INTRODUCTION
The University of Connecticut (UConn) is pleased to invite applications for a one-year faculty position in the Department of Music at the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP) of Music Theory beginning Fall 2025 (with possible renewal up to 3 years). The Department of Music is a division of the School of Fine Arts at the highest public-ranked university in New England. It has 51 total [26 full-time] faculty members, 175 undergraduate majors and 35 graduate students. Its undergraduate program features concentrations in performance, composition, jazz studies, music theory, and history. The Department also offers a joint undergraduate degree in music education with The Neag School of Education. The graduate program in the Department of Music is the most comprehensive of any public university in the region, offering master’s and doctoral degrees in performance, conducting, music theory and history, and graduate certificates in performance and conducting.
We seek an outstanding and collaborative educator with broad expertise in Western musical traditions and experience in or openness to diverse theoretical approaches demonstrated through service, research, or pedagogy. This colleague will teach within the music theory curriculum, including core undergraduate theory courses (Harmony 1-4) as well as upper-level undergraduate and graduate seminar courses. The candidate will advise theses and dissertations at the undergraduate and graduate levels (in all degree programs) and serve on dissertation committees. The candidate will be encouraged to regularly engage in outreach with the University and state communities through service or public engagement that advance the Department’s visibility and further its recruitment efforts.
The candidate should have strong skills in teaching the undergraduate written music theory core and, preferably, in one or more additional traditions which could include indigenous or vernacular music. The candidate will have excellent pedagogy and communication skills, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and an understanding of the complex demands of music curricula in the twenty-first century. Prior experience with advising is highly desirable.
The successful candidate will share a deep commitment to effective instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels, innovative courses and instruction methods, and mentoring of students in research, outreach, and professional development. Successful candidates will also be expected to broaden participation among members of under-represented groups; demonstrate through research, teaching, and/or public engagement the commitment to, and support of, diversity in the learning experience; integrate multicultural experiences into instructional methods and research tools; and provide leadership in developing pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interests.
Founded in 1881, the UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The faculty member will teach six courses per year (3/3 load), including courses in the undergraduate theory core curriculum and graduate seminars, as determined by the needs of the Department and the candidate’s specialties. Other teaching responsibilities will include advising undergraduate and master’s theses as well as Ph.D. and D.M.A. dissertations and serving on graduate advisory committees. Secondary teaching responsibilities could include teaching courses in music composition, music technology, or courses related to the candidate’s field of expertise.
Service work will include participation in Department, School, and University committees as well as other services as appropriate to the position. While the position does not require active research participation, the candidate may engage in research opportunities provided by the University (such as internal research grants and professional development funding) and public engagement if they choose to do so.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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The ability to contribute to the diversity and excellence of the learning experience through teaching, service, advising, recruitment, and/or public engagement.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Expertise in the pedagogy of theoretical approaches of Western classical music and at least one other area (e.g. popular music, folk/indigenous traditions, jazz, or other traditions outside of the Western common-practice canon).
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Proven record of teaching excellence in upper-division undergraduate and/or graduate music theory courses (including core topics such as the history of theory, form, counterpoint, structural analysis, popular music, and atonal/post-tonal approaches).
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Ability to engage in consensus-based collaboration with students, staff, and faculty across cultures, inside and outside of the classroom.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2025. The position is a one-year contract with a possible renewal of up to 3 years. The successful candidate’s academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. Faculty may also be asked to teach at one of UConn’s regional campuses as part of their ordinary workload. The salary range is $65,000 to $70,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience, with a robust benefits package.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty Openings, Search #498846 to upload the following additional application materials:
- A cover letter,
- Curriculum vitae,
- Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.);
- Three letters of reference.
- If desired, candidates may include one to two additional items reflecting aspects of the candidate’s teaching and service profile that are not present in other elements of the application.
Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately; to ensure full consideration, please apply by February 15, 2025. For more information regarding the Department of Music please visit the department website at https://music.uconn.edu. Please contact the Department of Music at music@uconn.edu with any questions.
At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.
This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.