The USC Thornton School of Music invites applicants for a tenure-track position in Composition, a department within the Division of Classical Performance and Composition. The appointment is anticipated at the rank of either Assistant Professor or Associate Professor; rank is contingent on qualifications and experience. This appointment begins on August 16, 2025. If the candidate is hired at the Assistant Professor rank, this is a tenure-track position, and the probationary period will be set in accordance with university norms as well as candidate’s qualifications and experience. If the candidate is hired at the Associate Professor rank, a tenure dossier is usually submitted during the first year of the appointment, in accordance with university norms.
Founded in 1884, the USC Thornton School of Music is currently celebrating its 140th year. Over the course of those fourteen decades, the Thornton School has prepared students for exceptional careers and a life in music as culture-defining performers, composers, producers, industry executives, entrepreneurs and leaders, researchers, educators and beyond. USC Thornton is the oldest continually operating cultural institution in the vibrant music and culture capital Los Angeles, and is internationally recognized as one of the finest conservatories and music schools in the U.S. Led by the Dean, Dr. Jason King, who joined Thornton in 2023, the school blends the rigors of a traditional conservatory-style education with the benefits of a leading research university. USC Thornton offers students a full range of musical disciplines across a demanding, innovative curriculum, and the opportunity to work with a faculty of national and international renown across a wide range of musical genres and idioms. Students are encouraged to develop multiple musical and creative competencies in keeping with the past, present and future of ‘de-categorized’ music that transcends borders, boundaries, and limitations.
Duties
We are seeking a composer of national and international renown to join our Composition Department. This person will have a high-profile career as a composer, and will also be poised to serve as a leader in instruction and departmental governance.
Principal duties will include teaching courses and individual instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels in all areas of composition and allied fields, depending upon specific expertise; providing student mentoring related to music composition; maintaining creative/performance activity of regional, national and international impact; serving on School and University committees and participating in department and faculty forums and administrative activities as appropriate. The successful candidate will participate in faculty recruitment, student admissions, individual mentoring of student capstone projects, curriculum development, and demonstrate a robust involvement in departmental governance.
Minimum Qualifications
Masters degree in Music Composition or closely related field. Demonstrated success in teaching at the college level. An established or strongly emerging career in composition is essential. Candidates with achievement and/or specialization in electronic music/new media/interdisciplinary projects and possibly new music performance are encouraged to apply.
Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate in Music Composition or closely related field. Demonstrated success in teaching at the college level with 3 or more years of full-time engagement. The ability to attract students of the highest caliber in recruitment efforts. Candidates with an established or strongly emerging career in composition/electronic music/new media/interdisciplinary projects and possibly new music performance are encouraged to apply.
The ideal candidate will be expected to have a demonstrated record of experience and accomplishment working in a highly diverse environment and of promoting equity and inclusion in the work that they do and in their approach to the profession. The successful candidate will have an established or strongly emerging career whose work broadens and challenges the field, and who may build connections between disparate musical communities. Additionally, we value candidates who have considerable experience and interest in teaching in a university setting and possess the ability to attract students of the highest caliber in recruitment efforts.
Compensation
The annual base salary hiring range for the following faculty ranks in this posting are:
Assistant Professor: $90,000 – $100,000
Associate Professor: $100,000 – $115,000
When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through the USC online system at www.usc.edu/jobs , and are asked to provide a Cover Letter, CV, Teaching Statement, and a list of references (minimum of three). Individuals listed may be solicited for reference letters.
Please do not send other materials; additional materials may be requested at a later date. Materials will not be returned.
Review of applications will begin on December 9, 2024.
The University of Southern California is an equal-opportunity educator and employer, proudly pluralistic and firmly committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding persons of every race, gender, creed, and background.
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