Assistant Professor of Music Composition, Theory & Technology

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.

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.

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.

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. 
• Commitment to teaching and mentoring a diverse student body.
• Demonstrated university teaching experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching undergraduate courses in musicianship and aural skills.
• Expertise in composition, electronic music, and/or creative-coding environments (e.g., Max, Ableton, Reaper, ProTools, SuperCollider, Pure Data, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to integrate creative practices into traditional music theory and composition curricula.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.

Special Conditions 

All California State University (CSU) employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. As a condition of your employment, you will be required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 and any subsequent amendments. 

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought. 

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community. 

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community. 

In accordance with the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California. 

About The Department  

Cal Poly is a nationally ranked comprehensive public university located in San Luis Obispo, California. The College of Liberal Arts embraces Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and inclusive teaching. The Music Department offers a B.A. in Music and supports over 700 student participants across ensembles, applied study, and general education courses.

How to Apply 

To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Position Requisition #560191. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:

1. a cover letter providing some details of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position.
2. a current Curriculum Vitae.
3. copy of unofficial transcripts (sealed official transcripts and letters of recommendation will be required for final consideration).
4. a Universal Student Success Statement: Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here.
5. Statement of research interests/research plan.
6. Creative or scholarly portfolio (articles, scores, recordings, and/or media samples).
7. Statement of teaching philosophy.

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by the review begin date for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered.

Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations.  Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.

Projected Start Date: Approximately August 12, 2027

Review Begin Date: November 2, 2026

Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered.  

For questions about the position please contact Dr. Alicia M. Doyle via email at adoyle04@calpoly.edu.

Applications close: Open Until Filled