Director, Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music

Campus Location Main Campus (Memphis, TN) Position Number Category Full-Time Faculty Department School of Music Position Summary

Director, Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music

University of Memphis | Memphis, Tennessee

Transforming the Future of Music Education in the Home of American Music

The University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music has been setting the tone for creativity and excellence for decades. Its alumni perform with major orchestras, teach in leading universities, advance the music industry, and lead arts organizations across the world. The University seeks a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as the next Director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. This position represents an extraordinary opportunity to shape the next era of music education within one of the nation's most vibrant artistic communities.

An Unparalleled Opportunity for Leadership

The Director provides leadership for Tennessee's only doctoral degree-granting program in music, which includes more than thirty areas of concentration spanning undergraduate through doctoral levels. The School presents over four hundred performances each year, making it one of the most active musical institutions in the Mid-South. The Director also oversees the new forty-million-dollar Scheidt Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a hub for performance, recording, and innovation, establishing Memphis as a leader in contemporary music education and creative technology.

About the School

The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music is an integral part of the College of Communication and Fine Arts, fostering collaboration across disciplines such as architecture, art and design communication and film, journalism and strategic media, and theatre and dance. More than fifty distinguished faculty members serve as artists, scholars, and educators committed to student mentorship and success. The School offers comprehensive programs in Music Education, Performance, Composition, Music Business, Jazz and Studio Music, Music Therapy, and Recording Technology, along with graduate degrees in Performance, Conducting, Composition, Pedagogy, and Music History. Specialized offerings include the Vocology Graduate Certificate and Artist Diploma programs, providing focused pathways for professional advancement.

The Memphis Advantage

Memphis provides an unparalleled setting for musical exploration and connection. The city's legendary cultural heritage, from blues and soul to rock and hip-hop, creates an environment where music is a shared language. Partnerships with organizations such as the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Opera Memphis strengthen the School's ties to the professional arts community. The city's affordability, creative energy, and spirit of innovation continue to attract students and faculty from around the globe.

Position Responsibilities

The Director serves as the academic and artistic leader of the School, guiding the development of curriculum, faculty initiatives, and student success strategies. This leadership role involves advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting innovative teaching and performance practices, and building relationships with community partners, donors, and alumni. The Director works closely with the Dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts to enhance the School's national and international profile while maintaining the highest standards of artistic and academic excellence.

Compensation and Benefits

The University of Memphis offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position carries a twelve-month administrative appointment with faculty rank, comprehensive health, dental, and retirement benefits, and support for research and professional development. The University also provides access to its recreational, cultural, and educational resources.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following materials for full consideration:

• A letter of interest (two pages maximum) presenting a vision for the future of the School and a philosophy of music education and leadership in the twenty-first century, demonstrating how the candidate's experience and values align with the School's mission and aspirations.
• A comprehensive curriculum vitae highlighting academic, administrative, and professional achievements
• Contact information for four professional references

Application materials should be submitted to:

WorkForUM

Join Our Legacy of Excellence

The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music stands at a defining moment in its history. With world-class facilities, distinguished faculty, and a legacy of excellence, the School is poised to lead the future of music education in one of America's most influential musical cities. Memphis continues to be a place where music is not only studied but lived.

For more information: and

Follow: @UofMScheidt and @uofmccfa

Study in a city that invents music and creates legends.

Minimum Position Qualifications

Candidate Qualifications

Candidates should hold a doctoral degree in music or a related field and possess a record of creative, scholarly, and administrative achievement appropriate for appointment at the rank of full professor. Experience in faculty development, student mentorship, fiscal management, and fundraising is essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate visionary leadership, strong communication skills, and a deep commitment to supporting both tradition and innovation in music education.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Special Conditions

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following materials for full consideration:

• A letter of interest (two pages maximum) presenting a vision for the future of the School and a philosophy of music education and leadership in the twenty-first century, demonstrating how the candidate's experience and values align with the School's mission and aspirations.
• A comprehensive curriculum vitae highlighting academic, administrative, and professional achievements
• Contact information for four professional references

Application materials should be submitted to:

WorkForUM

Posting Date 11/07/2025 Closing Date Open Until Screening Begins Yes Hiring Range Competitive Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time: Benefits Eligible Special Instructions to Applicants

• A letter of interest (two pages maximum) presenting a vision for the future of the School and a philosophy of music education and leadership in the twenty-first century, demonstrating how the candidate's experience and values align with the School's mission and aspirations.
• A comprehensive curriculum vitae highlighting academic, administrative, and professional achievements
• Contact information for four professional references

Instructions to Applicant regarding references Is this posting for UofM employees only? No Benefits of Employment (Applies to full-time, non-police employees only)