Assistant Professor in Music Theory Full-time

Assistant Professor in Music Theory

The Department of Music in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Music Theory.

We seek a versatile music theorist with a strong generalist background, alongside specialized areas of expertise at the intersection of music technology, computational methods, and analytical engagement with western and non-western musics, cultural discourses, and listening practices (e.g. post-tonal, popular, experimental and electronic/electroacoustic music, analytical approaches to timbre and aural perception, technologically engaged approaches to music scholarship, digital humanities, and sound studies).

The ideal candidate will contribute dynamically to our core undergraduate music theory and ear training curriculum while expanding our upper-level and graduate offerings to reflect their areas of research specialty and expertise.

Responsibilities

1. Teaching & Pedagogy

• Teach core undergraduate courses in music theory, counterpoint, analysis, and musicianship/aural skills.
• Develop and teach innovative upper-level undergraduate and graduate seminars to reflect their areas of research specialty and expertise.
• Supervise graduate thesis research (M.Mus., M.A., Ph.D., or D.Mus.) and advise undergraduate independent projects.
• Contribute to curriculum modernization that integrates digital technologies and global theoretical perspectives alongside foundational music literacy.

2. Research & Scholarly / Creative Activity

• Maintain an active and nationally/internationally recognized program of research, publication, or peer-reviewed creative scholarship in music theory.
• Pursue external research funding (e.g., SSHRC Insight/Insight Development Grants or equivalent).
• Intersect music theory with digital media, computational analysis, or technology-assisted scholarship while engaging with diverse music traditions or contemporary practice.

3. Service & Community Engagement

• Participate in departmental, faculty, and university governance and committee work.
• Contribute to student recruitment, advising, and departmental outreach.
• Participate actively in broader professional music theory organizations (e.g., Society for Music Theory, Canadian University Music Society).

Qualifications

Required:

• Education: A Ph.D. in Music Theory, or another relevant degree, completed by the date of appointment (ABD candidates near completion may be considered).
• Teaching: Demonstrated evidence of excellence (or strong potential for excellence) in teaching core undergraduate music theory
• Generalist Foundation: Capacity to teach core analytical skills
• Specialized Expertise: Demonstrated research or pedagogical strength in music technology (e.g., software-based analysis, computational musicology, audio/signal analysis, acoustic ecology, digital sound theory, or media theory);
• Scholarship: Evidence of an emerging record of peer-reviewed publication or creative scholarship commensurate with a tenure-track appointment.

Preferred:

• Research specialization in contemporary practices (e.g., post-1945 art music, popular music genres, experimental media, or contemporary global sound arts);
• Demonstrated interest in integrating equity, diversity, and decolonial frameworks into music theory pedagogy;
• Experience with graduate student mentorship and thesis supervision.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit their application online through the University of Alberta Careers Portal.

Applications should include:

1. Cover Letter addressing how the candidate meets the teaching, research, and disciplinary background
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a complete list of publications, presentations, and teaching history.
3. Statement of Research Interests (max 2 pages) outlining current projects and future 3 to 5-year plans.
4. Teaching Dossier including a philosophy of teaching statement (max 2 pages), sample syllabi (preferably illustrating core theory as well as specialized technological/world music topics), and summary of course evaluations if available.
5. Sample of Scholarly Work (e.g., published article, book chapter, or dissertation chapter; max 30 pages).
6. Access, Community, and Belonging (ACB) Statement articulating how the candidate's teaching, research, and service support an inclusive academic environment, as articulated here. (this can be embedded in the research and teaching sections above)
7. Contact Information for Three (3) References who can provide letters of recommendation upon request.

Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2026 and final day to apply is January 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.