Assistant Professor of Practice, Music Theory

Job Description

Position Summary:

Colorado State University seeks a 9-month Assistant Professor of Practice, specializing in Music Theory (70% teaching, 15% research or creative activity, 15% service). This full-time, non-tenure-track position will support the core curriculum for all undergraduate and graduate music degrees in music theory and aural skills.

Full Consideration Date:

March 23, 2026

Description of Work Unit:

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (SMTD) at Colorado State University empowers students to create, collaborate, innovate, and inspire. Through teaching, creative artistry, research, advocacy, and service, we elevate arts education. SMTD has 46 tenured and tenure-track faculty as well as 55 contract, continuing and adjunct faculty. There are currently over 550 students in SMTD, with 375 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in residential and online music degree programs. SMTD is housed in the University Center for the Arts, a nationally recognized state-of the art 350,000 square foot facility, that includes a 550-seat concert hall, a 275-seat organ and chamber music recital hall, a 320-seat thrust theatre, a 100-seat black box theatre, a 200-seat dance theatre, dedicated rehearsal, production and research spaces, along with classrooms, labs and practice rooms.

Essential Job Duties

• Primarily, course assignments will be for the four-semester undergraduate sequence in music theory and aural skills. In addition to these courses, other potential teaching responsibilities may include upper division music theory and/or music composition courses according to the interests and qualifications of the applicant and the needs of the school.

• Engage in ongoing professional activity, engaged scholarship, and/or creative artistry appropriate to the disciplines of performance and directing, or other area of specialty within the craft of theatre or film. Conduct and publish research, pursue external funding, and contribute to scholarly advancement in the field.

• Appropriate university service and scholarly activities related to music theory and/or composition will be expected in a capacity appropriate for the 30% overall load for these two areas.

Supervision:

• No formal supervisory responsibilities

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Background Check

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in music theory or music composition at time of appointment. ABD applicants will be considered.

• Evidence of successful teaching experience at the college level in theory and aural skills.

• A promising record of scholarship/research and/or creative activity.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively.

• Commitment to continue professional development.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Evidence of the integration of technology and contemporary methodology into the teaching of music theory and/or aural skills through innovative pedagogy.

• Strong classroom organizational and management skills.

• Interest and/or qualifications in teaching areas outside music theory including but not limited to music technology, popular music, and film/video game music.

Applicant Instructions:

For full consideration, interested applicants must submit the following:

• Cover letter, 2-page maximum

• Curriculum vitae, which should clearly detail your research publication record, narrative regarding your research agenda, and evidence of advocacy and leadership.

Semifinalists will be required to provide a video of their live/synchronous teaching. Supply a single document listing a direct online link of a video recording of a recent class or lesson (within the last three years), total length not to exceed 30 minutes. All links should be accessible with no further permissions required.

Salary Range

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.