"Assistant Professor of Music"

Job Details

The Department of Music at Wabash College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Music Theory and Composition, with an expected start date of July 1, 2026.

The Wabash music department seeks to foster an interdisciplinary approach to music as part of a larger liberal arts education. In its newly revised curriculum, the music major is designed to equip students with a theoretical and methodological foundation allowing them an individualized path through the major according to their interests and skillsets.

In addition to having demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching and student mentorship, we seek a candidate with the ability to contribute to the Department of Music’s integrated and interdisciplinary approach; this includes creativity and innovation in teaching, and an ability to engage with students in small classes and in individual projects. Knowledge of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and other means of digital/commercial music production are desirable. The selected candidate will continue to pursue their own research agenda and, ideally, collaborate with faculty in the Department of Music and other areas of the humanities.

The successful candidate will teach three courses per semester plus lab components. Music theory courses at Wabash range from fundamentals to advanced, as well as special topics courses based on the instructor’s own interests and expertise.

Courses to be taught may include:

• MUS-130: Musicianship
• MUS-210: Basic Music Theory
• MUS-211: Intermediate Music Theory
• MUS-311: Advanced Music Theory
• MUS-111: Digital and Commercial Music
• MUS-104/204/304: Special Topics in Music
• MUS-141: Studio Ensemble (Ad hoc ensembles overseen by a faculty member in an independent study approach.)
• MUS-498: Senior Seminar

QUALIFICATIONS

DMA or PhD in Music Composition or Music Theory expected by time of appointment; ABD candidates will also be considered.

The Music Department has three full-time faculty and a strong culture of innovative pedagogy, collegiality and mentoring, and research. Wabash College offers competitive salaries and benefits, with substantial support for professional travel and research as well as continued professional development orientations and workshops for all faculty. In the pre-tenure years, this position’s appointment is as a Byron K. Trippet professor, which provides additional teaching and research support. Further information about the department can be obtained from https://www.wabash.edu/academics/music.

About Wabash College

Founded in 1832, Wabash College is a private, independent, residential four-year liberal arts college with a mission to “educate men to think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively, and live humanely.” The College invests significant resources to ensure students can participate in off-campus and international immersion learning experiences. Wabash has opportunities and close connections to the local community and has recently been awarded multiple grants to support community engagement and collaboration, with supported opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. Our 92-acre wooded campus is in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Crawfordsville is a growing and vibrant community with easy access to outdoor recreation and is a 50-minute drive west of Indianapolis.

Amid a strategic transformation to advance the success of first-generation students and students from low-income families, Wabash College is committed to attracting and effectively supporting faculty and staff with a demonstrated commitment to supporting student success. Approximately 25% of our students are federal Pell Grant recipients, one-third of our students are first-generation college students, and about 20% of our students identify as domestic students of color. The successful candidate will ideally demonstrate experience with, and interest in, working with these students. Wabash offers a broad range of academic and cultural programs open to all members of the Wabash community with the goal of providing a rich educational environment. Wabash is a top-50 Liberal Arts College according to U.S. News, and a member of Colleges That Change Lives. Many students, staff, and faculty find the close-knit community of the residential college one of the most rewarding aspects of joining the Wabash College community.

Application Process

To apply, go to www.wabash.edu/employment and hit the “Apply Now” button. The application dossier should consist of:

• Letter of application that in part addresses qualifications for teaching music theory and composition
• Curriculum vita
• Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness
• Portfolio of creative work
• Names and email addresses for three persons who will submit confidential letters of recommendation electronically

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Professor Michael Abbott, Chair of the Department, at abbottm@wabash.edu. Application questions may be directed to Ms. Julia Phipps, Academic Administrative Coordinator, phippsj@wabash.edu. Review of materials will begin on December 5, 2025.

Wabash College, a liberal arts college for men, seeks faculty and staff who are committed to providing quality engagement with students, high levels of academic challenge and support, and meaningful experiences that prepare students for life and leadership among diverse populations around the globe. Wabash is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from persons of all backgrounds