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Composition Professor Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Duties and Responsibilities The successful candidate will teach Foundational Core courses, including both College Composition and survey literature (World, American, and/or British), as well as upper ...

Primary assignment will initially include teaching coursework in music education, music history, music theory/composition, or music technology. * Other duties as assigned by the Director of the ...

Composition Professor information

See Indiana salary details

$55.2K

$109.2K

$179.8K

How much do composition professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for composition professor in Indiana is $109,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,900.00 and $115,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
Infographic showing various Composition Professor job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,232 per year, or $52.5 per hour.
Assistant Professor of the Practice in Musical Theatre Writing

Assistant Professor of the Practice in Musical Theatre Writing

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


University Of Notre Dame rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Department of Film, Television, and Theatre (FTT) at the University of Notre Dame is seeking a candidate for an appointment as an assistant professor of the practice in musical theatre writing, with a starting date of August 2027. The Department is especially interested in candidates with primary expertise in songwriting and lyric composition, with knowledge of various musical styles, including pop idioms, and a commitment to engaging with diverse songwriting traditions. Must be proficient in and able to train students in music-writing software such as Sibelius, MuseScore, and/or Logic Pro.
Responsibilities include undergraduate teaching (3 courses per semester) in the department's Musical Theatre Minor program, including such courses as songwriting, lyric writing, and musical theatre song analysis; and elective courses in orchestration and arranging, music direction, or other areas of specialization. Successful candidates may also teach in the New Works Lab, a course in which students write a new musical; advise student capstone projects; and/or assist on department Musical Theatre productions (both new and existing musicals). This position also offers opportunities for collaboration with faculty across departments and with university-wide institutes and the Arts Initiative.
Qualifications
  • Candidates must have an MFA in Musical Theatre, Musical Theatre Writing, or Music; or a PhD in Music Theory/Composition.
  • Candidates must have a demonstrable track record of successful professional musical theatre productions.
  • Candidates must have experience in or demonstrable potential for successful college-level teaching in a liberal arts environment.

Application Instructions
Job applicants should submit:
• a curriculum vitae listing three references with contact information
• a cover letter describing the candidate's:
  • Approach to musical theatre writing;
  • Representative successful past productions;
  • future career trajectory and plans for future projects;
  • teaching experience and pedagogic principles; and how their courses and pedagogy will enhance FTT's curriculum.

The committee will continue to vet applications until the position is filled, but candidates should send materials no later than 1 November, 2026 for fullest consideration.
Questions about the position can be directed to Associate Professor Tarryn Chun, Chair of the Search Committee, email: tchun@nd.edu

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