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Assistant Professor Composition Jobs in Colorado

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Assistant Professor Composition information

What does an assistant professor of composition do?

An Assistant Professor of Composition typically teaches writing and composition courses at a college or university. Their responsibilities include developing syllabi, delivering lectures, grading assignments, and mentoring students in writing skills. They may also conduct research in composition and rhetoric, publish scholarly work, and participate in academic service such as committees. Additionally, they often help design curriculum and stay updated on best practices in writing instruction. The role requires a balance of teaching, research, and service to the academic community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant professor of composition?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Composition, you need advanced academic credentials in English, Rhetoric, or a related field, along with a strong background in teaching writing at the college level. Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard), digital writing tools, and current pedagogical methods is typically required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and support departmental collaboration. These skills ensure effective instruction, student success, and continued professional growth in higher education environments.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant professors of composition during their first few years, and how can they be addressed?

Assistant Professors of Composition often encounter challenges such as balancing teaching loads with research and publication demands, adapting to diverse student writing abilities, and integrating into departmental culture. To address these, it's helpful to establish a clear time management plan, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and actively participate in faculty development workshops. Building strong relationships with students and other faculty members can also foster a supportive environment, making it easier to navigate the expectations of the role.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Composition vs Assistant Professor Creative Writing?

AspectAssistant Professor CompositionAssistant Professor Creative Writing
Required CredentialsMaster's or Ph.D. in Composition, English, or related fieldMaster's or Ph.D. in Creative Writing, English, or related field
Work EnvironmentColleges, universities, teaching-focused institutionsColleges, universities, teaching-focused institutions
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions emphasizing writing instructionHigher education institutions emphasizing creative writing and literature
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Assistant Professor Composition and Assistant Professor Creative Writing are both faculty roles in higher education requiring advanced degrees. The main difference lies in their focus: Composition emphasizes teaching writing skills and rhetoric, while Creative Writing centers on nurturing students' creative storytelling and literary skills. Both roles are found in similar academic environments and often compared by job seekers interested in teaching writing at the college level.

Do you need a PhD to be an assistant professor composition?

Typically, a PhD in composition, music, or a related field is required to become an assistant professor in composition at most academic institutions. Some positions may accept a master's degree with extensive professional experience, but a doctoral degree is generally preferred for tenure-track roles. Academic institutions often value research, publications, and teaching experience in addition to the highest degree earned.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor Composition jobs in Colorado?

For Assistant Professor Composition jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Professor Composition jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Professor Composition jobs in Colorado are:

Assistant Professor Composition jobs near you

Assistant/Associate Professor of Horn

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Allenspark, CO • On-site

$75 - $97/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

The College of Music at the University of Colorado Boulder seeks anaccomplished teacher and performer of horn. This full-timetenure-track/tenured faculty appointment at the rank ofAssistant/Associate Professor will commence on August 12,2027.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

The College of Music, founded in 1920, is recognized as one of thetop comprehensive music schools in the country. The College ofMusic offers seven-degree programs in over 28 fields of study, atthe bachelor's level through the doctorate. Our dedicated andencouraging community of 550 degree-seeking students, 80 full-timefaculty, 20 part-time faculty, and 40 professional, technical andadministrative staff produces over 350 performances and numerousguest lectures, masterclasses, and outreach events each year!

Comprising 40 graduate and 60 undergraduate brass and percussionmajors, students in the department pursue the following musicdegrees: BA, BM in Performance, BME, MM in Performance and inPerformance/Pedagogy, DMA in Performance and Pedagogy, and ArtistDiplomas. The College of Music offers comprehensive degree programsin Composition, Conducting, Jazz Studies, Music Education,Musicology, Performance, and Theory. CU Boulder is in one of themost picturesque and desirable geographic locations in the country,within easy driving distance of a major metropolitan area and theRocky Mountains.

The warm and collegial climate of the College of Music reflects thegenuine respect among faculty and staff and the unified goal ofproviding a nurturing and encouraging environment for thestudents.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Teach applied horn, weekly studio class, coach chamber music, and related courses in the brass area (Brass Literature, BrassPedagogy); participate in regional, national, and internationalrecruitment; maintain an active creative career; serve on graduatecommittees and supervise graduate theses and projects; advisestudents; and undertake other College and University serviceactivities as appropriate. The final assignment of duties will bebased on the needs of the department and the expertise of thecandidate.

We are especially interested in candidates who will help cultivatea collaborative atmosphere in the College of Music; and who cancontribute through their teaching and service, to the excellence ofthe academic community; and who will work to build relationshipswith other departments within the College and the University.

What You Should Know
  • This position will be appointed at the rank of Assistant orAssociate Professor (tenure-track).
  • The University of Colorado Boulder has implemented a reference check program with respect to final candidates for tenured faculty appointments. The reference check program is intended to allow CU Boulder to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their current and previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination, before making hiring decisions.All final candidates for tenured faculty appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information.
What We Can Offer
  • Assistant Professor: $75,000 - $83,000.
  • Associate Professor: $83,500 - $97,000.
  • Onboarding assistance is available within departmentalguidelines.
Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we arecommitted to supporting the holistic health and well-being of ouremployees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuitionassistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for localtransit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulderoffers an inspiring academic community and access to world-classoutdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs throughthe CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be challenged. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require
  • Experience as a teacher at the collegiate level.
  • An established record of excellence as a performingartist.
  • An earned master’s degree in Horn Performance or equivalentprofessional experience.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • We seek individuals with proven success teaching and recruitingat the collegiate level.
  • An earned doctorate degree is preferred.
  • Experience in graduate advising and job placement.
  • Additional expertise in one or more of the following areas:Orchestral Performance, Chamber Music, Music Technology, MusicEntrepreneurship and/or Business.
All files must be converted to PDF format.

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.

Applications received by September 15, 2026 will receive full consideration. The position will be posted until filled.

For questions, please contact: Professor Ryan Gardner, Chair, Horn Search Committee, Ryan.Gardner-1@colorado.edu.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information Posting Contact Name:

Professor Ryan Gardner, Chair, HornSearch Committee

Posting Contact Email:

Ryan.Gardner-1@colorado.edu

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