Assistant Professor of Music - Composition, Theory Technology

• Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track 1

Central California

• Cal Poly
  - San Luis Obispo Campus 1

Appointment Type

• Probationary 1

Bargaining Unit

Job Search Category/Discipline

• Faculty
  - Fine/Performing Arts 1

• Full Time 1

Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac)

• On-site (work in-person at business location) 1

Apply now Job no: 560191
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo Campus
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA
- California Faculty Association, Faculty
- Fine/Performing Arts, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

The Music Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, invites applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Music in Composition, Theory & Technology beginning approximately August 12, 2027.

We seek an artist-teacher with demonstrated excellence in undergraduate music theory instruction and a record of creative and/or scholarly work in composition and music technology, such as electronic music, sound art, creative coding, spatial audio, or sound design. The successful candidate will lead the music theory and musicianship curricula and will also help shape composition and technology offerings through potential new electives, interdisciplinary collaborations, and public-facing creative work.

This position supports Cal Poly’s Learn-by-Doing mission by combining innovative pedagogy, creative practice, and scholarly engagement to prepare students for evolving careers in music, technology, and interdisciplinary creative fields.

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach courses across the Music Theory and Musicianship sequence (first- through upper-level undergraduate courses).
• Teach courses across the Music Technology and Composition sequence in the candidate’s expertise.
• Advise and mentor student composers and producers, guiding senior projects and creative research.
• Maintain a program of creative activity, performance, and/or scholarship in composition, theory, or music technology.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and assessment of the music curriculum, with particular emphasis on inclusivity, innovation, and student engagement.
• Participate in service at the department, college, and university levels, supporting Cal Poly’s Teacher-Scholar Model and commitment to inclusive excellence.

Salary:
Anticipated Hiring Range:$90,276- $98,244/year, $7,523- $8,187/month
(Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)

Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development.

Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty maybe assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. Thetwo-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education…