Assistant Professor in Music Theory - U of A, Edmonton

The opportunity

The Department of Music in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Music Theory. This in-person role is located at the North Campus in Edmonton. Internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

The university seeks a versatile music theorist with a strong generalist background alongside specialized areas of expertise at the intersection of music technology, computational methods, and analytical engagement with western and non-western musics, cultural discourses, and listening practices.

Key duties

Responsibilities associated with teaching and pedagogy include:

• Teach core undergraduate courses in music theory, counterpoint, analysis, and musicianship/aural skills.
• Develop and teach innovative upper-level undergraduate and graduate seminars to reflect their areas of research specialty and expertise.
• Supervise graduate thesis research (M.Mus., M.A., Ph.D., or D.Mus.) and advise undergraduate independent projects.
• Contribute to curriculum modernization that integrates digital technologies and global theoretical perspectives alongside foundational music literacy.

Responsibilities associated with research and scholarly or creative activity include:

• Maintain an active and nationally/internationally recognized program of research, publication, or peer-reviewed creative scholarship in music theory.
• Pursue external research funding (e.g., SSHRC Insight/Insight Development Grants or equivalent).
• Intersect music theory with digital media, computational analysis, or technology-assisted scholarship while engaging with diverse music traditions or contemporary practice.

Responsibilities associated with service and community engagement include:

• Participate in departmental, faculty, and university governance and committee work.
• Contribute to student recruitment, advising, and departmental outreach.
• Participate actively in broader professional music theory organizations (e.g., Society for Music Theory, Canadian University Music Society).

Requirements

Candidates must meet the following required qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Music Theory, or another relevant degree, completed by the date of appointment (ABD candidates near completion may be considered).
• Demonstrated evidence of excellence (or strong potential for excellence) in teaching core undergraduate music theory.
• Capacity to teach core analytical skills.
• Demonstrated research or pedagogical strength in music technology (e.g., software-based analysis, computational musicology, audio/signal analysis, acoustic ecology, digital sound theory, or media theory).
• Evidence of an emerging record of peer-reviewed publication or creative scholarship commensurate with a tenure-track appointment.

Preferred qualifications for this position include:

• Research specialization in contemporary practices (e.g., post-1945 art music, popular music genres, experimental media, or contemporary global sound arts).
• Demonstrated interest in integrating equity, diversity, and decolonial frameworks into music theory pedagogy.
• Experience with graduate student mentorship and thesis supervision.

Why you'll love it here

The successful candidate will be offered a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, which includes a comprehensive benefits package. The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff ofカム the University of Alberta.