Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Theory

Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Theory

Search #: 498846
Work type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Faculty Temporary

INTRODUCTION

The University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications for a one-year faculty position in the Department of Music at the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP) of Music Theory beginning Fall 2025 (with possible renewal up to 3 years). The Department of Music is a division of the School of Fine Arts at UConn, which is ranked among the highest public universities in New England.

We seek an outstanding and collaborative educator with broad expertise in Western musical traditions and experience in or openness to diverse theoretical approaches. This colleague will teach within the music theory curriculum, including core undergraduate theory courses (Harmony 1-4) as well as upper-level undergraduate and graduate seminar courses. The candidate will advise theses and dissertations at the undergraduate and graduate levels and serve on dissertation committees. The candidate will be encouraged to engage in outreach with the University and state communities through service or public engagement that advance the Department’s visibility and recruitment efforts.

The candidate should have strong skills in teaching the undergraduate written music theory core and, preferably, in one or more additional traditions which could include indigenous or vernacular music. The candidate will have excellent pedagogy and communication skills, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and an understanding of the complex demands of music curricula in the twenty-first century. Prior experience with advising is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will share a deep commitment to effective instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels, innovative courses and instruction methods, and mentoring of students in research, outreach, and professional development. Successful candidates will also be expected to broaden participation among members of under-represented groups; demonstrate through research, teaching, and/or public engagement the commitment to, and support of, diversity in the learning experience; integrate multicultural experiences into instructional methods and research tools; and provide leadership in developing pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interests.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The faculty member will teach six courses per year (3/3 load), including courses in the undergraduate theory core curriculum and graduate seminars, as determined by the needs of the Department and the candidate’s specialties. Other teaching responsibilities will include advising undergraduate and master’s theses as well as Ph.D. and D.M.A. dissertations and serving on graduate advisory committees. Secondary teaching responsibilities could include teaching courses in music composition, music technology, or courses related to the candidate’s field of expertise.

Service work will include participation in Department, School, and University committees as well as other services as appropriate to the position. While the position does not require active research participation, the candidate may engage in research opportunities provided by the University and public engagement if they choose to do so.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Earned Ph.D. in music theory by time of employment.
Proven record of teaching excellence in undergraduate music theory.
The ability to contribute to the diversity and excellence of the learning experience through teaching, service, advising, recruitment, and/or public engagement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Expertise in the pedagogy of theoretical approaches of Western classical music and at least one other area (e.g. popular music, folk/indigenous traditions, jazz, or other traditions outside of the Western common-practice canon).
Expertise in the development of diverse music theory curricula or non-traditional approaches to teaching music theory.
Proven record of teaching excellence in upper-division undergraduate and/or graduate music theory courses.
Proven record of excellence for undergraduate/graduate advising and/or demonstrated capacity to mentor and prepare students to enter the changing professional world.
Ability to engage in consensus-based collaboration with students, staff, and faculty across cultures, inside and outside of the classroom.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2025. The position is a one-year contract with a possible renewal of up to 3 years. The successful candidate’s academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. Faculty may also be asked to teach at one of UConn’s regional campuses as part of their ordinary workload. The salary range is $65,000 to $70,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience, with a robust benefits package.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty Openings, Search #498846 to upload the following additional application materials:

• Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research, and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles);
• Three letters of reference.
• If desired, candidates may include one to two additional items reflecting aspects of the candidate’s teaching and service profile that are not present in other elements of the application.

Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately; to ensure full consideration, please apply by February 15, 2025. For more information regarding the Department of Music please visit the department website at https://music.uconn.edu. Please contact the Department of Music at music@uconn.edu with any questions.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.