Assistant Professor of Music Theory (tenure-track)

Stephen F. Austin State University; Nacogdoches (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Stephen F. Austin State University’s School of Music seeks an Assistant Professor of Music Theory for a nine-month, tenure-track appointment.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate theory and aural skills, graduate theory, and supervise master’s theses, with potential for online graduate courses as the program expands. The position emphasizes scholarly activity and service, with teaching load around 24 TLC across fall and spring, and applicants should have a doctorate by August 2027

Qualifications

• Doctorate in music theory (or related field) by August 2027.
• Two years of collegiate teaching experience, including experience as a graduate teaching assistant.
• Ability to design and deliver in-person and online courses (especially in popular music).
• Keyboard proficiency suitable for classroom instruction.

Responsibilities

• Performs an equivalent of twenty-four teaching load credits (TLC) for the combined fall and spring semesters.
• Engages in research/scholarly/creative and service activities at levels appropriate to rank and criteria.
• Provides services to the university and the profession.
• Participates in promotion review of lower-ranked faculty members.
• When tenured, participates in tenure review of candidates for tenure.
• May conduct independent studies, internships, advising, and thesis/dissertation supervision.

Skills

Course design / online delivery

Teaching experience

Scholarly reputation

Curriculum development

Education

Doctorate in music theory

Job description

GENERAL INFO

Assistant Professor of Music Theory (tenure-track)

The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music is seeking candidates for an Assistant Professor of Music Theory. This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position responsible for contributing significantly to SFA's undergraduate and graduate programs through teaching, scholarship, and service. The successful candidate will teach four classes (or the equivalent) per long term (fall and spring). The teaching assignment combines undergraduate theory and aural skills courses, graduate theory courses, and direction of master's theses. This will likely include asynchronous online courses at the graduate level, given that SFA offers many concentrations of the Master of Music degree (including music theory and composition) online. We welcome candidates with specializations in any area of music theory, but especially those with sufficient experience in popular music to expand our current course offerings.

Located in the city of Nacogdoches, Stephen F. Austin State University is a public regional university nestled among the pine trees of East Texas. Music majors account for roughly 450 of the university’s 10,000 enrolled students. Serving both undergraduate and master's students, the School of Music offers degree programs in music education, composition, conducting, performance, sound recording technology, and music theory.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position responsible for contributing significantly to Stephen F. Austin State University's undergraduate and/or graduate programs through teaching, scholarship/creative accomplishment, and service. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the chair.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs an equivalent of twenty-four teaching load credits (TLC) for the combined fall and spring semesters; reduction of teaching load through reassignment of duties is possible under certain circumstances.
• Engages in research/scholarly/creative and service activities at levels that are appropriate to faculty rank and departmental tenure/merit criteria.
• Provides services to the university and the profession.
• Participates in promotion review of lower-ranked faculty members within the department.
• When tenured, participates in tenure review of candidates for tenure.
• May conduct supplemental instructional activities such as independent studies, internships, advising, and thesis/dissertation supervision.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• May receive course load reassignment when assigned administrative duties in support of the department/college/university.
• May receive course load reassignment when assigned to prepare course material during the first semester/year when included as part of initial contract.
• May receive course load reassignment when approved to conduct research/scholarly/creative accomplishment and service which exceed normal expectations.
• May supervise the work of student and/or graduate assistants.May serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate in music theory (or related field) in hand by August 2027.
• 2 years of collegiate teaching experience, including experience as a graduate teaching assistant.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to design and deliver in-person and online courses (especially in popular music).
• Growing reputation as a scholar of music theory.
• 3 years of collegiate teaching as instructor of record.
• Keyboard proficiency suitable for classroom instruction.

PREFERRED APPLICATION DEADLINE

December 15, 2026

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Yes

CONTACT FOR INQUIRIES

Please direct questions regarding the position to the search committee chair, Dr. Samantha Inman ( [e-mail] ).

OTHER INFORMATION

Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 936-468-2304.

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