The Department of Music at the University of Prince Edward Island has openings for Sessional Instructors for the Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 semesters. All 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 courses offered below will be taught in person.

FULL YEAR 2026-2027

MUS-2450/2460 – Percussion Techniques

These practical courses introduce the students to the performance and pedagogy of the instruments of the percussion family. The instructor will guide students toward: developing a rudimentary performance ability on and pedagogical understanding of various percussion 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 percussion-related materials.

Classes: T/Th 1:00 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. (both terms) (2 credit hours)

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

MUS-4131/4132 – Orchestration

This course introduces the techniques of orchestration for large ensembles (band and orchestra) and small ensembles. Students receive 3 hours of credit over two semesters.

Classes: 2026 Fall Term M 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (1.5 credit hours); 2027 Winter Term T 2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. (1.5 credit hours)

Qualifications: The Ideal applicant will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in music, with teaching experience at the university level, and significant practical experience orchestrating and/or arranging music for ensembles of different sizes and instrumentation.

MUS-4450/4460 – Brass Techniques

These practical courses introduce the students to the performance and pedagogy of the instruments of the brass family. The instructor will guide students toward: developing a rudimentary performance ability on and pedagogical understanding of various brass 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 brass-related materials.

Classes: M/W 3:30 p.m. - 4:20 p.m. (both terms) (2 credit hours)

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

MUS-4530/4540 – Secondary Music Education Methods

These courses examine music in junior and senior high schools with emphasis on methods and materials for general music, choral, and instrumental classes. The teaching of musicianship through performance is examined, as is the growing trend toward integrating performance, analysis, and composition in secondary schools.

Classes: 2026 Fall Term M/W 9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. (2 credit hours); 2027 Winter Term T/Th 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. (2 credit hours)

Qualifications: The ideal applicant will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in music and/or Education, with significant experience in PEI’s public secondary school system.

Additional application materials: In addition to the items listed further below, please submit a one-page statement of teaching philosophy and methodology, and a prospective detailed course syllabus.

MUS-4620/4640 – Teaching Internship I & II

Duties include serving as the Practicum Advisor for as many as ten students taking MUS-4620 (Teaching Internship I) and five 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 whom 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 the 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 usually commences immediately following the April examinations and continues for six consecutive weeks; however, it occasionally occurs in the Fall term.

MUS-4640 is the second pre-service teaching component of the 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 usually commences immediately following the April examinations and continues for six consecutive weeks; however, it occasionally occurs in the Fall term.

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

Qualifications: The ideal 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.

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(s) 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 (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 (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.

Applied Music (Viola)

Duties include individual studio instruction of the techniques and artistry of viola 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 May 28th, 2026.