic staff at Queen's University are governed by the Collective Agreement between the Queen's University Faculty Association (QUFA) and the University, which is posted at http://www.queensu.ca/facultyrelations/faculty-librarians-and-archivists/queens-qufa-collective-agreement.


To comply with Federal laws, the University is obliged to gather statistical information about how many applicants for each job vacancy are Canadian citizens / permanent residents of Canada. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or citizenship; however, all applications must include one of the following statements: “I am a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”; OR, “I am not a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada.” Applications that do not include this information will be deemed incomplete.


Applications should include a complete and current curriculum vitae, letters of reference from two (2) referees, and any other relevant materials the candidate wishes to submit for consideration, such as a letter of intent, teaching dossier, etc. Please arrange to have applications and supporting letters sent via email directly to:


Dr. Julia Brook, Director
DAN School of Drama and Music
Queen’s University, Kingston Ontario Canada K7L 3N6
c/o Mr. Sal Mahmud, Department Manager, jobs.danschool@queensu.ca
*Please use the Subject line: AD Music Education, [Candidate Name]


Applications will be received until March 15th, 2023. Review of applications will commence shortly thereafter, and the final appointment is subject to budgetary approval. Additional information about the Department of DAN School of Drama and Music can be found at https://sdm.queensu.ca/


Course units and terms:


2023-24, 12.0 units from:

MUSC 114/3.0 Introduction to Teaching Music to Children (2 sections, expected enrolment of 90 students each term/section).
MUSC 335/3.0 Music Education in the Community (expected enrollment 25 students)
MUSC 470/3.0 Topics in Music Education (expected enrollment 25 students)


2024-25, 12.0 units from:

MUSC 114/3.0 Introduction to Teaching Music to Children (2 sections, expected enrolment of 90 students each term/section)
MUSC 273/3.0 Introduction to Music Education (expected enrollment of 30)
MUSC 438/3.0 Music Education Seminar (expected enrollment 25 students)
MUTH 387/3.0 Research Methods in Performing Arts Education. (expected enrollment 25 students)


Course Description:

MUSC 114 Introduction to Teaching Music to Children Units: 3.00
Hands-on, blended approach to the theory and practice of teaching and engaging with children through music. Students will be introduced to concepts through educational activities. They will learn to identify and describe musical characteristics heard in a variety of repertoire and perform short pieces appropriate for novice performers.
Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 24 Online Activity, 60 Private Study)
Requirements: Prerequisite None. Recommended MUSC 104 or MUSC P52. Note This course cannot be used as credit towards the BMUS Plan.
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science

MUSC 335 Music Education in the Community Units: 3.00
This course examines formal, informal and non-formal structures that support music teaching and learning in the community across the lifespan.
Learning Hours: 120 (36 Group Learning, 24 Online Activity, 60 Private Study)
Requirements: Prerequisite (Level 3 or above and registration in a MUSC or MUTH Plan) or permission of the School. Note Non-Music students should note that a significant music background is required to be successful in this course.
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science


MUSC 438 Music Education Seminar Units: 3.00
Advanced study and synthesis of educational theories and practices in music introduced in music education courses. Students are expected to engage in the independent and cooperative study of agreed-upon topics.
Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study)
Requirements: Level 3 or above or permission of the School.
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science


MUSC 470 Topics in Music Education I Units: 3.00
Seminars offered by faculty related to their music education research/interests. Content varies from year to year.


Posted: (Feb 11, 2023)