Music Theory and Composition Assistant Professor

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Position Title:
Music Theory and Composition Assistant Professor

Job Category:
Faculty

Employment Type:
Regular

Job Profile:
Assistant Professor

Job Duties:

The Department of Music is seeking an Artist/Teacher of Music Theory and Composition appointed at the level of Assistant Professor (tenure-track). The successful candidate will join their colleagues in further advancing the reputation of the Composition/Technology and Theory Area; direct the Music Theory program; teach undergraduate and graduate music theory and composition courses including written and aural core theory, counterpoint, orchestration, graduate theory seminar, and other courses as their expertise warrants; and teach composition lessons as part of a studio/instructor rotation. They will contribute significantly to the development of upper-division and graduate-level composition/technology and theory courses.

The candidate will recruit for the Department of Music at the undergraduate and graduate levels and participate in service and faculty governance activities within the University, the College of the Arts and Architecture, the Peck School of the Arts, the Department of Music, and the Composition/Technology and Theory Area.

Specific Tasks and Duties:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate theory courses and studio composition lessons
• Maintain an active composition career
• Serve as the head of the Music Theory program
• Contribute to the vision and growth of an established Composition and Technology program
• Participate in the Composition and Technology Area events and operations
• Serve on University, College of the Arts and Architecture, Peck School of the Arts, and Music Department committees as assigned
• Engage in recruiting and retention initiatives
• Engage in professional development activities
• Participate in faculty meetings, creative/scholarly activities, and service appropriate to a university faculty member

Key Job Responsibilities:

Department:

The Peck School of the Arts offers twenty undergraduate and graduate degree programs serving over 1,600 student majors, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive arts schools in the region. Spanning both the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's main campus and Milwaukee's East Side, PSOA presents more than 300 public events each year, and maintains a multitude of creative maker spaces, performance halls, innovative research centers, digital labs, and other facilities critical to the needs of 21st century artistic and performance teachings and practice.

The Peck School of the Arts is in the College of the Arts and Architecture, which enrolls nearly 2,400 students across more than 82 degree, certificate, and minor programs. Faculty expertise spans a wide array of disciplines, including Architecture; Art and Design; Dance; Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres; Music; Theatre; and Urban Planning.

Compensation:

The target hiring range is $60,000 - $65,000. Final salary offer is contingent upon skills, knowledge, and abilities as demonstrated throughout the selection process.

Required Qualifications:

• Earned Doctorate in Music Composition by date of hire (ABD candidates with a clear expected date for completion will be considered) or a Master's degree with equivalent professional experience
• Evidence of experience as a professional composer
• Evidence of successful music theory and composition teaching

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Music Composition
• Documented strong background in Music Theory, which may include intensive coursework, teaching experience, scholarship, earned credentials, and other relative experience
• Documented record of high-quality creative output as a composer
• Demonstrated record of leadership
• Evidence of understanding the functional use of technology in the application of composition in multiple styles and mediums
• Evidence of participation in professional organizations (i.e., conference/festival attendances and presentations, active memberships)
• Documented record of successful university-level music theory teaching
• Documented record of successful university-level composition teachin

How to Apply:

Interested candidates must upload the following documents:

• A cover letter that addresses how their experience meets the qualifications of the position.
• A Professional Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• 1-2 page Teaching Philosophy Statement
• A document containing the names of three professional references, including contact information (email address, phone number, and mailing address).
• Recordings (limit of three works, excerpts are acceptable) submitted electronically (online links) of composition performances (of different instrumental/vocal/computer electronic/film types, preferred)
• Recent musical scores (limit 3)
• Optional: Scholarly papers or articles in music theory

This is a continuous recruitment with an initial review date of 12/01/2025. To ensure consideration, applications must be submitted by 12/01/2025. Applications submitted after 12/01/2025 may not be reviewed.

In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate's application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.
Contact Information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Coua Xiong at xion2447@uwm.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM's Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.