Job Details

Assistant/Associate Professor, Tenure-Track, Music, Music Theory

Position Number: 9800081
Location: Waco, United States
Position Type: Fine and Applied Arts - Music

Assistant/Associate Professor, Tenure-Track, Music, Music Theory
Music Academic and Professional Studies

Location: Waco, TX
Open Date: Sep 01, 2026
Deadline: Dec 01, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description:
The School of Music at Baylor University seeks an engaging scholar and collaborative educator who excels in research and teaching (undergraduate and graduate). This full-time, tenure track, Assistant or Associate Professor appointment will begin in August 2027.

About the Music Theory Area:

With six full-time music theorists, the School of Music's theory area is committed to delivering a robust core curriculum that serves all our majors. Through scholarship and specialized courses in theory and analysis, we partner with other divisions within the School to prepare our students with a solid foundation that serves them well as music professionals. The theory area is part of the Academic Studies Division, which provides support for individual and collaborative research as well as opportunities for sharing and developing ideas related to pedagogy.

About the Baylor School of Music:

At the Baylor School of Music, faith and artistry meet purpose. Our faculty guide exceptional students through a rigorous, musically rich education, where every performance, composition, and collaboration reflects excellence and depth. From captivating performers to musical scholars to contemporary innovators, Baylor shapes versatile artists and educators who thrive creatively and professionally.

What sets the Baylor School of Music apart?

A vibrant community of 300 students from across the country and around the globe.
Award-winning ensembles that have performed at every major national conference in the United States, and many of the world's most prestigious venues.
Our Emmy-nominated television concert event, A Baylor Christmas, reaches 150,000 households during the holidays.
Over 300 live performances annually, giving students real-world experiences that prepare them for professional careers.
Global opportunities through study abroad and mission trips-from Kenya to Japan to Brazil.
Winners of Semper Pro Musica, our signature student competition, perform at Carnegie Hall.
Research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.
Baylor's mission to integrate academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.

Joining the Baylor School of Music means becoming part of a legacy that combines rigorous artistry and academic pursuits with a deep sense of purpose. Here, we prepare a new generation of musicians and scholars to lead, serve, and inspire.

Responsibilities and Expectations:

Maintain an active program of research and publication in music theory appropriate for faculty at a major research university
Teach courses within the undergraduate theory and ear-training curriculum and graduate courses, as needed
Participate in School of Music and University service as appropriate
Contribute to the intellectual life and mission of Baylor University and the School of Music

Appointment Date: August 15, 2027

Rank and Salary: Assistant/Associate Professor, full-time, tenure-track

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience

About Baylor University

Baylor University is located in Waco, Texas and is the oldest college in the state. It has a diverse student population of 21,000 and is recognized as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification. Baylor is also noted on the honor roll of "Great Colleges to Work For" by ModernThink. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, allowing faculty and staff to live in one of the fastest-growing parts of the state. As a Christian university with historic Baptist roots and as reflected in the Notice of Non-Discrimination, Baylor strives to be a place characterized by civility and respect. We believe each student, faculty, staff, and administrator is made in the image of God. Baylor's new strategic plan, Baylor in Deeds, guides the University as it continues to fulfill its mission of educating men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.

Qualifications:

PhD in Music Theory (or the equivalent) completed by the appointment date
Successful record of teaching music theory as instructor of record at the collegiate level
Record of and/or potential for achievement in the field at a national or international level
All School of Music faculty are expected to demonstrate commitment to creating a caring and supportive learning environment for our students

Application Instructions:
To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/192307

Applicants shall submit the following materials:

Signed letter of application
Curriculum Vitae
Official transcript of highest academic degree earned
Complete contact information (phone and email) for three to five professional references
All applicants must complete the self-disclosed Religious Affiliation Form in Interfolio

Additional materials (e.g., letters of recommendation, teaching videos) may be requested at a later date.

Active review of applications will begin on October 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Preference may be given to those who apply by October 1, 2026. Following initial review, applicants who advance in the search process may be asked to send additional materials. Materials submitted after December 1, 2026 will not be considered.

Please note that the Baylor School of Music is also hiring a full-time Lecturer in Music Theory. Candidates applying for the tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate Professor are invited to apply for the Lecturer in Music Theory position, as well.

Candidates who are outside of the United States and do not have other nonimmigrant visa status will not be sponsored for an H-1B petition.

Please direct inquiries to:

Dr. Horace J. Maxile

Professor of Music Theory

Chair of Music Theory Search Committee

horace_maxile@baylor.edu

Baylor University, a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor complies with statutory Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity requirements. Baylor's full official Notice of Non-Discrimination may be read online.