Assistant Professor of Practice - Aural Skills​/Music Theory T10137

Position: Assistant Professor of Practice - Aural Skills/Music Theory - #T10137
Location: Cullowhee

Posting Number FAC
954P Quick Link for Internal Postings (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Classification Title Assistant Professor
- Practice Working Title Assistant Professor of Practice
- Aural Skills/Music Theory - #T10137 Department School of Music About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

* 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.

* 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.

* 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.

Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.

Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site at Western Carolina University's Cullowhee, NC campus.

The Western Carolina University School of Music invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, fixed-term Assistant Professor of Practice appointment in Aural Skills and Music Theory. Anticipated begin date is August 1, 2026.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong expertise and experience in music theory and analysis, aural skills pedagogy, as well as the ability to engage students with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences through inclusive teaching practices and a wide variety of theoretical approaches and musical repertoire, including commercial and popular styles. The candidate must also demonstrate a commitment to a collegial, collaborative working environment.

Primary teaching responsibilities include instruction within the required undergraduate theory and musicianship sequence in the context of music education, commercial music, and performance degrees.

Successful candidates will work closely with colleagues and play an active role in student retention and academic support. All School of Music faculty participate in student recruitment activities and service responsibilities within the School of Music, the college, and the university, including advising student research projects, committee work, and other departmental duties.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

Minimum Qualifications

* Earned doctorate in Music Theory, Music, or closely related field. ABD candidates will be considered, but the degree must be completed prior to the start of the Fall 2026 semester.

* Two years experience teaching undergraduate aural skills and/or music theory.

* Ability to work effectively with students and colleagues from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

* Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

* A demonstrated commitment to preparing students for the contemporary demands of the evolving music profession

* Keyboard proficiency in applied skills such as sight-reading, reading harmonic chord progressions, and score reading.

Position Type Time-Limited Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 9

Posting Text

Open Date 07/15/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include the following:

* Letter of Application/Cover Letter…