Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Whether you’re leading a class, supporting an ensemble, or assisting in academic or administrative roles, GTAs play a vital role in the life of our college. Explore available assistantships, learn about the application process, and take the next step in your graduate journey.

Open GTA Positions for 2026 – 2027

Assistantships Overview

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music provide outstanding graduate students with financial support and hands-on professional experience in teaching, research, performance, and service. Opportunities vary each academic year based on the college’s needs. Current openings are listed below.

Benefits

GTA appointments include:

Full tuition waiver
Coverage of mandatory university fees
Medical insurance
Monthly stipend

Eligibility & Expectations

Assistantships are awarded based on:

Completion of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music’s admissions requirements
Recommendation from the student’s primary professor in their area of study

Contracts begin August 1, and GTAs must be in Knoxville and prepared to begin their duties during the first week of August. GTAs are also expected to return several days prior to the start of spring classes in January.

International students whose native language is not English must take the OPIc (Oral Proficiency Interview – computer) upon arrival in August as part of university requirements. Refer to our “How to Apply” page for additional information.

Application Process

All GTA Applicants

Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) materials are submitted as part of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music graduate application. There is no separate application for assistantships.

To be considered for a GTA position, applicants should:

Provide a statement of professional goals that explicitly addresses how a graduate assistantship would support personal academic and career objectives
Provide a selection of your employment and performance history
Upload your CV
Upload a headshot or professional photo

Composition or Theory GTA Applicants

In addition to the above materials, GTA applicants in Composition or Theory should provide the following:

Submit a 10-minute (approximately) teaching demonstration video on melodic dictation for a beginning aural skills class. You do not have to finish the whole example.
If you can get a friend or two to sit in as mock students in the video, this might help but is not required.
Faculty encourage GTA applicants to include some singing in the teaching. Use any technology and techniques preferred; any creative teaching ideas with technology is appreciated.

Available Assistantships: 2027 – 2028

Each academic year, the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music offers a range of Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) positions. Duties vary depending on the position and area of study – some GTAs may assist with classroom instruction, ensemble coordination, research support, or administrative tasks.

Each GTA is assigned a primary professor within their area, who provides guidance and supervision throughout the appointment. See below for a list of assistantships available for the upcoming academic year.

If you have any general inquiries about the graduate programs within our college, please connect with Professor Angela Batey, Director of Graduate Studies.

Choral Conducting

Contact: Angela Batey, Director of Choral Activities

Duties: Assist with the conducting and administration of the University of Tennessee choral ensembles.

Stipend: Up to $14,067 plus tuition waiver and medical coverage.

Deadlines:

Pre-Screening Deadline: December 16
Application: February 1