Assistant Professor - Music - Theory/Technology

School of Music & Dance Summary

• The School of Music & Dance at San José State University seeks qualified applicants for a full-time position of Assistant Professor of Music Theory. Candidates who approach music theory and technology with an interdisciplinary perspective—for example, whose research and teaching explores the intersection of music and questions of race, class, gender, and sexuality—are especially encouraged to apply.
  
  
• San José State University, founded in 1857, is the oldest public institution of higher education on the West Coast. The School of Music and Dance has been preparing professional performers, composers, and music educators longer than any other school in California. Here you will find one of the most comprehensive music programs in the state, served by a passionate group of talented and dedicated artist-teachers. The SJSU School of Music and Dance is committed to providing an academic community whose members represent and embrace diverse cultures. We actively pursue cultural consciousness through substantive learning and formal, transparent policies. https://www.sjsu.edu/music
  
  
• This position is an excellent opportunity for creative scholars interested in launching a career at a teaching-centered institution that is a national leader in graduating historically underserved students. SJSU has achieved both HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and AANAPISI (Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution) status. Moreover, 40% of our student population are first-generation and 38% are Pell-qualified. As a result, we rank third nationally in increasing student upward mobility.

Required Qualifications

• Experience and expertise in teaching and/or administering a music theory program appropriate for a master’s level institution.
• Experience and expertise in teaching and using digital music technology in creative projects and in higher education.
• Terminal degree —DMA or PhD—by time of appointment
• Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a multicultural population as might have been gained in:
  • cross-cultural study
  • training
  • teaching
  • other comparable experiences
    
    

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in relevant audio software programs such as MAX/msp, SDIF, Reaktor, etc. Creative collaborations with Digital Media Art, design, computer science and/or engineering. Conversant with current trends in music technology and its interdisciplinary potential with dance, theater, multimedia, film, interactive and distributive music-making.
• We welcome applications from those who promote equity practices and culturally responsive pedagogy in their classrooms.
• Experience working with Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other racially minoritized students in the classroom, and an understanding of how historical patterns of exclusion of these groups within higher education and the field of music shape patterns of participation and outcomes.
• Willingness to examine and re-mediate one’s instructional, relational, and classroom practices to more effectively engage and support historically underserved students.
  
  

Responsibilities

• The candidate will teach and develop courses in music theory, as well as courses in music software and hardware, instrument and device controllers, and programming.
• The candidate will sustain a continuous and cumulative record of creative/scholarly activities, community outreach, and service to the School and University.
• The candidate will advise the School’s director in the continued development and operations of the School’s digital music resources.
• The candidate will participate in shared governance, usually in School, college, and university committee and other service assignments.
• The candidate must demonstrate awareness and experience understanding the needs of a student population of great diversity – in age, cultural background, ethnicity, primary language and academic preparation – through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies and advisement.

Compensation - Commensurate with qualifications and experience. See Benefits Summary for details.

Starting Date - August 2, 2021

Eligibility - Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Letter of interest
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching interests/philosophy (2 pages) that describes what role faculty play in student success
• Statement of creative/research plans (2 pages) that addresses the relationship of creative/research work to the classroom and teaching
• Diversity statement (2 pages) that discusses best strategies for supporting students historically marginalized in Music
• Three references with contact information (no letters at this time)

Additional materials may be requested at a later date. Review of applications begins on November 2, 2020.

Inquires may be directed to Dr. Fred Cohen, Director, School of Music & Dance: Fred.Cohen@sjsu.edu



The University

San José State University enrolls over 35,700 students, a significant percentage of whom are members of minority groups. The University is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty so our disciplines, students, and the community can benefit from multiple ethnic and gender perspectives.

Located in downtown San José (Pop. 1,000,000) in the heart of Silicon Valley, SJSU is part of one of the most innovative regions in the world. As Silicon Valley’s public university, SJSU combines dynamic teaching, research, and university-industry experiences to prepare students to address the biggest problems facing society. SJSU is a member of the 23-campus California State University (CSU) system.


Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff as well as University programs and activities. Reasonable accommodations are made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. Note that all San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Additional Information

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Advertised: October 10, 2020 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: