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Assistant or Associate Professor of African American Music
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Position Number: 5910893
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Fine and Applied Arts - Music

Assistant or Associate Professor of African American Music

Requisition Number: 61002
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date:
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The University of Colorado Boulder's College of Music seeks a dynamic and innovative composer (songwriter), performer and/or scholar for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor specializing in African American music.
Appointment date: August 14, 2025.
This position invites candidates whose practice, research, and teaching explore the rich traditions and contemporary innovations of African American musical expression across a range of fields, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: popular music studies (including musicological and ethnomusicological approaches), music composition, songwriting, jazz, music theory, music production, music theatre, ensembles or other related fields.
The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship, engaging African American music within broader cultural, social, and historical contexts. They will contribute to the college's robust curriculum, offering courses that attract undergraduate and graduate students from diverse academic backgrounds. Candidates should also have a strong creative, performance and/or research agenda and the potential to create, perform, and/or publish work that advances the field of African American music studies.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Founded in 1920, the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music offers a wide range of programs for undergraduate and graduate study, uniquely combining advanced performance, composition, music-theoretical, and musicological/ethnomusicological training with professionally oriented experiences and the rich resources of a leading research university, including the acclaimed Center for African and African American Studies. Active as award-winning professional performers, composers and scholars, College of Music faculty members are committed to helping students develop their talents and succeed in their chosen musical and scholarly endeavors. The College of Music offers degree programs in Performance, Jazz Studies, Composition, Music Theory, Musicology/Ethnomusicology, Music Theatre, and Music Education. The College has recently introduced two new degree emphases within the Bachelor of Arts in Music: Music Production (Fall '25) and Songwriting (Fall '26).
Located at the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, the University of Colorado Boulder offers an unparalleled picturesque university setting, an inspiring higher education environment, year-round outdoor activities, and close proximity to the amenities of Boulder and Denver.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Engage in creative and/or scholarly work on African American music in one or more of the specified fields
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to candidates' expertise
Develop courses that complement and/or build on current offerings in the College of Music, engaging students in diverse learning opportunities
Maintain a significant national and international presence, as well as participate in college, university and professional service activities

The University of Colorado Boulder uses a 40-40-20 model for faculty evaluation (40% teaching, 40% creative or research, 20% service). Service activities range from participating in college and campus committees to serving organizations in the academy at large.

What You Should Know

The appointment is expected to begin on August 14, 2025.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary range for this position is $70,500 - $79,000 for an Assistant Professor, and $79,500 - $92,500 for an Associate Professor, plus possible summer research stipend. Onboarding assistance is available within departmental guidelines.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be accomplished. Be inspired. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree, and
Doctorate or terminal degree in music (DMA/Ph. D./MFA/Artist's Diploma); or the equivalent professional experience as a composer/songwriter, producer, or performer.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Curriculum vitae.
Cover letter that specifically addresses how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Please upload a short essay (500-word limit) that addresses the following statement: "The College of Music recognizes that our mission is strengthened by contributions of varied perspectives. Describe what your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion looks like in your practice."

All files must be converted to PDF format.
During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for three (3) references. We may request confidential letters of recommendation later in the search process. This information will be kept confidential and viewable only by the search committee.
Applications received by February 15, 2025 will receive full consideration. This position will remain open until filled.
For questions, please contact Jeremy L. Smith, Professor of Musicology at jeremy.smith@colorado.edu.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Assistant-or-Associate-Professor-of-African-American-Music/61002