Dance Music Coordinator

The Dance Music Coordinator is an integral part of the music pedagogy within the Dance degree programs. This position is primarily responsible for providing creative and pedagogic support for Dance technique, performance, and composition courses through musical accompaniment. Additional responsibilities include developing and supervising Dance musician staff, teaching the core curriculum course "Music for Dance", and collaborating in cross-departmental music related productions and instruction.

This is an in-person, 10-month appointment.

Start Date 8/17/2026 or as soon as can be hired.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

TEACH MUSIC FOR DANCE COURSE, DNCE 1626 25%

• Teach one section of "Music for Dance" DNCE1626, a core curriculum course for Dance BFA and BA Dance Majors and optional foundation course for Dance Minors; meets LE requirements for the Arts/Humanities Core
• Hold office hours, submit grades
• Other teaching related duties as assigned

CREATIVE & PEDAGOGIC SUPPORT FOR DANCE PERFORMANCE/COMPOSITION/TECHNIQUE COURSES 45%

• Accompany an average of 8 - 9, 90 - 120 minute class sessions per week as a Dance Musician and pedagogic collaborator per semester
• Coordinate and Play Music for Auditions, 3 - 5 Saturdays per academic year
• Coordinate Music for Special Events including guest classes, workshops, and recruitment events
• Provide musical and sound support for dance composition courses each semester
• Connect pedagogical and research needs of practice/technique and creative curriculum with Dance Musician staff
• Other duties as assigned

MUSICAL THEATRE 10%

• Support the development and implementation of music components of Musical Theatre program with Theatre Arts and Dance and the School of Music
• Collaborate in cross-departmental music related productions and instruction
• Other duties as assigned and as the Musical Theatre Major is created

ADMINISTRATIVE 20%

• Schedule and supervise a staff of approximately 7 - 10 musicians who accompany various dance technique classes. The Dance Program offers up to 40 - 45 classes per week with live music. Some classes use more than one musician per class. Scheduling is highly adaptive and requires weekly adjustment
• Oversee and approve online time cards
• Identify, Recruit, Develop and Retain new dance musicians
  • Management of the complex, varied budget derived from student course fees that supports the salaries of our musician staff in collaboration with financial preparer
  • Supervise inventory and maintenance of musical equipment in the dance program, Barker Center for Dance, including management of instrument maintenance budget
  • Provide support for live music performance for Dance Program Production events
  • Miscellaneous responsibilities, including but not limited to: Leadership, Staff, and Department meetings; recruitment events; professional development
  • Actively recruit Dance majors and minors
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's level degree plus 5 years professional experience; or Master's level degree plus 3 years professional experience
• Must be a collaborative musician, understand and enjoy the role of accompanist in support of the students' training and the instructor's pedagogy
• Have a strong working knowledge of DAWs (digital audio workstation), and a confident, pedagogic approach to teaching these skills as part of the Dance Program curriculum within the class Music for Dance
• Must be an improviser, able to carry an entire dance technique class as a soloist without reading music
• Be willing to prioritize and be "in service" to the goals and needs of the Dance Program
• Must be able to easily multitask several varied duties, such as budget management, assisting with Program event planning and support, musician scheduling, playing for classes, teaching class, recruiting and managing the musician staff, and maintaining the instruments
• Be curious and engaged with the professional community at large, interacting with other musicians and dancers, theater artists as an audience member and/or performers
• Pay attention to community musicians who might be a good fit for joining the accompanist staff, as there is occasional turn-over and need to find new players

Preferred Qualifications:

• MFA or equivalent professional experience
• Demonstrated teaching experience at the college level
• Ability to perform more than one instrument
• Demonstrated experience with music composition

Housed in a public research university located in a vibrant metropolitan area, the University of Minnesota Department of Theatre Arts & Dance is a collaborative hub for education, research and training in the diverse field of Dance and Theatre.

Our students are thinkers and creators who not only make art, but also make a difference.

Our five unique programs share a commitment to collaboration and a balanced philosophy of training that combines an expansive liberal arts education with the rigorous study of performance on the stage and in the world.

In partnership with local venues and community organizations, we prepare students for exciting and varied careers as well as lifelong journeys of creativity and learning.

We are a diverse group of artists and scholars with a wide range of talents and interests. Read more about the research and creative work of our faculty as well as the hands-on student employment opportunities.

Pay Range: $60,000 - $75,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

Required application materials: resume, cover letter, portfolio/music samples.

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on May 19, 2026.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).