Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Theory & Composition

Society for Music Theory; North Carolina; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A university department of music is seeking a full-time Visiting Assistant Professor of Theory & Composition for a nine-month, non-tenure-track position starting August 2026. The role involves teaching undergraduate courses in music theory, aural skills, and orchestration, along with mentoring students. Applicants are required to hold a doctoral degree in music, with expertise in music theory and pedagogy. Additional opportunities may include teaching composition courses. The university fosters a collaborative environment dedicated to student-centered learning.

Qualifications

• Relevant training/experience in music theory and aural skills pedagogy.
• Experience in teaching/developing a music theory and aural skills program for undergraduates.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in music theory and aural skills.
• Teach undergraduate courses in orchestration and arranging.
• Contribute to curriculum based on individual qualifications.
• Engage in student mentoring.

Skills

Music theory

Aural skills pedagogy

Composition

Mentoring

Education

Doctoral degree in Music (DMA, PhD)

Doctoral degree in Music Theory or Composition

Job description

Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Theory & Composition

GENERAL INFO

The Department of Music at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a full-time position as Visiting Assistant Professor of Theory & Composition. This is a nine-month, non-tenure-track position for a one-year fixed term, August 10, 2026 through May 10, 2027.

The Department of Music offers two undergraduate curricula: the Bachelor of Arts in Music with options in Performance, Jazz Studies, Music Technology, and General Studies; and the Bachelor of Music in Music Education.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate courses in music theory, aural skills, and orchestration/arranging. Additionally, the successful candidate will teach in a secondary area of expertise, which may include composition courses (Film Scoring and Video Game Music, Songwriting, etc.), an applied area, or other departmental needs as assigned by the chair.

This is an opportunity to join a faculty of teaching artists and scholars who are dedicated to student-centered learning and to growth in new and current programs. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching and the ability to work effectively with faculty colleagues across all degree areas.

Primary responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate courses in music theory and aural skills
• Teach undergraduate course in orchestration and arranging
• Contribute to the curriculum based on individual qualifications and departmental goals
• Engage in student mentoring

Additional opportunities may include:

• Teaching applied lessons
• Teaching composition courses such as Film Scoring and Video Game Music, Songwriting, and/or applied composition
• Performing with a faculty chamber ensemble

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:

• Doctoral degree in Music (DMA, PhD)
• Relevant training/experience in music theory and aural skills pedagogy
• Experience and expertise in teaching/developing a music theory and aural skills program appropriate for an undergraduate-level institution

Preferred:

• Doctoral degree (PhD or DMA) in Music Theory or Composition
• Ability to contribute as an applied teacher in an area that complements current department expertise
• Experience in developing an innovative undergraduate music theory and aural skills curriculum
• Experience in teaching and/or composing music for film and/or video games
• Experience in teaching courses aligned with candidate’s creative/research specialty

Please note: Applicants who are ABD at the time of application will be considered; however, doctoral degree must be conferred by August 1, 2026 to be eligible for employment.

SALARY

Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the UNC System Salary Information Database, https://uncdm.northcarolina.edu/salaries/index.php

Sydney Stone, Department of Music administrative associate, [e-mail]