Assistant Professor in Music Theory

Job summary

The successful candidate will teach core undergraduate music theory and musicianship courses while developing specialized graduate seminars. They are also expected to maintain an active research program, supervise graduate students, and participate in departmental governance.

Job details

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered. Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton. 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 [https://www.ualberta.ca/en/human-resources-health-safety-environment/benefits-and-pay/benefits-and-pension/benefits-overview/index.html]. The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A [https://www.ualberta.ca/en/human-resources-health-safety-environment/media-library/my-employment/agreements/schedule-a-academic-faculty-members-2020-2024.pdf] 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. The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide. Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more [https://www.ualberta.ca/en/careers.html]. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered. At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns. The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply. L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler. The Faculty of Arts [https://www.ualberta.ca/en/arts/index.html] is a diverse and inclusive academic community spanning the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Through innovative research, teaching, creative expression, and strong community partnerships, the Faculty of Arts advances knowledge and drives positive societal change. It provides students with the tools to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute to a more just and thoughtful world.

What you’ll do

The successful candidate will teach core undergraduate music theory and musicianship courses while developing specialized graduate seminars. They are also expected to maintain an active research program, supervise graduate students, and participate in departmental governance.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Music Theory or a relevant field by the appointment date. Candidates should demonstrate excellence in teaching, an emerging record of scholarly publication, and expertise in music technology or computational methods.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package

Listed skills

• Analytical · Preferred
• Recruitment · Preferred
• analysis · Preferred
• Training · Preferred
• Mentorship · Preferred
• staff · Preferred
• Health · Preferred
• safety · Preferred
• Process · Preferred
• Development · Preferred
• future · Preferred
• positive · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Music theory
• Music technology
• Computational musicology
• Audio signal analysis
• Acoustic ecology
• Digital humanities
• Sound studies
• Counterpoint
• Musicianship
• Aural skills
• Graduate thesis supervision
• Curriculum development
• Research
• Pedagogy
• Academic governance
• Influencing Skills
• Digital Humanities
• Research Funding
• Student Recruitment
• Analytical Skills
• Literacy
• Teaching
• Course Evaluations
• Critical Thinking
• Ecology
• Employment Contracts
• Governance
• Psychology
• Innovation
• Knowledge-Based Systems
• Mentorship
• Music Theory
• Music Technology
• Presentations
• Safety Training
• Social Sciences
• Syllabus Development
• Environment Health And Safety
• Booking (Sales)
• Advising
• Musicology
• World Music

Job areas

• Education
• Science & Research
• Creative & Media
• Art & Design
• Assistant Professor of Music
• College Professor (Other)
• University and Higher Education Teachers
• Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
• Postsecondary Teachers

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