"Assistant Professor of Music (Composition)"

Assistant Professor of Music (Composition)

Job ID: 292316

Location: Kennesaw, Georgia

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

About Us

For more than 60 years, Kennesaw State University has been known for its entrepreneurial spirit and sense of community. A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State is located just north of Atlanta and combines a suburban setting on two metro-Atlanta campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta. As one of Georgia's largest universities, Kennesaw State offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to over 50,000 students. Our high-impact research and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and across the globe. A member of the University System of Georgia, Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2) committed to becoming a world-class academic institution positioned to broaden its academic and research missions and expand its scope on a local, regional, and national level.

Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. As part of the University System of Georgia, Kennesaw State exemplifies the power and promise of a student-centered, research-driven university. In addition, Kennesaw State supports the University of Georgia's core values of accountability, excellence, integrity, and respect. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Kennesaw State is launching a new strategic plan in 2024-2025. For more information, visit https://www.kennesaw.edu/.

Location

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Department Information

The Kennesaw State University Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music is committed to fostering a culture of artistic excellence, academic rigor, and engaging musical experiences. Our dynamic faculty of performers and scholars emphasize pedagogy and individual mentorship that prepare students to thrive as leaders in an evolving musical landscape.

The Bailey School of Music offers a wide array of performance opportunities, from solo recitals to ensemble work across all majors, and we recognize the importance of performance as both an academic discipline and a vital means of community engagement.

Our graduates emerge as accomplished performers, innovative educators, and leaders in the global arts community. They carry forward the legacy of academic distinction that defines the Bailey School of Music by contributing to culturally impactful aspects of society while shaping the future of music. By fostering artistry and intellect, our faculty strive to create an environment where every student can excel and make meaningful contributions to the music field and beyond.

Job Summary

Kennesaw State University is now accepting applications for a full-time, tenure track faculty position as Assistant Professor of Music in the Dr. Bobby Bailey School of Music with a preferred start date of August 2026. This is a nine-month contracted position and is for work to be performed in the state of Georgia.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in composition.
• Mentor student composers through individual lessons, seminars, and ensemble collaborations.
• Lead initiatives in curricular design, technological integration, interdisciplinary practices, and entrepreneurial approaches to music creation.
• Maintain an active, national profile as a composer and scholar through commissions, performances, recordings, and publications.
• Contribute to the Bailey School of Music's culture of excellence, working closely with faculty colleagues to strengthen curricular offerings and foster student success.
• Participate in service at the school, college, and university levels, as well as contributions to professional organizations.

Teaching assignments will be based on earned degrees and SACSCOC Faculty Credentials Guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• A DMA, DM, or PhD, or the foreign equivalent, in Music, is required at the time of hire.
• Minimum of three years teaching at the college level.

Preferred Qualifications

• A record of leadership in advancing contemporary approaches to composition and music pedagogy.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and student mentorship at the collegiate level.
• Evidence of innovative curricular design that reflects modern practices, including technology integration, collaborative models, and entrepreneurial skills.
• A proven record of successfully preparing students for professional careers in composition, performance, or related fields.
• Engagement with diverse musical traditions, genres, or interdisciplinary practices.
• Evidence of collaborative leadership in academic or professional settings.
• A record of national and/or international activity in composition, demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentorship, and a forward-thinking approach to curricular design that reflects the broad landscape of contemporary music.
• Evidence of national and/or international recognition as a composer, including commissions, performances, recordings, and/or publications.

Required Documents to Attach

1. CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Sample portfolio of compositions and video/audio recordings of recent performances
4. Unofficial Transcripts (Official Transcripts and Official International Course-by-Course Evaluations Due Upon Hire)
5. Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least 3 references

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Apply Before Date

Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, please apply by January 1, 2026.

Contact Information

For questions about this faculty opening, please contact Dr. David Kehler, dkehler1@kennesaw.edu.