Job Title

Music (Theory), Tenure-Track Faculty

School

Music

University Expectation

MTSU seeks candidates committed to innovative teaching, robust research/creative activity, and meaningful service. We also seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty who value working with diverse students.

Salary

The salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Job Summary/Basic Function

The School of Music at Middle Tennessee State University invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position (#131290) as the coordinator of music theory at the rank of assistant or associate professor. The start date for the position is August 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will serve as the coordinator of music theory and be directly involved in discussions of curriculum redesign, course and assessment development, and the establishment of new learning outcomes. Classroom responsibilities will include teaching undergraduate and graduate classes in music theory and aural skills. Based on the candidate’s area of research and expertise, the candidate may be asked to serve on graduate committees and provide research mentorship on both the undergraduate and graduate level.

The coordinator must have excellent organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively. The candidate selected for the position will demonstrate musicianship and comprehensive knowledge of pedagogical techniques in music theory and aural skills, including the integration of cross-disciplinary initiatives and technology.

The selected candidate must demonstrate knowledge of methods and current developments in music theory as an academic discipline. The successful candidate will combine traditional musical excellence with innovative approaches to music theory instruction, contributing to MTSU's commitment to comprehensive musical training and research.

The MTSU School of Music serves approximately 250 undergraduate and graduate music majors pursuing Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Music degrees, as well as many students enrolled in specialized minors. For more information, visit www.mtsu.edu/music.

Required Education

A terminal degree in music theory or composition is required by the appointment date.

Required Related Experience

Three (3) years of full-time teaching at the collegiate level are required by the appointment date.

Other Desirables

Applicants with experience as an area coordinator, degree coordinator, or similar leadership role in music theory and aural skills will receive special consideration.

Documents Needed to Apply

To successfully apply, applicants must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and statement of research or creative activities (as appropriate to the discipline) as separate attachments when submitting the application.

Special Instruction to Applicants

When applying, applicants must provide complete contact information, including email addresses, for three professional references. References will be contacted to provide a reference letter if the applicant is selected for an interview. In addition, if the applicant is selected for the position, official transcripts of all degrees conferred, including translations and evaluations of international transcripts from an approved credentialing agency, will be required before a contract is issued. All submitted materials become the property of MTSU and will not be returned. Submission of materials is the applicant’s responsibility. Applications without all required materials are incomplete and will not be considered.

If you need help with the application, please contact Mitzi Dunkley, Faculty Recruitment Specialist, at (615) 898-5128. If you have position-specific questions, please contact Karla Barnes at Karla.Barnes@mtsu.edu.

MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
• 13 paid University holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents

Click here for additional information.

MTSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://police.mtsu.edu/annual-security-report/ or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424.

MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.

For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email emp@mtsu.edu.

Application Review Date: 11/28/2026