Transylvania University

Transylvania University (www.transy.edu), a top-tier, independent, residential liberal arts college in Lexington, Kentucky, invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Music Theory and History-Ethnomusicology. This is a tenure-track position, teaching in-person classes, beginning August 27, 2026. Transylvania University recognizes that a diverse and inclusive community is essential to the fulfillment of our mission as a liberal arts institution. To that end, we seek to attract a diverse faculty skilled in the scholarship of teaching, research, and mentorship of students from a variety of backgrounds. Candidates are encouraged, in their cover letter, to identify their strengths and experiences in creating an inclusive academic community.

Job Description:

The successful candidate will specialize in Music Theory and Music History-Ethnomusicology and be informed by up-to-date best pedagogical practices. Teaching responsibilities will include core Theory courses (Theory I-IV) and Composition, World Music and Music History courses, and other service and special topics courses within the person’s areas of expertise (e.g., Theory for non-majors, Music Appreciation, Introduction to the Fine Arts, and/or others). Candidates with the ability to teach courses that contribute to our university’s interdisciplinary Africana Studies program will receive special consideration. Occasional teaching and other participation in the university’s First-Year programming and service as an academic adviser are also expected. All music faculty assume administrative duties within the Music Program and are expected to participate in the program’s recruiting and mentoring activities. Successful candidates will be expected to sustain professional relationships with the wider community of music scholars and educators on the local, regional, and national levels. The teaching load (3-3-1) consists of three courses per semester, plus one short-term course in May that offers additional opportunities for travel courses, team-taught courses, cross-disciplinary courses, and other innovative approaches. Additional responsibilities include academic scholarship/professional activity and service to the university through various committee appointments. The university has excellent faculty development programs that competitively fund faculty (and student) scholarly research and artistic projects.

Qualifications:

A terminal degree in music, with substantial experience in both Theory and History-Ethnomusicology, is required by the start date. Preference will be given to candidates with undergraduate teaching experience. The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to continuing their professional work along with a commitment to teaching, collegiality, interdisciplinary dialogue, and working collaboratively with other faculty and with students both within the Music Program and across disciplines within a liberal arts environment.

To begin the application process, submit one PDF that contains your curriculum vitae, your unofficial graduate transcripts, and statements of teaching and research philosophies. Candidates are encouraged in their cover letter to identify their strengths and experiences in creating an inclusive academic community. This PDF, along with your cover letter, which will be uploaded separately, may be submitted by following the job openings link at http://www.transy.edu/jobs. If you are selected to move forward in the application process, you will be asked to provide official graduate transcripts and letters of recommendation at a later date. Send questions specific to this search to Dr. Greg Partain, search committee chair, at gpartain@transy.edu. Review of applications will begin on Oct 1, 2025 and will continue until an appointment is made.

Transylvania University is ranked in the top 15 percent of the nation’s four-year colleges by the Princeton Review, which cites its community-driven, personalized approach to a liberal arts education through 49 majors and 40 minors. Founded in 1780, it is the 16th oldest institution of higher learning in the country, with approximately 1,000 students.

Transylvania University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of the university community. In support of this goal, we seek qualified candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We embrace diversity and encourage all who are interested to apply.