Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Aural Skills

Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Aural Skills GENERAL INFO

The Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor in Music Theory and Aural Skills, beginning with the  academic year. The Division of Music Theory is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their teaching, research, and/or service to the diversity and excellence of our academic and musical community.

We encourage applications from candidates who will bring a fresh perspective to our existing courses and whose expertise encompasses a broad range of repertoires and methodologies. We also encourage applications from previous applicants.

Faculty members teach six full courses per year, normally with no more than two preps per semester. Teaching responsibilities include music theory courses in a recently redesigned two-year core curriculum, aural skills, upper-division seminars assigned according to faculty interests, and courses targeting music majors and non-majors from the college of arts and sciences. Class sizes typically range from twelve to twenty students.

Candidates whose courses could contribute to one of Oberlin’s integrative concentrations and/or interdisciplinary minors (African American music; arts administration and leadership; music and cognition; pedagogy, advocacy, and community engagement; and public humanities) are encouraged to highlight relevant expertise in their cover letter.

Faculty members are also expected to advise a diverse population of students, participate fully in divisional and conservatory meetings, administer departmental placement examinations, contribute to curricular innovations, and serve on curricular and faculty governance committees.

Candidates must demonstrate potential for successful undergraduate teaching, evidence of ongoing scholarly productivity in the field of music theory, keyboard competence, and accomplished musicianship. One or more years of full‑time teaching experience (beyond the graduate assistant level) is preferred, as is a background in performance or composition. The Ph.D. degree in music theory by May 2027 (or the equivalent professional experience) is required.

Oberlin College offers a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits.

October 16, 2026

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Should prospective applicants have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Andrew Pau, Director of the Division of Music Theory, at apau .

The full job posting ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). ) includes further information about the position, as well as details about Oberlin's Division of Music Theory and our revised curriculum.