Music Composition - Assistant Professor

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 12/01/2025.

Position Summary:

The School of Music in the College of Performing and Visual Arts at the University of Northern Colorado invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Music Composition to begin in August 2026.

Job Duties:

The University of Northern Colorado invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in Music Composition. We seek a creative and collaborative individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in their teaching, mentoring, and creative practice. The ideal candidate will contribute to our vibrant academic community and have the potential to attract and inspire outstanding undergraduate, Master's, and Doctoral students. This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of music composition education while cultivating a national and international profile of creative activity.

UNC offers degrees in Music Education, Jazz Studies, Performance, Latinx Music, and Music Business & Recording Arts, among others. Candidates must be able to teach a diverse group of students and create an equitable and safe environment that fosters belonging. 

With a history of excellence and leadership in arts and education, the School of Music is a community of students, teachers, artists, scholars, and music industry professionals. Our 40 full-time and 30 adjunct faculty teach and support over 350 music majors pursuing undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degrees in programs including performance, music education, jazz studies, music business, composition, theory, and history & literature; and certificate programs in Music Technology and Arts Entrepreneurship. Primarily housed in historic Frasier Hall, our facilities include a fully equipped and professionally managed recording studio and the new Campus Commons Performance Hall. We adhere to the values of College of Performing and Visual Arts: Creative Thinking, Belonging & Justice, Integrity, Sustaining Relationships, and Tradition & Transformation.

Responsibilities
Teach undergraduate and graduate composition, orchestration, and related courses.
Help students navigate the paradigm-shifting role of new technologies such asgenerative AIin contemporary composition, performance, and pedagogy.
Engage in cross-genre teaching and creative activity, exploring intersections among classical, jazz, Latinx, popular, experimental, and electronic music practices.
Contribute to collaborative initiatives with faculty across the School of Music, as well as with community partners and arts organizations.
Mentor student projects in the SOM’s new Chamber Music Incubator, fostering the creation, rehearsal, and performance of new works.
Provide leadership in the Open Space Festival of New Music, a cornerstone of the School’s artistic programming that highlights innovative and diverse compositional voices.
Maintain an active profile of creative research and professional activity at the national and/or international level.
Participate in curriculum development, student advising, and departmental service.

Minimum Qualifications:
Terminal degree in Music Composition or related field, or commensurate professional experience.
2 years of teaching music composition and related coursework at the college level.
Potential for professional activity at a national or wider scope.
Commitment to inclusive recruitment practices to attract a diverse body of students.

Preferred Qualifications:
Terminal degree in Music Composition.
1 year of teaching graduate applied lessons and/or coursework in music composition.
3 years experience and demonstrated success in teaching and mentoring composers at the university level.
Evidence of outstanding compositional achievement and a clear creative trajectory.
Interest and experience in emerging technologies, including digital media, video games, interactive systems, and generative AI.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and creative activity.
Record of collaboration with performers, faculty colleagues, and community partners.
Experience guiding graduate students in thesis and dissertation research.

Application Materials:

Completed UNCO application.

Cover letter addressing qualifications and vision for teaching and creative activity.

Curriculum vitae.

Portfolio of three works (links to scores, recordings, digital projects).

Contact information for [3–5] references.

Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. Recognized as a top university for social mobility, UNC is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution and to serve more than 44%  of our undergraduates who are the first in their family to attend college.  UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub,to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

EEO Statement
The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNC community. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure UNC’s compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations
The University of Northern Colorado is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 970-351-2718 or human.resources@unco.edu. 

Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.