Assistant Professor of Composition

University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Composition in the Butler School of Music. The successful candidate will demonstrate professional and artistic excellence with expertise in wind ensemble and orchestral writing, and a track record of collaboration across media.

This positions requires commitment to teaching and mentoring at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Qualifications

• Expertise in wind ensemble/orchestral composition.
• Record of collaboration across media (opera, theatre, dance, film, gaming, visual arts).
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching and mentoring young musicians.
• Strong professional and artistic excellence with high standards.

Responsibilities

• Maintain professional activities and visibility as a composer at a Tier 1 university.
• Teach courses in composition, including orchestration, and applied composition lessons.
• Supervise graduate student research.
• Collaborate with other units in the College of Fine Arts to foster student collaborations.
• Recruit students and co-lead division initiatives like CLUTCH and visiting artist opportunities.
• Perform committee and administrative service.

Skills

Wind/Orchestral composition

Cross-media collaboration

Pedagogical excellence

Mentoring students

Education

DMA/PhD in composition or related field

Job description

Assistant Professor of Composition

College/School/Unit: College of Fine Arts

Department: Butler School of Music

Posted: Oct 15, 2026

Apply By: Open until filled

Beginning August 2027

We seek a composer with a portfolio demonstrating a record of professional and artistic excellence; expertise in wind ensemble/orchestral composition and a record of collaboration across media including, but not limited to, opera, theatre, dance, film, gaming, and visual arts. Experience with electronic media is desired. The composition faculty at UT Austin encourage their students to explore many different music-making traditions, styles, technologies, and cultures. This is a tenure-track assistant professor position; salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. It is expected that the successful candidate will establish permanent residence in Austin, Texas.

The successful candidate will:

• Maintain professional activities appropriate for a tenured position at a Tier 1 research university, including visibility as an active composer through performances, recordings, publications, leadership in professional organizations, etc.
• Teach courses in composition, including orchestration, and applied composition lessons at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Supervise graduate student research.
• Liaise with other units in the College of Fine Arts to foster inter-departmental student collaborations.
• Work actively with Composition colleagues to recruit new students and co-lead division initiatives such as CLUTCH (Collective Labors of the UT Composition Hub, the umbrella organization for performances of student works), enrichment activities, and visiting artist opportunities.
• Perform regular committee and administrative service.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• DMA or PhD in composition or a related field (substantial professional accomplishments without a terminal degree will be considered).
• A record of professional and artistic excellence.
• Expertise in wind ensemble/orchestral composition.
• A record of collaboration across media including, but not limited to, opera, theatre, dance, film, gaming, and visual arts.
• Demonstrated commitment to preparing young musicians for twenty-first century teaching and performing careers via high professional standards, superb pedagogical skills, and active mentoring.
• A record of excellence and achievement, including promise of developing a national reputation as a composer, balanced with evidence of dedication to teaching.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with electronic media.
• Achievement in teaching and/or recruiting students with a broad range of musical interests and experiences at a university or conservatory.
• Experience conducting or directing an ensemble.

The University of Texas at Austin ranks among the finest universities in the country. The Butler School of Music, comprising some 80 faculty and approximately 620 music students, has an outstanding reputation for its performance and academic programs. Degree plans range from the bachelor's to the doctoral level. The Austin area, known for its beauty and comfortable lifestyle, also provides many cultural advantages through its numerous arts organizations and is home to a very active and creative music scene.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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