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 # - Requisition #38464

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.

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.

What you will do:
100% Teaching

• 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.

• 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…