Asst/Assoc Professor of Instruction in Musicology

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music
Assistant/Associate Professor of Instruction

Department: Music Studies

Description

The Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University invites applications for two full-time faculty appointments in Musicology beginning September 1, 2027. Rank and salary will be commensurate with experience and accomplishment. These positions are not tenure eligible.

The Bienen School offers highly selective, conservatory-level training within a top-ranked research university and features a dedicated faculty, unparalleled facilities, and proximity to the vibrant music community of Chicago.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include teaching in the undergraduate musicology core curriculum and graduate history review, along with electives courses and graduate seminars in the candidates' areas of expertise. These professors will also share the coordination of the school's nonmajor general music curriculum. This includes pedagogical guidance and support for PhD and DMA student instructors and coordination of summer session course offerings. The teaching load will be 5-6 courses per year split over 3 academic quarters, depending upon administrative responsibilities.
Bienen musicology faculty are expected to work collaboratively with colleagues in supervising undergraduate and graduate research projects, participating on dissertation committees, advising undergraduate students, and implementing creative curricular development. The musicology program is housed within the Department of Music Studies and as such, collaboration extends to the department's other three programs (Music Composition, Music Education, and Music Theory and Cognition), as well as the Department of Music Performance.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD in musicology/ethnomusicology. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate outstanding pedagogical achievement and have intellectual interests in topics that complement the strengths of the school's current faculty. We are especially interested in candidates with expertise in Western art music after 1800, popular music, jazz, and the study of music and technology.

Appointment length and Reappointment

Candidates hired at the rank of Assistant Professor of Instruction will be given an initial one-year appointment. Upon completion of successful review, they will receive 3-year appointments with the possibility of renewal depending upon curricular need and budgetary conditions. Candidates hired at the rank of Associate Professor of Instruction will receive a 3-year appointment with the possibility of renewal depending upon curricular need and budgetary conditions. Promotion is possible to ranks of Associate or Full Professor of Instruction.

Salary

The expected base pay based on rank is as follows:
Assistant Professor of Instruction: $67,500-$80,000
Associate Professor of Instruction: $81,000-$92,500

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate; years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal comparators; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at Northwestern Benefits to learn more.

Questions should be directed to Associate Professor Andrew Talle, Search Committee Chair at: andrew.talle@northwestern.edu

Please visit http://www.music.northwestern.edu for information regarding the Bienen School of Music.

Application

Screening begins November 16, 2026, and continues until the positions are filled. Candidates should submit:

* Letter of application
* Curriculum vitae
* Statement of teaching philosophy and methods
* Two course syllabi
* Names and contact information for three references.

Applications accepted here: Apply for Job

or access the application process via the Bienen School's website at: https://music.northwestern.edu/careers.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.