Assistant Professor of Music - Composition, Theory, & Technology (27/28)
About The Position
The Music Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, invites applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Music in Composition, Theory & Technology beginning approximately August 12, 2027. We seek an artist-teacher with demonstrated excellence in undergraduate music theory instruction and a record of creative and/or scholarly work in composition and music technology, such as electronic music, sound art, creative coding, spatial audio, or sound design. The successful candidate will lead the music theory and musicianship curricula and will also help shape composition and technology offerings through potential new electives, interdisciplinary collaborations, and public-facing creative work. This position supports Cal Poly’s Learn-by-Doing mission by combining innovative pedagogy, creative practice, and scholarly engagement to prepare students for evolving careers in music, technology, and interdisciplinary creative fields.
Requirements
- An earned doctorate (Ph.D. or D.M.A.) in Composition, Music Theory, or Music Technology or a related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate will be awarded prior to the start of the appointment.
- Demonstrated excellence in music theory pedagogy.
- Evidence of creative and/or scholarly achievement in composition and music technology.
- Commitment to teaching and mentoring a diverse student body.
- Demonstrated university teaching experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.
Nice To Haves
- Experience teaching undergraduate courses in musicianship and aural skills.
- Expertise in composition, electronic music, and/or creative-coding environments (e.g., Max, Ableton, Reaper, ProTools, SuperCollider, Pure Data, or similar).
- Demonstrated ability to integrate creative practices into traditional music theory and composition curricula.
- Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
- Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
- Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.
Responsibilities
- Teach courses across the Music Theory and Musicianship sequence (first- through upper-level undergraduate courses).
- Teach courses across the Music Technology and Composition sequence in the candidate’s expertise.
- Advise and mentor student composers and producers, guiding senior projects and creative research.
- Maintain a program of creative activity, performance, and/or scholarship in composition, theory, or music technology.
- Contribute to the ongoing development and assessment of the music curriculum, with particular emphasis on inclusivity, innovation, and student engagement.
- Participate in service at the department, college, and university levels, supporting Cal Poly’s Teacher-Scholar Model and commitment to inclusive excellence.
Benefits
- Reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development.
- Eligibility to teach in a third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy (under potential Year-Round Operations).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
