Composition Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TENURE TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF COMPOSITION, SCHOOL OF MUSIC, COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

INTRODUCTION/POSITION:

The School of Music at the University of Delaware invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor in Composition. This is a full-time tenure track position. The School of Music is a vibrant community of musicians, educators, and scholars, providing dynamic performances and academic experiences for a diverse and inclusive community of students across the many areas and disciplines at the University of Delaware. We welcome applicants with a broad perspective on the field of composition and a diverse and varied background of compositional styles that will help prepare our students for an increasingly interconnected and changing world.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The selected candidate will possess a broad perspective on the field of composition with pedagogical competence to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Earned doctorate (PhD or DMA) in music composition or a cognate discipline required. The candidate will show a record of successful teaching at the university level with a demonstrated commitment to representation and social interconnection. For more information: http://www.udel.edu/careers 

QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The selected candidate must have an earned doctorate (PhD or DMA) in music composition or a cognate discipline; a record of university level teaching experience; a consistent record of professional activity as a composer, educator, and scholar on the state, regional, and national levels; and a demonstrated commitment to representation and social interconnection.

Responsibilities will include: teaching applied lessons in composition; facilitating weekly studio classes; teaching classes in orchestration, arranging, and music technology (including DAWs, music notation software, and basic recording techniques); organize composition student concerts and recitals; and maintaining a profile as an active composer/teacher at the state, regional, and national levels. Additional responsibilities will include service to the School of Music, College of Arts and Sciences, and the greater university.  Preferred candidates will have and maintain a profile and recruiting/retention strategy that has high potential to attract quality undergraduate and graduate students.

SCHOOL OF MUSIC AT UD: 

The mission of the School of Music, in the College of Arts and Sciences (https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/) at the University of Delaware (https://www.music.udel.edu) is to provide the highest level of educational opportunities for music majors' professional learning as performers, educators, and scholars. The School provides optimal resources for significant musical growth through ensembles, private study, and academic music courses available to the general student population and others of the University community. The School comprises 60 full- and part-time faculty and professionals and enrolls approximately 250 undergraduate majors, minors and graduate students. Offered are Bachelor of Music degrees in Applied Music, Music Education, Music History, Music Theory, and Composition; Bachelor of Arts with a major in music and concentration in Music Management; and Master of Music degrees in Performance, Teaching, Chamber Music, and Composition. The School of Music provides opportunities for cultural enrichment to the University community and its constituencies, as well as leadership and support to music educators and other professional musicians in the region.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES AT UD: 

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the largest college at the University of Delaware, comprising 22 academic departments, 2 academic centers, and 35 interdisciplinary centers, programs, and institutes across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. CAS serves every student at the University through foundational coursework, while also supporting over 7,300 undergraduate and 1,100 graduate students majoring in our disciplines. In 2024-2025, CAS conferred more than 1,400 BA and AA degrees and 460 graduate degrees.

Our community includes more than 600 full-time tenure-track and non-tenure contract faculty who are leaders in their fields, innovators in teaching, and advisors to nonprofit and governmental agencies at the local, regional, national, and international levels. Faculty emphasize the enduring value of an arts and sciences education and share a deep commitment to excellence in scholarship and all forms of creative and intellectual expression. With annual sponsored research expenditures totaling more than $40 million, including significant funding from the NIH and NSF, CAS houses several large, interdisciplinary grants and maintains outstanding research and teaching facilities that encourage innovation and collaboration.

Guided by a commitment to shared governance, CAS faculty serve as leaders in the University and College Faculty Senates. More than 380 staff members and 45 postdoctoral fellows and researchers further enrich the CAS community by providing essential support to students and academic units. CAS maintains annual operating expenditures of over $152 million and is a hub for interdisciplinary engagement, connecting students and faculty with local, national, and global communities through research, creative activity, and public service.

THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE:

The University of Delaware is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or status as a protected veteran, as well as any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For the University's complete non-discrimination statement, please visit www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html 

TO APPLY:

Applicants should upload a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least three references. Apply by March 11th, 2026 for fullest consideration. Position is open until filled. For additional information, please contact Dr. Miles Brown, chair of the search committee (udbass@udel.edu).

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Compensation packages are highly competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The UD benefits package is one of the best in the nation.