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Composition Professor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hartnell College

English, Part-Time Professor

Salinas, CA · On-site

$60.19 - $71.29/hr

Main Campus 411 Central Avenue, Salinas Job Type: Part-Time Professor Job Number: 202300040 ... Master's degree in English, literature, comparative literature, or composition * OR Bachelor ...

Hartnell College

ESL Part-Time Professor

Salinas, CA · On-site

$53.83/hr

District-wide Job Type: Part-Time Professor Job Number: 202300150 Division: Academic Affairs ... AND masters in linguistics, applied linguistics, English, composition, bilingual/bicultural studies ...

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Composition Professor information

What is the difference between Composition Professor vs Music Theory Professor?

AspectComposition ProfessorMusic Theory Professor
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Composition or related fieldMaster's or Doctorate in Music Theory or related field
Work EnvironmentUniversities, conservatories, private studiosUniversities, conservatories, research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, arts organizationsHigher education institutions, research centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Composition Professors and Music Theory Professors typically hold advanced degrees and work in academic settings. Composition Professors focus on creating and teaching new music compositions, while Music Theory Professors analyze and teach the structural aspects of music. Although their roles overlap in higher education, their specialization areas differ, making each role unique within the music academic field.

What are composition professors?

Composition professors are educators who specialize in teaching students how to write effectively, typically at the college or university level. They instruct courses in academic writing, creative writing, and rhetoric, helping students improve their grammar, organization, and critical thinking skills. In addition to teaching, composition professors often conduct research, develop curriculum, and advise students on their writing projects. Their goal is to prepare students to communicate clearly and persuasively in both academic and professional contexts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Composition Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Composition Professor, you need expertise in writing pedagogy, advanced knowledge of rhetoric and composition theory, and typically a PhD or MFA in English or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard), academic databases, and digital writing tools is essential. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and adaptability are crucial soft skills that help foster student growth and engagement. These skills and qualifications are vital for effectively teaching diverse student populations and advancing scholarship in the field.

How does a Composition Professor typically collaborate with other faculty and departments within a university?

Composition Professors often work closely with colleagues in English, Writing Centers, and interdisciplinary programs to develop curriculum, coordinate writing initiatives, and assess student outcomes. They may participate in department meetings, serve on committees, and collaborate on research or teaching projects. This team-oriented environment helps foster consistent standards across courses and provides opportunities for professional growth through shared expertise and mentorship.
What are popular job titles related to Composition Professor jobs in California? For Composition Professor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Composition Professor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Composition Professor jobs in California are:
Composition Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Composition Professor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Professor of Composition

Stanford Energy

Stanford, CA • On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago

Stanford University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

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Job description

Assistant Professor of Composition

Apply now Work type: University Tenure Line
Location: Stanford University
Categories: School of Humanities & Sciences

The Department of Music at Stanford University invites applications for a tenure-track composer at the rank of Assistant Professor. The envisaged starting date is September 1, 2027.

We are searching for a creative and innovative composer who will show every promise of attaining professional distinction. The successful candidate must have a commitment to high quality undergraduate and graduate instruction, and ability or potential in teaching and mentoring a diverse student body.

Candidates should have an interest and expertise in one or more additional areas of performance and/or research, including, but not limited to, theory within or beyond the traditions of Western art music, music performance, and computer music. The successful applicant will also have demonstrated interests that afford effective interactions with a broad range of colleagues. Teaching responsibilities will involve courses primarily in composition and analysis, at both undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as the supervision of individual composition research. Courses may also be taught in the candidate's additional areas of expertise.

To be considered, applicants must hold a DMA or PhD in Composition or a closely related field, or demonstrate equivalent professional distinction.

Letters of application should be received on or before October 1, 2026, and must include the following:

- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- List of works and performances
- Three to five letters of reference

Additional supporting materials will be requested at a later date. Please do NOT send scores or recordings at this stage of the search.
The expected base pay range for this position is $115,133 - $135,388.

Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.

Further information about Stanford's Department of Music may be found at music.stanford.edu. Inquiries may be directed to Bryan Hardester, Director of Finance and Operations, bhardest@stanford.edu.

The application process will close on October 1, 2026.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research, teaching and clinical missions.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access@stanford.edu.

Advertised: 29 Jun 2026 1:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 01 Oct 2026 11:55 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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