Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Theory & Composition

Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Theory & Composition

College: College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and The Arts - 321 College
Dept/School: Music - 32111
Vacancy Number: 16F-783
Position Number: 2559
Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position:
The Department of Music at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a full-time position as Visiting Assistant Professor of Theory & Composition. This is a nine-month, non-tenure-track position for a one year fixed-term, beginning August 10, 2026 through May 10, 2027.

Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate courses in music theory, aural skills, and orchestration/arranging. Additionally, the successful candidate will teach in a secondary area of expertise, which may include composition courses (Film Scoring and Video Game Music, Songwriting, etc.), an applied area, or other departmental needs as assigned by the chair.

This is an opportunity to join a faculty of teaching artists and scholars who are dedicated to student-centered learning and to growth in new and current programs. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching and the ability to work effectively with faculty colleagues across all degree areas.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate courses in music theory and aural skills
• Teach undergraduate course in orchestration and arranging
• Contribute to the curriculum based on individual qualifications and departmental goals
• Engage in student mentoring

Additional Opportunities May Include:

• Teaching applied lessons
• Teaching composition courses such as Film Scoring and Video Game Music, Songwriting, and/or applied composition
• Performing with a faculty chamber ensemble

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Doctoral degree in Music (DMA, PhD)
  Please note: Applicants who are ABD at the time of application will be considered; however, doctoral degree must be confirmed by August 1, 2026 to be eligible for employment.
• Relevant training/experience in music theory and aural skills pedagogy
• Experience and expertise in teaching/developing a music theory and aural skills program appropriate for an undergraduate-level institution

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Doctoral degree (PhD or DMA) in Music Theory or Composition
• Ability to contribute as an applied teacher in an area that complements current department expertise
• Experience in developing an innovative undergraduate music theory and aural skills curriculum
• Experience in teaching and/or composing music for film and/or video games
• Experience in teaching courses aligned with candidate's creative/research specialty

Special Notes to Applicants:

Prior to the official appointment to the university, the candidate selected for hire must be able to demonstrate eligibility to teach assigned courses by successfully meeting the credentialing requirements based on official transcripts and other documentation as required.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59PM EST on the posting closing date.To apply, please complete the online application below and attach the following materials as Adobe PDF documents including:

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application that includes a 1-2 page statement describing qualifications and teaching experience and interests addressed to Search Committee Chair.
• Curriculum Vita
• Portfolio/Work Sample: 2 samples of teaching music theory, aural skills, and/or orchestration/arranging. Examples may include course syllabi, assignments, and/or teaching video(s).
• Demo Reel: 1 sample of secondary area expertise (audio/video of applied performance, applied studio teaching, and/or a representative composition, etc.)
• If needed, applicants may upload additional materials under the Other category.

Please note that a minimum of three references is required for all applications. References may be contacted during the screening process. **if ABD at time of application, one of the references must be Dissertation Chair.
Letters of application without the requested components will not meet the application requirements.

For questions about the position or online application process, contact the Department of Music Administrative Associate, Sydney Stone, at stones@uncw.edu.