The University of South Carolina School of Music is accepting applications for Assistant Professor of Composition and Theory. This 9-month, tenure-track, position will start on August 16, 2027.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Maintain an active career as a composer through performances, recordings, publications, etc.; teach courses in undergraduate and graduate music theory as well as composition; help direct concerts of contemporary music and student composer concerts; direct graduate and undergraduate research as needed. This position will work at the University of South Carolina Columbia campus in Columbia, SC.
QUALIFICATIONS: Doctorate in music composition (D.M.A. or Ph.D.; ABD also considered); proven record of achievement and promise of developing a national reputation as a composer; evidence of the potential for successful teaching of undergraduate- and graduate-level music theory and composition coursework (including applied study and supervision of student research).
The School of Music vision statement identifies our core values, each of which are predicated on our five themes as a School: the pursuit of Excellence; devotion to Student Success; the production of Music Leaders; preparation of the Musician-Educator; and the creation of Diversely Skilled Musicians. We also embrace the ethos of music for all by advancing the major endeavor, Music for the Common Good: Carolina’s Public Music Initiative. The school encourages applications from candidates who demonstrate interests and abilities that align with these values.
GENERAL INFORMATION: The University of South Carolina in Columbia, founded in 1801, is the flagship Carnegie Level R1 research institution of a seven-campus, fully accredited, state-supported system. The School of Music is an independent unit on campus and a dynamic leader for music and music education in the United States with a full-time faculty of 56, and a student population of 475. Degrees in piano performance and piano pedagogy are offered through the doctoral level.
APPLICATION: Apply at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/212796. Upload a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and the contact information for at least three current letters of recommendation. Please be sure that the application materials address the responsibilities, qualifications, and core values as described above. Scores, recordings, and any other materials will only be requested of a select group of applicants.
The search process will continue until the position is filled, but priority screening will begin on or shortly after October 30, 2026.
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.
