Assistant Professor of Composition
Most applications go out cold — see where you stand first. No sign-up to start.
Don't just apply. Show up ready.
Olive works from this exact posting — no sign-up to start.
At a glance
Requirements
Credentials this posting asks for.
Job overview
Stanford University is hiring an Assistant Professor of Composition. Stanford University's Department of Music seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Composition. The successful candidate will be a creative and innovative composer with a commitment to high-quality undergraduate and graduate instruction. They should also possess expertise in additional areas of performance or research, such as theory or computer music, and demonstrate interests that foster effective interactions with colleagues.
Key focus areas include Teach courses primarily in composition and analysis, Supervise individual composition research, and Teach courses in candidate's additional areas of expertise.
Successful candidates bring DMA or PhD in Composition and Equivalent Professional Distinction. Important skills include Creative, Innovative, High Quality Undergraduate And Graduate Instruction, Teaching Diverse Student Body, Mentoring Diverse Student Body, and Effective Interactions With Colleagues. Preferred (not required): Theory Within Or Beyond Western Art Music, Music Performance, and Computer Music.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Full job description
The Department of Music at Stanford University invites applications for a tenure-track composer at the rank of Assistant Professor. The envisaged starting date is September 1, 2027.
We are searching for a creative and innovative composer who will show every promise of attaining professional distinction. The successful candidate must have a commitment to high quality undergraduate and graduate instruction, and ability or potential in teaching and mentoring a diverse student body.
Candidates should have an interest and expertise in one or more additional areas of performance and/or research, including, but not limited to, theory within or beyond the traditions of Western art music, music performance, and computer music. The successful applicant will also have demonstrated interests that afford effective interactions with a broad range of colleagues. Teaching responsibilities will involve courses primarily in composition and analysis, at both undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as the supervision of individual composition research. Courses may also be taught in the candidate's additional areas of expertise.
To be considered, applicants must hold a DMA or PhD in Composition or a closely related field, or demonstrate equivalent professional distinction.
Letters of application should be received on or before October 1, 2026, and must include the following:
-
Cover letter
-
Curriculum vitae
-
List of works and performances
-
Three to five letters of reference
Additional supporting materials will be requested at a later date. Please do NOT send scores or recordings at this stage of the search.
The expected base pay range for this position is $115,133 - $135,388.
Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.
Further information about Stanford’s Department of Music may be found at music.stanford.edu. Inquiries may be directed to Bryan Hardester, Director of Finance and Operations, [email protected].
The application process will close on October 1, 2026.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact [email protected].
You've read the whole posting — now see how you match it.