Monash University has put out a call for music academics to fill a number of positions at the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music. The University’s Faculty of Arts is inviting applicants to join what the school is describing as an exciting phase of growth and development.

Monash music students performing music by Elena Kats-Chernin in a performance by the Monash University Singers. Photo © Richard Turton

The University is encouraging music scholars, artistic researchers in classical music, composers and electronic music artists with Doctoral qualifications to apply. The school, which is led by Head of School Professor Cat Hope, is looking for a number of academics across Classical Music Performance, as well as in the Composition area, and a Professor of Music. The flexible application process involves the submission of an Expression of Interest alongside a Curriculum Vitae – providing the opportunity for academics to outline their proposed contribution to and alignment with the schools trajectory.

“We pride ourselves on contemporary music pedagogies that prepare musicians for the future world of music; a collaborative, always-changing, digitally supported environment where music is a central and essential component of life, as well as an extraordinary opportunity to excel in artistry. We focus on contemporary practice whilst ensuring we cover foundational studies in performance technique, collaborative skills, contextual and historical studies,” Professor Hope said. “We are looking to grow our academic numbers, and are seeking the best music academics to join us.”

Diversity and inclusion is a core commitment of Monash, she said, which is Australia’s largest university and was ranked 16th in the world for Performing Arts in the QS World University Rankings for 2019. “We are proud to be awarded the prestigious citation of Employer of Choice for Gender Equality for our leading practice in advancing gender equity. Monash University is proactively ensuring the future of music is inclusive and diverse.”

Women and people from culturally diverse backgrounds have are strongly encouraged to apply, as are Australian academics currently residing overseas.

Professor Hope has outlined her vision for the school in an article published by the Music Trust, What can [should?] a music school in a modern Australian university look like?

“Why a high level of familiarity with Australian music is not a key component of Australian tertiary music education has always puzzled me. Is it not key to understanding our musical culture? Is it not a way to find a point of difference as musicians, composers and musicologists in the competitive market ecology of music internationally?” she asks. “The rich, intertwined cultural diversity that Australian music making consists of is surely something to engage in with pride and enthusiasm. To this end, our school has a focus on music in Australia: its diversity, uniqueness and importance in the world. All our performance graduates will have performed and studied Australian compositions, be exposed to Indigenous music makers, and understand music from our region.”

She also raised the challenges posed by ‘curriculum crowding’ in a university sector that needs to address a changing music world, while also covering historical Western music traditions. “We provide our aspiring musicians with the chance to learn their craft the best they can, whilst developing critical thinking and preparing them for the evolving International music industry,” she concludes. “Whilst music educators can use experience and research to shape curriculum and inspire students, we also need to listen to young people and inform our decisions with their hopes. Music education is for them, the future of music.”

Potential applicants are invited to submit Expressions of Interest by July 14, 2019, at 11:55pm AEST