Assistant Professor of Music - Composition, Theory, & Technology (27/28)

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Music Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo invites applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Music in Composition, Theory & Technology beginning approximately August 12, 2027.

The successful candidate will lead undergraduate theory instruction and contribute to music technology, and may shape electives and collaborations. Cal Poly encourages innovative pedagogy and a teacher-scholar model.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Composition, Music Theory, or Music Technology (Ph.D. or D.M.A.) or international equivalent.
• Demonstrated excellence in music theory pedagogy.
• Evidence of creative and/or scholarly achievement in composition and music technology.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses across the Music Theory and Musicianship sequence (undergrad).
• Teach across the Music Technology and Composition sequence in your expertise.
• Advise and mentor student composers and producers on senior projects.
• Maintain a program of creative activity and scholarly engagement.
• Contribute to curriculum development with emphasis on inclusivity and student engagement.
• Participate in service at department, college, and university levels.

Skills

Undergraduate music theory instruction

Creative work in composition and music

Education

Ph.D. or D.M.A. in Composition, Music Theory, or Music Technology

Job description

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.

Salary: Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276 - $98,244/year, $7,523 - $8,187/month

(Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)

Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development.

Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

Primary 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.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, and is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Due to CSU policies, the person hired must reside in the state of California at the time of hire and for the entirety of the appointment.

Required Qualifications

• 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.