The Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University invites applications for a Tenure Track position at the level of Assistant Professor in Music Theory with a focus on Popular Music, commencing July 1, 2026, subject to budgetary approval. We seek a dynamic scholar able to address fundamental questions in Popular Music Theory scholarship.
The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate courses in Popular Music that are part of the first- and second-year Core Curriculum, including Theory I: Foundations, Theory II: Functional Grammars, Theory III: Popular Music 1950–1991, Theory IV: Popular Music Since 1991. They will be up to date on the most current scholarship in the theory and analysis of popular music of the Rock tradition, Pop, Rap, Hip Hop, and EDM. Other courses that may be part of the teaching load, dependant on the incumbent’s interest and expertise, include upper division courses in Popular Music Analysis, Songwriting, Jazz Harmony, music theory courses in the European Classical tradition, Aural Skills, or other courses the candidate might propose and design at the undergraduate or graduate level.
The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Music Theory with a focus on Popular Music. The preferred candidate will have peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations in Popular Music and 3+ years of teaching experience at the university level. Fluency with other genres of music, such as Broadway, video game music, film music and/or jazz, or candidates with a background as a performer/practitioner in Popular Music are assets. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to an ethical, inclusive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive practice.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develop core courses at the undergraduate level, including Music Theory III: Popular Music 1950-1991 and Theory IV: Popular Music Since 1991.
• Collaborate with current Music Theory faculty to coordinate the broader Music Theory curriculum and the curricular integration of Classical and Popular musics.
• Teach courses at the undergraduate level, which will include Music Theory III: Popular Music 1950-1991 and Theory IV: Popular Music Since 1991 and other courses in the candidate’s interest and expertise.
• Build a strong research program in relevant fields.
• Contribute to service through administrative leadership, committee work.
• Collaborate actively with colleagues in program development and planning.
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must have:
• A PhD in Music Theory with a specialization in Popular Music, completed by July 1, 2026.
• 3+ years teaching experience in Music Theory at the college or university level, inclusive of teaching done as a graduate T.A. (where the T.A. delivered all lectures).
• Evidence of successful teaching record at the undergraduate level.
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• A track record of conference presentations and other scholarly activity.
• An approach to teaching and research that demonstrates evidence of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong administrative skills.
PREFERENCES
• While ABD’s will be considered, we prefer a Candidate with the PhD completed.
ASSETS
• Experience developing undergraduate courses in Popular Music Theory.
• Evidence of awards and/or grants in Popular Music research.
• Expertise to teach pre-existing courses in the curriculum including Songwriting, Jazz Harmony, upper division courses in the analysis of popular music, theory or analysis courses in the European Classical tradition,
• Expertise to coach undergraduate popular music combos/bands.
• Capacity/expertise to develop courses that meet the changing needs of our faculty, for example Jazz Topics; Film/Video Game music.
Please refer to the official posting for complete details and application instructions.
Kevin Swinden
Faculty Search Committee Chair
Faculty of Music
Wilfrid Laurier University
kswinden@wlu.ca