Career Center

The Department of Music at UMBC seeks a well-qualified Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor (Full-time) in Music Composition, to begin August 17, 2026. This position is for one year with a possibility of a one year extension. This position will be responsible for all composition introductory courses (MUSC 311 and 312), Instrumentation (MUSC 224), private lessons for music composition majors, senior projects for composition majors (senior recital), and other courses based on the candidate’s expertise and interest (the equivalent of 8 total courses per academic year). This individual will provide oversight of ancillary curricular experiences for the composition majors, including studio classes, reading sessions and professional performances of student works; will arrange technical assistance for composer performances and coordinate collaborations with student ensembles and soloists; attend auditions and recruit for the composition major. Applicants who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion by way of teaching, performing, publishing, or volunteer experiences are urged to submit an application.

Located in the heart of the culturally rich Baltimore-Washington corridor, the Department of Music is a growing, diverse, and supportive community enrolling 160 undergraduate majors. Housed in the University’s striking new Performing Arts and Humanities Building, the music wing includes a 350-seat performance space with superior acoustics, 9-foot Steinway grand pianos, and fully equipped recording and keyboard labs. All tenure-track faculty maintain robust careers in performance, conducting, or composing on the regional and national level, with many having a research focus in contemporary art-music and some with creative activities that include music as a vehicle for civic engagement and social justice. In addition to its undergraduate degrees, the Department offers a post-baccalaureate Certificate in American Contemporary Music. See https://music.umbc.edu/ for more details.

UMBC, an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, is especially proud of the diversity of its student body and we seek to attract an equally diverse applicant pool for this position. We have a strong commitment to increasing faculty diversity and are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals who are members of groups that historically have been underrepresented in the professoriate. We encourage applications from women, minority group members, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

A master?s degree or higher in music is required, along with evidence of teaching experience at the college level and administrative experience.

The complete application package must include: a letter of interest including a detailed statement of qualifications and teaching philosophy, a current CV, dated links to scores and recordings (audio or video; no midi, please) for 3 works, a separate statement with examples addressing the capacity to respond in pedagogically productive ways to the learning needs of students from diverse backgrounds, and three reference contacts. Additional materials may be requested later. Those with experience employing culturally responsive approaches or integrating musical, social-emotional, or social justice learning goals are encouraged to highlight that in their materials. 

For best consideration, please submit all application materials through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/186951) by June 8, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For questions, please contact Dr. Lisa Cella, Chair, Department of Music:  cella@umbc.edu.

UMBC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

About University of Maryland, Baltimore County

UMBC is a dynamic public research university integrating teaching, research and service to benefit the citizens of Maryland. As an Honors University, the campus offers academically talented students a strong undergraduate liberal arts foundation that prepares them for graduate and professional study, entry into the workforce, and community service and leadership. UMBC emphasizes science, engineering, information technology, human services and public policy at the graduate level. UMBC contributes to the economic development of the State and the region through entrepreneurial initiatives, workforce training, K-16 partnerships, and technology commercialization in collaboration with public agencies and the corporate community. UMBC is dedicated to cultural and ethnic diversity, social responsibility and lifelong learning.

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