"Visiting Assistant Professor of Music in Composition / Conducting"

The Music Department of Bates College invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor position for a composer and conductor, starting July, 2026. We seek an outstanding artist with strong commitments to excellent undergraduate teaching in a liberal arts context. The successful candidate will have demonstrable excellence in composition and orchestral conducting, and teaching experience in music theory and composition.

The Bates Music Department is composed of scholars, composers, and performers, offering a highly flexible program to undergraduate liberal arts students spanning composition, performance, music theory, ethnomusicology, musicology, and music and mind. The appointment comes with a five-course teaching load, spread either as a 2-3 or 3-2 across two semesters. Orchestra conducting is worth a full teaching credit over the academic year. The successful applicant will teach courses in diatonic and chromatic harmony, composition, and orchestration. In addition to teaching, the prospective candidate may advise thesis projects in the area of composition. Visiting faculty do not participate in shared governance and are not assigned ongoing administrative or committee responsibilities. They are required to attend faculty meetings and encouraged to attend departmental meetings related to teaching and to engage collegially in the academic life of the department.

Review of applications will begin on February 23, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should include the following:

• A cover letter summarizing the applicant’s interest in this position and qualifications, both scholarly and pedagogical;
• a current CV;
• a statement of teaching philosophy;
• a statement on creative work;
• the name and contact information for three professional references.

Supplemental documents will be requested of finalists. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of degree.

Bates students come from a diversity of educational and socioeconomic backgrounds, and we are committed to each student’s success. As part of the application, candidates should integrate a discussion of their approaches to inclusive learning into their teaching statement, and, where appropriate, into their statement outlining current creative work. These statements may include examples of pedagogical strategies, prior experience, or professional preparation that inform their work with diverse learners.

A terminal degree in music composition or a related field is required.