Job Details

The School of Music, Dance and Theatre in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University seeks an instructor of music theory for a one-year, full-time, benefits-eligible position for the 2026-27 academic year. The position is an academic year (nine-month) career-track position. Anticipated start date is August 16, 2026; fall semester classes begin August 20, 2026.

The successful candidate is expected to teach courses in the undergraduate music theory core and upper-level undergraduate and graduate music theory electives related to the candidate’s interest. Our undergraduate and graduate curricula allow for a range of teaching interests. This is an in-person position located on the ASU Tempe campus and may include teaching on the downtown Phoenix campus.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD degree in music theory or DMA in music composition, ABD considered. Demonstrated excellence in teaching undergraduate core theory and aural skills classes.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to teach effectively at multiple levels, including undergraduate courses, advanced undergraduate electives, and courses for graduate students. Demonstrated ability to teach in at least one of these three areas: popular music, form and analysis, music cognition. Demonstrated expertise and interest in music theory pedagogy. Demonstrated interest and engagement with current topics in the field of music theory. Demonstrated interest in innovative course development and/or creative approaches to teaching. Expertise in current and innovative uses of technology in the classroom and in the delivery of course content.

Instructions to Apply:

Candidates must submit: A letter of interest, including a narrative addressing the applicant’s qualifications and ability to fulfill the expectations of the position, in particular: teaching experience, commitment to innovative teaching, areas of expertise in music theory, and goals for the candidate’s prospective work at ASU, including the principles of inclusive excellence consistent with the ASU Charter, Design Aspirations, and the Mission of the School of Music, Dance and Theatre Curriculum vitae or resume Contact information for three professional references (including the nature of their relationship to applicant). Up to 2 documents or videos demonstrating evidence of excellence in teaching; for example, a teaching video, teaching statement, or detailed syllabi.

All applications must be submitted electronically via https://apply.interfolio.com/188368.

Application deadline: is July 29, 2026. Applications for a reserve pool will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.