Music : Graduate Teaching Assistants

Each year, the Music Department advertises its available positions as soon as possible. Applicants should be aware that advertised positions may be revised based on capabilities and potential of applicants; for example, duties described in advertised positions can be divided differently based on skills and strengths of applicants. While the duties may be assigned differently than advertised, the duties themselves remain relatively consistent as a whole from year to year. Students must complete the Graduate Assistant Application process.

1. Band Area Assistant

• Assist with the Marching Band (Fall)
• Conduct the Pep Band (Winter)
• Assist the Director of Bands and Associate Director of Bands with the logistical operation of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic and Concert Bands, including annual Wind Ensemble Festival.
• Conduct the Concert Band, as needed.
• Assist the Director of Bands with undergraduate Conducting Classes and Instrumental Music Education Courses.

For specific information, contact Larry Gookin.

2. Choral/Voice Area Assistant

• Assist Choral Directors for Chamber Choir and University Chorale.
• Assist with administration of Fall Choral Festival.
• Assist with Opera production/Opera Workshop
• Other possible areas, if qualified:
• 1. Vocal Jazz 2
  2. Class Voice
  3. Applied Voice

For specific information, contact Dr. Gary Weidenaar.

3. Orchestra Area Assistant

• Serve as Assistant Conductor of CWU Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra.
• Coordinate annual Orchestra Festival
• Assist the Director of Orchestral Activities with undergraduate Conducting Classes

For specific information, contact Nikolas Caoile.

4. Jazz Area Assistant

• Lead Jazz Band 2, Jazz Band 3, OR Vocal Jazz 2
• Teach Survey of Jazz History
• Assist Director of Jazz Studies in administration of Jazz Studies Program, including Moawad Invitational Jazz Festival, coaching combos, etc.

5. Piano Area Assistant

• Teach Class Piano
• Assist in Piano area as needed, including applied lessons or accompanying, if qualified.

6. Preparatory Program Director

• Administer Preparatory Program, including scheduling, organizing auditions, recruiting of staff and students, overseeing logistical operations of all ensembles in program
• Possible teach/assist with applied lessons, methods or other music education classes, if qualified

There are six (6) additional assistantships available that address general needs in other areas of the Department. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrable skills, or potential, in areas of:

1. Music Education (Prerequisite: K-8 or K-12 public school teaching experience)
2. Music Theory-- assist with undergraduate theory program
3. Composition-- Assist with the Electronic Music Lab and Composition studio
4. Music Appreciation
5. Methods classes in Strings, Winds, Brass, and Percussion
6. Applied lessons or other area assistance to undergraduate majors and non-majors in Strings, Winds, Brass, and Percussion

For more details on these positions, contact:
Professor Larry Gookin
Associate Chair/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Music
Central Washington University
400 East University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7458
Phone 509-963-1916
Fax 509-963-1239
Email gookinl@cwu.ed

For general information and application materials, contact:
Office of Graduate Studies and Research
Central Washington University
400 East University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7510
Telephone: 509-963-3103
Fax: 509-963-1799
E-mail: masters@cwu.edu