Faculty Specialist 1 – Lecturer – Music Theory & Aural Skills – 1 Year Term

Job Details

Western Michigan University invites applications and nominations for the position of Faculty Specialist I – Lecturer, Music Theory & Aural Skills in the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music in the College of Fine Arts. The position will require in-person instruction on the WMU main campus in Kalamazoo. This is a one-year (academic year) terminal position. The anticipated start date is fall of 2026.

Major Responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate theory and aural skills.
• Teach upper-level and graduate seminars in areas of expertise.
• Supervise graduate teaching assistants.
• Participate in coordination and development of theory & aural skills curriculum.
• Other teaching duties as assigned.
• Attend departmental faculty and area meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral candidate (ABD) in Music from an accredited institution by time of appointment.
• 1 year of prior teaching experience in theory and aural skills as the instructor of record.
• Expertise with online learning platforms and related instructional technology.

Desired Qualifications

• PhD in music theory from an accredited institution by time of appointment.
• 2 years of full-time teaching experience at the collegiate level.
• Expertise in an area outside of the Classical canon (e.g., Pop/Rock, Film, World Music)
• A vision for how a music theory curriculum should adapt to the changing landscape of musical practices.

The University:

Western Michigan University is a learner-centered, discovery-driven, and globally engaged public university that stands out among America’s more than 4,000 higher education institutions. Founded in 1903, WMU has grown to become a major national research university enrolling more than 17,000 students from across the United States and 100 other countries. Based in Kalamazoo, WMU is a friendly, top-rated college town situated close to large urban centers, great jobs, and abundant recreational areas. WMU delivers high-quality undergraduate instruction, has a strong graduate division, and fosters significant research activities. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has placed WMU among the 76 public R2 institutions in the nation designated as a doctoral university with higher research activities.

The College:

The College of Fine Arts (CFA) consists of the Gwen Frostic School of Art, the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music, the School of Theatre and Dance, and the Richmond Institute for Design + Innovation which houses the Product Design and Interior Architecture and Design programs. All units in the College are nationally accredited. Facilities for the learning and practice of the arts at WMU are exceptional and compare favorably with other schools nationally with similar mission and scope. With a student body of about 1,300 the CFA entering class regularly has one of the highest academic profiles of any college.

The College of Fine Arts is housed in the Dalton Center, the Richmond Center for Visual Arts, South and Central Kohrman Halls, Dunbar Hall, and the Gilmore Theatre Complex all gathered around or near Fountain Plaza. Students perform in three theatres, a 400-seat recital hall, three professional art galleries, and dance performance studios mounting over 400 performances annually. New technology-based curricula, a motion capture and virtual imaging technology lab, specialized computer labs, and other discipline specific laboratories. State-of-the-art facilities host exhibitions of student, faculty, and visiting artist works.

The Irving S. Gilmore School of Music:

The Western Michigan University Irving S. Gilmore School of Music is dedicated to the advancement of the musical arts through traditional study and performance, while promoting the development of new musical paths, which prepare students for an ever-changing profession. This all-Steinway School does this by serving local, state, national, and international communities through performance, educational and therapeutic applications, composition, research, and technological innovation.

Salary:

Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, with an excellent benefits package.

Expected Start Date:

August 15, 2026

Application Deadline:

Review of applications will begin 4/27/2026 and continue until position is filled.

Required application documents:

• A current CV that includes a list of qualifications, accomplishments, and professional experiences related to the position.
• A list of 5 references with their contact information.
• A letter addressing the candidate’s interest in the position, teaching qualifications, and relevant professional experience.

WMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Protected veterans, individuals with disabilities and all other qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.