Assistant Professor-Tenure System

Working/Functional Title

Assistant Professor of Music Theory

Position Summary

The music theory area (theory.music.msu.edu) consists of seven faculty members and features a vibrant Master’s degree program with 12–15 students enrolled at a time. Research seminars and other advanced coursework, an active colloquium series with three guest scholars per semester, and dedicated faculty mentors equip master’s students with the analytical, research, musicianship, and pedagogical skills to pursue doctoral study in music theory and to present scholarship while still master’s students. The master’s program and a Graduate Certificate in music theory also serve composer-theorists and performer-theorists who go on to successful collegiate teaching careers. Finally, the theory area interacts with nearly every student in the College of Music, including undergraduate majors in performance, music education, jazz studies, and composition, as well as master’s and doctoral students in performance, composition, and conducting.

RESPONSIBILITIES:        

• Develop a national reputation as a scholar by advancing an active agenda of research publications and presentations in the field of music theory
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in music theory (a 2 + 3 course load) that serve the needs of music students in a variety of majors
• Mentor master’s students in music theory and serve on guidance committees for graduate students throughout the College of Music
• Collaborate with colleagues and students to advance the College of Music’s and music theory area’s missions to expand the repertoire and ambit of study in research and teaching
• Participate in theory-area initiatives such as colloquia, guest-scholar residencies, administration of exams, recruiting, and admissions, and provide service to the college, the university, and the discipline

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Music Theory

Minimum Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A completed doctorate in music theory by August 16, 2025
• An emerging or established record of scholarly productivity
• Successful university-level teaching experience
• A demonstrated commitment to music theory pedagogy

Desired Qualifications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated ability to mentor student research in a diverse array of topics
• Demonstrated ability to teach effectively and support student belonging at multiple levels and in a variety of subjects within our curriculum; specifically:
• We offer specialized readings seminars and proseminars for master’s students in music theory, as well as a broad range of courses to our graduate students across the college; recent topics have included: Analysis of R&B and Soul, Analysis of Gospel Music, Analysis of Film Music, Schenkerian Analysis, Counterpoint, Tonal Forms, Rhythm and Meter, Narrativity, Pop and Rock Music, and Post-Atonal Tonality
• Our restructured undergraduate curriculum emphasizes a range of topics and repertoires. Beyond required foundational courses in music theory and aural skills, we offer a rotating series of special topics courses of similar breadth to our graduate offerings

Required Application Materials

APPLICATION:
Please include the following:

• a letter of application
• a curriculum vitae that lists contact information for 3-5 references
• a 1- to 2-page research narrative summarizing primary and any secondary research specializations; short- and longer-term research plans; and titles of two proposed readings seminars for Master’s students in music theory; the title of a proposed course in an area of interest for graduate student across the College of Music
• a 1- to 2-page teaching narrative outlining goals, priorities, and methods as a music theory pedagogue
• a 15-minute teaching video

Semifinalists will be contacted to arrange Zoom interviews. Finalists will be invited to the East Lansing campus to interview.

Special Instructions

Teaching video should be submitted in the form of an accessible link such as YouTube format. 

Review of Applications Begins On

02/10/2025

Website

www.music.msu.edu

Department Statement

With 91 faculty members, the Michigan State University College of Music serves approximately 600 majors and offers a comprehensive range of degree programs from baccalaureate through the doctorate. For more information about the College, please visit our website at www.music.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.