Location: West Chester University, PA
Job Number: 27-21
Department: School of Music
Division: Music History, Theory & Composition
Opening Date: 09/14/2026
Position Summary
Join a vibrant equity-minded campus whose excellence is reflected in its community, cultural engagement, and student success. The Department of Music Theory, History & Composition invites applicants for a full-time, tenure track, Assistant Professor of Studio Composition. The position begins in August 2027.
West Chester University (WCU), a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.
The mission of the Department of Music Theory, History & Composition, part of the Wells School of Music, is to deliver an inclusive, world-class education that equips music majors with foundational strength in music theory, aural skills, history, and technology, while enriching non-majors and Music Production minors through accessible general education classes, performance opportunities, and practical experience in recording, composition, and music technology. Majors in Composition and Studio Composition receive robust instruction in the specializations of their fields and have ample opportunities for collaboration, recording, and ensemble participation. The Wells School of Music serves approximately 450 students with 60 faculty and enjoys full NASM membership. Review additional information about West Chester University's Studio Composition Degree.
The faculty position involves teaching undergraduate and/or graduate level courses that will focus on in-person instruction with the possibility of online and/or hybrid modalities depending on departmental needs. The ideal candidate will use innovative teaching skills and demonstrate strong attention to the learning and teaching needs of the department's students. Their experience, substantive specialization, and pedagogical training will serve to strengthen the department's mission and vision. The faculty will collaborate with other departmental and college faculty & staff to ensure student success. The typical course load involves teaching 12 credits per semester.
Responsibilities include:
- Teach courses including Scoring for Film and Media, Scoring Video Games, and Senior Projects in Studio Composition
- Collaborate with Department and Wells School of Music faculty on program evaluation, governance, recruitment, student advising, and daily operations
- Additional responsibilities may include: Oversee the Center for Music Technology, lead the Studio Music Ensemble, and teach related courses (such as Studio Production, Computer Music, Music Entrepreneurship, and Songwriting). Other courses may be assigned based on area of specialization depending on department needs.
- Advise students majoring in Studio Composition and minoring in Music Production
- Maintain activity in creative, commercial, and/or scholarly endeavors
- Serve the Department and University community through participation in various committees
- Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- A Master's degree in Music or a closely related field completed before August 2027
- Demonstrated record of active achievement in scoring for film, media, and /or video games
- Demonstrated experience in recording techniques and studio production
- Demonstrated experience teaching at the college level
Preferred Qualifications
- A Doctoral degree in Music or a closely related field; and/or
- Demonstrated ability to develop innovative curriculum
Special Instructions
West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers highly competitive salaries and excellent benefits(Download PDF reader).
Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Review of applications will begin November 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. In accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreement, this advertisement may be closed without notice upon receipt of a sufficient pool of qualified candidates.
Applicants must successfully complete the application, interview process, teaching demonstration, and research presentation to be considered a finalist.
Required Documents for Consideration
To be considered as an applicant for this position, in addition to the application form, please submit the following:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- List of three (3) references (Include name, email address, and phone number for each reference). Letters of recommendation will be solicited electronically from the references at a later date.
- At a later date, the following with be requested:
- Statement of teaching philosophy
- A portfolio that includes creative/commercial work samples
- Service Statement (see below):
West Chester University is a community of educators that develops graduates to succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.
WCU GRADUATES WILL:
- Apply scientific reasoning and demonstrate quantitative and qualitative literacy
- Collaborate with others to solve problems and address societal needs
- Communicate effectively and participate in civic discourse
- Engage inclusively in a diverse society
- Understand the ethical implications of decisions and the world in which they live
INSTITUTIONAL GOALS:
To fulfill its mission as a public institution serving the Commonwealth, West Chester University will focus on student success and institutional improvement as measured by the degree to which WCU demonstrates:
- Access to learning
- Community and cultural engagement
- Continuous improvement
- Critical thinking
- Inclusion
- Scholarly and creative activities
- Sustainability
Given this, please select from one of the prompts below to create a service statement (no more than 1 page)
Engagement with the Campus Community
- Describe your efforts to create an inclusive and supportive campus environment for all students, faculty, and staff. How have you contributed to fostering a sense of belonging in your department or institution?
Mentorship and Student Support
- How have you worked to support and mentor students with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives? Share specific examples of how you have helped students navigate challenges in their academic or professional journeys.
Outreach and Community Involvement
- Discuss your experiences working with community organizations, schools, or educational programs that aim to expand access to higher education. How have you helped ensure broader participation in your field?
Pedagogical and Curricular Contributions
- How have you contributed to developing curricula, programs, or initiatives that are accessible and relevant to a broad range of students? Provide examples of how you have designed or implemented courses that engage with multiple perspectives.
Professional Development and Collaboration
- Reflect on your participation in initiatives, committees, or professional development activities that aim to create a welcoming academic environment. How have you collaborated with colleagues to enhance student success and engagement?
Research and Scholarship Impact
- In what ways has your research or scholarly work contributed to increasing opportunities, perspectives, and voices in your field? Describe any projects or initiatives aimed at broadening participation, access or engagement.
All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment criminal background checks.
Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University's educational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action - Equal Opportunity Employer.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act and Act 73 of 1988, West Chester University publishes a combined Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR). The ASFSR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASFSR is available for review on the Public Safety website.
Application Questions?
Email hrs@wcupa.edu for questions regarding the application process.
