Job Description:
Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, is actively seeking applicants for a full time faculty position within its esteemed Songwriting Department. As one of the globe's leading independent music colleges, Berklee stands as a pinnacle institution dedicated to the exploration and advancement of contemporary music. At Berklee, a vibrant community thrives, of exceptionally talented and diverse students, revered faculty members, over 500 committed staff, and a network of accomplished alumni. Berklee's commitment to arts education is reflected in the work of its students, faculty, and alumni - who have been recognized with 332 Grammy Awards, 118 Latin Grammy Awards, 31 Emmy Awards, 7 Academy Awards, and 11 Tony Awards.
Renowned for pioneering contemporary music education, Berklee established the inaugural college-level songwriting major in 1987. Since then, the institution has remained at the forefront of evolving and refining the study of songcraft, consistently pushing boundaries and innovating within the field. The Songwriting Department boasts a distinguished faculty of thirty-one globally recognized experts. Their collective mission extends beyond teaching songwriting; it’s about nurturing a holistic skill set, weaving together the threads of creativity and technique.
The department is responsible for shaping the educational path of 425 majors, as well as students from other disciplines who view songwriting as a supplementary area of study. The meticulously designed curriculum caters to the multifaceted nature of songwriting across five distinct focal points. Beyond these concentrations, students delve into various facets of songwriting, exploring creativity, the business side of the craft, utilization of music technologies, emerging trends in the field, business strategies, and the critical examination of renowned songwriters. Moreover, the curriculum places a significant emphasis on situating songs within their cultural, social, and historical contexts. In addition to the major, the department also oversees the Music Theater Writing Minor and offers several summer programs. The department also manages and promotes an array of events for songwriters who wish to perform original songs, writer camps and screenings with industry professionals, master classes, clinics with influential songwriters, and industry trips to music hubs like Nashville, Miami, NYC, and Los Angeles.
This position assumes multifaceted participation teaching, curriculum innovation, faculty mentoring, student guidance, and the cultivation of an engaging learning environment. The ideal candidate demonstrates an established track record of high-level professional songwriting achievements. They exhibit a deep comprehension of the workings of the music industry, coupled with a proactive approach and a collaborative mindset. Essential qualities include strong collegiality, a positive demeanor, and a readiness to align with Berklee's aspirations concerning Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. A steadfast dedication to fostering student experiences, displaying strong initiative, and maintaining a positive outlook are imperative traits for this role.
Duties and Responsibilities for Full Time Faculty:
Primary obligation is to Berklee and to support the mission of the department, division, and college
Teach, Advise, and perform related duties as outlined in the faculty agreement
Perform service to the college and service to the profession
Serve on committees as assigned by the department chair, divisions dean, and/or provost
Participate in Berklee-sponsored and administered diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programming
Attend College-wide events (e.g., New Faculty Orientation, Opening Day, BTOT)
Attend department meetings as informed and contribute to the faculty community of the Songwriting Department, Professional Writing & Technology Division, and Berklee
Teach courses as assigned within the major covering Songwriting and Production, with a focus on Business, Career/Artist Development, Directed Study, and electives in the area of the candidate’s expertise
Maintain high standards of integrity in the conduct of duties
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
Maintain an on-campus teaching presence in Boston, MA
Teaching experience, college level preferred
Willingness to adhere to a structured curriculum and to develop course content and supplemental materials
10 years minimum professional experience as a creator with nationally/internationally recognized major artists and/or labels
Majority of demonstrated credits as a non-featured creator(songwriter, composer, arranger, producer) or as an executive in creative.
Preferred genres of expertise in Pop and Pop adjacent; or R&B/Hip Hop; or Latin Pop.
Comprehensive knowledge in the craft of songwriting and its process among intersectional disciplines
Thorough knowledge of the music business, its practices, technologies and evolving trends
Command of DAW technology to advance teaching and learning is essential
Proficient in lead sheet preparation
Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and verbal/writing communication skills
Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in prior employment opportunities, and to supporting a diverse workplace with a multicultural, multinational faculty and student body
START DATE
This is a full-time teaching position with a 9-month commitment (Fall and Spring
semesters) and a renewable contract. The start date is Sept 1, 2025. Compensation and rank are commensurate with professional
experience.
SUBMISSION PROCESS: Electronic applications only. Please submit the following materials in PDF or Word format at berklee.edu/jobs. All application materials can be combined as one file and uploaded to the Resume/Cover letter application section.
Candidates should submit:
Letter of Application with teaching philosophy
Current resume/CV
Names and contact information for at least three (3) references
Links to websites or online resources with representative samples of your work
Lead Sheets to 2 original works including melody, harmony, and lyrics
3 min video explaining production details of an original song. Include information on track layout of MIDI/AUDIO, plugins utilized, arrangement, mixing, etc.
APPLICATION REVIEW and DEADLINE
1) Incomplete applications will not be considered.
2) The position will remain open for applications until filled.
Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:
We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.
Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.
*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*