Assistant Professor of Music, Composition

James Madison University • Harrisonburg, VA

3d

About The Position

James Madison University’s School of Music seeks an accomplished, creative composer and artist-teacher for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning in Fall 2027. The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues within and beyond the School of Music, teach a variety of courses within and across traditional curricular boundaries, contribute collegially to the faculty, communicate effectively, and maintain an active creative agenda appropriate to the university.

The position includes composition instruction and co-leadership of the composition program at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. The faculty member will teach composition-related courses, such as instrumentation, orchestration, and counterpoint; theory and/or aural skills courses in undergraduate and graduate curricula; and other courses aligned with their interests and specialization. Additional responsibilities include creative scholarship appropriate for tenure and promotion at a research university, recruitment and outreach for composition, curricular discussion and development, and helping organize JMU’s annual Contemporary Music Festival.

The School of Music has approximately 400 undergraduate majors, 75 graduate students, and 200 music minors, supported by 45 full-time and 25 part-time faculty. It produces more than 200 performances and presentations annually. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. New hires must complete an I-9 and provide documentation of identity and work eligibility; JMU uses E-Verify.

Requirements

• DMA or PhD in Composition; ABD candidates will be considered if they expect to complete the degree before August 10, 2027.
• Demonstrated record of creative activity as a composer, including public performances, commissions, recordings, publications, presentations, and recognition.
• Evidence of effective teaching.
• Experience teaching composition, music theory, or both.

Nice To Haves

• Established or emerging national and/or international profile as a composer.
• At least three years of college-level teaching experience, including graduate assistantship teaching duties.
• Evidence of effective teaching at the graduate level.
• Experience with electronic, computer, or electroacoustic music.
• Demonstrated potential for leadership in curriculum development and program innovation.

Responsibilities

• Provide composition instruction and co-lead the composition program at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.
• Engage in creative scholarship appropriate for earning tenure and promotion at a research university.
• Teach composition-related courses such as instrumentation, orchestration, and counterpoint.
• Teach theory and/or aural skills courses within undergraduate and graduate curricula.
• Teach other courses based on the candidate’s interests and specialization.
• Contribute to composition recruiting through leadership, outreach, and proactive communication with prospective students.
• Contribute to music theory/composition area curricular discussion and development.
• Contribute to the organization of JMU’s annual Contemporary Music Festival.
• Collaborate with colleagues within and outside the School of Music.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree