Visiting Assistant Professor of Music in Theory and Composition

Visiting Assistant Professor of Music in

Theory and Composition Location:

Walla Walla, WA Open Date:

Apr 03, 2026

Deadline:

Description Located in the vibrant community of Walla Walla, WA , Whitman College is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving roughly 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top undergraduate, liberal arts colleges in the country. The Department of Music at Whitman College is seeking candidates for a one-year position in Music, with expertise in Theory and Composition, at the rank of visiting assistant professor, beginning August 2026. A completed terminal degree in music theory, composition, or a related field is required for the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor; candidates without a completed terminal degree will be considered at the rank of Visiting Instructor. The person in this position will offer courses in music theory (with an aural skills component) and composition. Responsibilities include guiding theory majors and composition majors, including participation in senior assessments.

The ideal candidate will:

Prioritize a student-centered teaching environment for majors and non-majors; Work with openness and generosity in a highly collaborative departmental environment; Engage with music theory in its broadest sense, working with recent trends in and interdisciplinary approaches to music theory; Engage with composition through a variety of modes and lenses (e.g. intersectional, electronic, computer, acoustic, film, installation); Guide students to connect their own interests and backgrounds with ways of creating music, working across style, genre, cultural tradition, and multiple modes of inquiry; Contribute to our music faculty's collective and ongoing efforts to diversify our curriculum. Within a personalized and inclusive environment, the Whitman Department of Music connects student passion for music with diverse approaches to new ways of understanding. Our supportive environment meets students where they are but also challenges them to surpass their own expectations as they perform, create, critically examine, and advocate for the music that matters to them. With three performance halls, recording studio, music technology lab, 14 teaching studios, 25 practice rooms, 2 rehearsal spaces, and the guidance of talented and specialized music faculty, the Whitman Department of Music has the resources to help students realize their dreams. Whitman College is committed to fostering an inclusive learning community that values diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives. In the cover letter, candidates should describe their interest in teaching undergraduates, majors as well as non-majors, at all levels of instruction. In doing so, candidates should address how their lived experiences and classroom and scholarly practices will advance equity and inclusion in the learning environment. To apply, go to https://apply.interfolio.com/184319. The online application will prompt you to upload all of the required materials: a letter of application; curriculum vitae; statement of teaching philosophy; composition portfolio with links to scores (if applicable) and recordings or virtual realizations of 3-5 works; and evidence of demonstrated or potential excellence in undergraduate instruction. The committee will solicit three letters of recommendation from applicants who reach the interview stage. Review of applications will begin on April 21 and continue until the position is filled.

Salary Range:

$65,000 - $70,000 Whitman College offers a competitive benefits package that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances; basic life , accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage; 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met; Tuition Remission - Dependent Children , after eligibility requirements ; employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester; and an Employee Assistance Program . New faculty receive a relocation stipend for moving expenses based on the distance of relocation. Benefit offerings and eligibility described reflect current offerings and may be subject to change in accordance with College polices and plan documents. For more information and to apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/184319 Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the colleges working and learning environment. Whitman College is an EEO employer. The college shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. jeid-6dd8c218eaf9064c903e493579ddefb6