The Department of Music at the University of Prince Edward Island has openings for Sessional Instructors for the Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 semesters. These positions are subject to final budgetary approval. Individuals qualified to teach the following courses are encouraged to apply. Please note that members of the Sessional Roster and full-time and term contract Faculty Members of the Department of Music will be given priority.
Please note: the course offered below will be taught in person, unless otherwise specified as an online course.

FULL YEAR 2025-2026

MUS-2150/2170 – Aural Skills III & IV

MUS-2150 aims to develop advanced musicianship skills, including: perception and performance of chromatic and modulating melodies, and of non-traditional and atonal collections; perception and performance of complex rhythms; and advanced contextual listening, ensemble, and improvisation.

Classes: 2025 Fall Term M/W/F 10:30 AM - 11:20 AM (3 credit hours)

MUS-2170 continues the development of advanced musicianship skills introduced in MUS-2150, focusing on the consolidation of listening and transcription, sight singing and improvisation in both individual and ensemble contexts; and the development of strategies for handling complex contemporary idioms.

Classes: 2026 Winter Term M/W/F 10:30 AM - 11:20 AM (3 credit hours)

Qualifications: The successful applicant(s) will hold a minimum of a master’s degree with significant experience in the teaching and practice of music theory and/or aural skills.

MUS-3450/MUS-3460 – Woodwind Techniques

These practical courses introduce the students to the performance and pedagogy of the instruments of the woodwind family. The instructor will guide students towards: developing a rudimentary performance ability on, and pedagogical understanding of various woodwind instruments; learning effective methods for teaching someone how to do the same; understanding the functioning and necessary technique for effective performance on each instrument; and becoming familiar with standard woodwind-related materials.

Classes: 2025 Fall Term T/Th 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM (2 credit hours); 2026 Winter Term M/W 9:30 AM - 10:20 AM (2 credit hours)

Qualifications: The successful applicant will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in woodwinds with significant experience in the practice of woodwind pedagogy and performance.

MUS-3530/3540 – Elementary Music Education Methods

MUS-3530: This course examines four major approaches to teaching elementary school music: Dalcroze, Kodaly, Orff and Comprehensive Musicianship. Students interrogate curriculum expectations and repertoire choices, and develop pedagogical skills, focusing on the young child, Grades K-3.

Classes: 2025 Fall Term M/W 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM (2 credit hours)

MUS-3540: The investigations begun in MUS-3530 are continued in MUS-3540, focusing on children in Grades 4-6. Learning theories as they relate to music are examined.

Classes: 2026 Winter Term M/W 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM (2 credit hours)

Qualifications: The successful applicant will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in Music and/or Education, with significant school-based experience in a Canadian public K-12 system.
Additional application materials: In addition to the items listed further below, please submit a one-page statement of teaching philosophy and methodology, and prospective detailed course syllabi.

MUS-4550/MUS-4560 – Conducting

This course involves the study of instrumental conducting with an emphasis on techniques and repertoire for instrumental ensembles and the modern wind band. It focuses on the development of basic conducting techniques through more advanced technical problems, as well as rehearsal techniques and score study.

Classes: Both Terms T/Th 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM (2 credit hours)

Qualifications: The successful applicant will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in music (specialization in conducting and/or music education preferred), with significant experience as an instrumental conductor at the high school and/or university level.

MUS-4620/4640 – Teaching Internship I & II

Duties include serving as the Practicum Advisor for as many as six students taking MUS-4620 (Teaching Internship I), and three students taking MUS-4640 (Teaching Internship II). The Practicum Advisor will have four major responsibilities:
•    to provide assistance, guidance, and support to their assigned pre-service teachers throughout their practicum;
•    to evaluate assigned pre-service teachers during and at the end of each observed lesson (3-4 observations per student);
•    to serve as liaison between the Department of Music and cooperating teachers to which pre-service teachers have been assigned;
•    to provide immediate feedback and document any concerns related to performance or professionalism.
MUS-4620 is the first pre-service teaching component of in-school teaching experience for music education students. In school settings, students begin to develop teaching skills, to implement lesson and rehearsal plans, and to consider the role of classroom methods, learning outcomes, and evaluation procedures. Pre-service teaching commences immediately following the April examinations, and continues for six consecutive weeks.

MUS-4640 is the second pre-service teaching component of in-school teaching experience for music education students. In school settings, students further develop their teaching skills, lesson planning, rehearsal techniques, and their ability to focus on learning outcomes while becoming reflective practitioners. Pre-service teaching commences immediately following the April examinations, and continues for six consecutive weeks.

Observations: Scheduled with each student (0.5 credit hours per student)

Qualifications: The successful applicant(s) will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in music and/or education, with significant experience teaching at the public-school level.

Jazz Ensemble

This course is an elective possibility for all music and non-music majors, with rehearsals once per week and a final public concert at the end of each term (dates TBD). The instructor will provide students with the opportunity to develop their performance skills and musicianship through the study and high-level performance of music for jazz ensemble and/or other contemporary music ensembles.

Classes: Both Terms T 7:00 PM - 8:50 PM (2 credit hours)

Qualifications: The ideal applicant will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in music, with substantial related teaching experience at the high school and/or university level.

Applied Music (Brass)

Duties include individual studio instruction of the techniques and artistry of brass performance (trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba).

Classes: Scheduled with each student (0.5 credit hours per student)

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in brass performance, with substantial experience as a performer, and teaching experience at the university level.

Note: In your application, please specify which instruments you would be qualified to teach.

Applied Music (Clarinet)

Duties include individual studio instruction of the techniques and artistry of clarinet performance.

Classes: Scheduled with each student (0.5 credit hours per student)

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in clarinet performance, with substantial experience as a performer, and teaching experience at the university level.

Applied Music (Saxophone)

Duties include individual studio instruction of the techniques and artistry of saxophone performance.

Classes: Scheduled with each student (0.5 credit hours per student)

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in saxophone performance, with substantial experience as a performer, and teaching experience at the university level.

Applied Music (Percussion)

Duties include individual studio instruction of the techniques and artistry of percussion performance.

Classes: Scheduled with each student (0.5 credit hours per student)

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in percussion performance, with substantial experience as a performer, and teaching experience at the university level.

Applied Music (Classical Guitar)

Duties include individual studio instruction of the techniques and artistry of classical guitar performance.

Classes: Scheduled with each student (0.5 credit hours per student)

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in classical guitar performance, with substantial experience as a performer, and teaching experience at the university level.

Applied Music (Jazz Guitar)

Duties include individual studio instruction of the techniques and artistry of jazz guitar performance.

Classes: Scheduled with each student (0.5 credit hours per student)

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in jazz performance, with substantial experience as a performer, and teaching experience at the university level.

Applied Music (String Bass)

Duties include individual studio instruction of the techniques and artistry of string bass performance.

Classes: Scheduled with each student (0.5 credit hours per student)

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in music, with substantial experience as a performer, and teaching experience at the university level.

Applied Music (Violin)

Duties include individual studio instruction of the techniques and artistry of violin performance.

Classes: Scheduled with each student (0.5 credit hours per student)

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in music, with substantial experience as a performer, and teaching experience at the university level.

Qualifications:

Unless specified otherwise above, applicants must hold a minimum of a master’s degree in music with substantial experience related to the respective course content. Please note that applicants on the Sessional Roster of the Department of Music will be given priority.

Application Instructions:

Please submit a letter of application outlining the specific course(s) you wish to teach and how your background is relevant, an updated C.V., and the names and contact information of two current references to:

Department of Music
University of Prince Edward Island
Email: music@upei.ca

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a 
positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute.

UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

Closing date for applications is June 20, 2025.