Music Theory​/Composition Instructors

Position Summary

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance may seek full time or part time, temporary Music Instructors to teach Music Theory/Music Composition courses in the music division, and in administrative roles coordinating special programs.

Applicants are added to the pool list throughout the calendar year. Hiring decisions are made during the late spring and early summer for fall semester, during the early fall semester for spring and during the spring semester for the summer term.

June 30, 2026.

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (SMTD) at Colorado State University empowers students to create, collaborate, innovate, and inspire. Through teaching, creative artistry, research, advocacy, and service, we elevate arts education. SMTD has 46 tenured and tenure track faculty as well as 55 contract, continuing and adjunct faculty. There are currently over 550 students in SMTD, with 375 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in residential and online music degree programs.

SMTD is housed in the University Center for the Arts, a nationally recognized state‑of‑the‑art 350,000 square‑foot facility, that includes a 550‑seat concert hall, a 275‑seat organ and chamber music recital hall, a 320‑seat thrust theatre, a 100‑seat black box theatre, a 200‑seat dance theatre, dedicated rehearsal, production and research spaces, along with classrooms, labs and practice rooms.

$46,000 - $48,000 9‑month salary (prorated for part‑time work).

• Teaching assignment in Music Theory/Music Composition and/or related topics, based on departmental needs.
• Service to the Music program.
• Office Hours are required.

Pre‑employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).

Does not have any direct reports.

• Master's degree in Music, with a music theory or composition focus.

• Documented teaching experience at the college or university level.
• PhD in Music, with a music theory or composition focus.

Submit a cover letter, resume, and a link to website or digital portfolio.

This pool expires June 30, 2026. Individuals wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world‑class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work‑life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

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Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification.

Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Inspired by its land‑grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

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