Assistant Professor of Music, Composition

James Madison University•Harrisonburg, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

James Madison University’s School of Music seeks an accomplished composer and dynamic teacher for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Composition position beginning in Fall 2027. The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues within and beyond the School of Music, teach across traditional curricular boundaries, contribute collegially to the faculty, communicate effectively, and maintain an active creative agenda appropriate to the university. The role includes composition instruction and co-leadership of the composition program at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. The faculty member will engage in creative scholarship appropriate for tenure and promotion at a research university; teach composition-related courses, such as instrumentation, orchestration, and counterpoint; and teach music theory and/or aural skills in undergraduate and graduate curricula. Additional teaching may reflect the candidate’s interests and specialization. The position also contributes to student recruitment, curricular development, and organization of the School of Music’s annual Contemporary Music Festival. The School of Music is part of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and has approximately 400 undergraduate majors, 75 graduate students, and 200 music minors. Its 45 full-time and 25 part-time faculty members produce more than 200 performances and presentations annually. The position is based at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check.

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, including areas such as instrumentation, orchestration, and counterpoint.
Teach music theory and/or aural skills courses in 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.
Participate in music theory/composition curricular discussion and development.
Contribute to organizing JMU’s annual Contemporary Music Festival.
Collaborate with colleagues within and outside the School of Music and maintain an active creative agenda appropriate to the university.