The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) invites applicants to apply for a full-time music theory faculty position to commence in the 2026-27 academic year. In alignment with CIM’s mission, vision and learning goals, music theory faculty devise and teach curriculum for undergraduate and graduate students both at the Institute and within the Joint Music Program (JMP) shared with Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). The Music Theory Faculty emphasize a skills-focused integrated sequence of written theory, keyboard, singing, and dictation to best prepare our students for their burgeoning performance careers. In addition, faculty teaching within the JMP Division demonstrate theoretical knowledge and fluency with a variety of musical traditions and genres such as jazz, hip-hop, pop along with the standard classical vocabulary. Music Theory Faculty may also occasionally teach in CIM’s pre-collegiate Academy.
Music Theory Faculty at CIM are expected to:
• Teach both CIM’s undergraduate and graduate populations (including those in the JMP) in core coursework, upper-level coursework, and seminars;
• Advise both undergraduate music-theory double majors as well as CIM DMA students in their theses, lecture recitals, qualifying examinations, and similar capstone projects;
• Serve the active improvement of the Institute, through committee work or other mechanisms;
• Develop special seminar topics to teach at the Institute on a rotating basis when necessary
• Mentor all students as they embark on varied career paths with music frequently at the heart of their professional endeavors.
• Communicate promptly, professionally, and effectively with students, families, faculty, and administration.
• Adhere to Faculty Duties and Expectations document, and Employee Handbook.
Music Theory Faculty at CIM must have a completed terminal degree in music, in most cases a Ph.D. in Music Theory. CIM seeks candidates with a proven record of university- and/or conservatory-level teaching to teach and advise the talented world-class student population that attend the Institute. Furthermore, our integrated curriculum of written theory, keyboard, singing, and dictation demand that our Music Theory Faculty show exceptional skill in all of these areas.
Desired qualifications include scholarly research activity outside the confines of the position (e.g., publications and/or presentations), but this activity is not required. CIM also encourages candidates who still perform actively.
Review of applications begins November 15, 2025, and continues until the position is filled. Applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, a current CV, a statement of teaching philosophy, and 3-5 references with contact information. Additional materials may be requested at a later date.
Please direct any questions related to the search to Alan Elkins (alan.elkins@cim.edu), chair of the Theory Faculty Search Committee.
• This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) currently under negotiation between CIM and the Cleveland Federation of Musicians, Local 4 of the American Federation of Musicians. CIM and the hired individual will negotiate compensation and a personal contract, but future wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment shall be subject to the CBA once ratified.
• Due to the nature of the undergraduate core curricula for CIM and JMP, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate excellence in keyboard harmony, sight singing, and dictation—either in classical or popular styles—at an early stage of the interview process.
The Cleveland Institute of Music is an equal employment opportunity employer and educator and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, political affiliation or veteran status.