Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition, tenure-track

Description

Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music invites applications for a full-time, tenure-stream position as Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition to begin August 15, 2026. We are seeking a dynamic classroom and studio teacher who is passionate about the education of undergraduate students. The ideal candidate will have produced and be dedicated to maintaining a body of creative work evincing a deep understanding of tonal and non-tonal contemporary musical practices in acoustic music and/or computer music composition. As a tenure-stream professor dedicated to the training of undergraduate musicians, the successful candidate will likewise demonstrate comprehensive understanding of theoretical and compositional practices on an historical basis. The successful candidate will be expected to grow and sustain an active profile of research and creative activity; to teach a 2-2 course load in music theory, orchestration, and other courses aligned with the candidate’s expertise; and to maintain a private studio of 4-5 composition students each semester.

Qualifications

DMA or PhD in Composition or Theory/Composition is required by the time of appointment. Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the collegiate level is desired.

Application Instructions

Applications should include a cover letter, a CV, a research/creative work statement (ca. 500 words), a portfolio of three representative compositions, a statement of teaching experience/philosophy (ca. 500 words), and contact information for 3-5 references. The search will close October 17, 2025, when the review of applications begins.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Vanderbilt University shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.