Assistant Professor of Music - Composition, Theory, & Technology (27/28)

About the role

The Music Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, invites applications for a full‑time, academic year, tenure‑track position as Assistant Professor of Music in Composition, Theory & Technology beginning approximately August 12, 2027. The department seeks an artist‑teacher with demonstrated excellence in undergraduate music theory instruction and a record of creative and/or scholarly work in composition and music technology (electronic music, sound art, creative coding, spatial audio, sound design). The successful candidate will lead the music theory and musicianship curricula, shape composition and technology offerings through new electives, interdisciplinary collaborations, and public‑facing creative work, and support Cal Poly’s Learn‑by‑Doing mission by combining innovative pedagogy, creative practice, and scholarly engagement to prepare students for evolving careers in music, technology, and interdisciplinary creative fields. The College of Liberal Arts embraces Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and inclusive teaching. The Music Department offers a B.A. in Music and supports over 700 student participants across ensembles, applied study, and general education courses.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses across the Music Theory and Musicianship sequence (first‑through upper‑level undergraduate courses).
• Teach courses across the Music Technology and Composition sequence in the candidate’s expertise.
• Advise and mentor student composers and producers, guiding senior projects and creative research.
• Maintain a program of creative activity, performance, and/or scholarship in composition, theory, or music technology.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and assessment of the music curriculum, with particular emphasis on inclusivity, innovation, and student engagement.
• Participate in service at the department, college, and university levels, supporting Cal Poly’s Teacher‑Scholar Model and commitment to inclusive excellence.

Requirements

• Due to CSU policies, the person hired must reside in the state of California at the time of hire and for the entirety of the appointment.
• All California State University employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act; compliance with CSU Executive Order 1083 is required.
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before employment begins.
• Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco‑free campus.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or D.M.A.) in Composition, Music Theory, or Music Technology or a related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate will be awarded prior to the start of the appointment.