Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number FAC922P Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/33653 Classification Title Assistant Professor - Practice Working Title Assistant Professor of Practice - Aural Skills/Music Theory - #001831 Department School of Music About WCU
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary
The primary location of this position is on-site at Western Carolina University's Cullowhee, NC campus.
The Western Carolina University School of Music invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, fixed-term Assistant Professor of Practice appointment in Aural Skills and Music Theory. Anticipated begin date is August 1, 2026.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong expertise and experience in music theory and analysis, aural skills pedagogy, as well as the ability to engage students with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences through inclusive teaching practices and a wide variety of theoretical approaches and musical repertoire, including commercial and popular styles. The candidate must also demonstrate a commitment to a collegial, collaborative working environment.
Primary teaching responsibilities include instruction within the required undergraduate theory and musicianship sequence in the context of music education, commercial music, and performance degrees.
Successful candidates will work closely with colleagues and play an active role in student retention and academic support. All School of Music faculty participate in student recruitment activities and service responsibilities within the School of Music, the college, and the university, including advising student research projects, committee work, and other departmental duties.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position Minimum Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 9
Posting Text
Open Date 04/13/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include the following:
Additional materials may be requested at a later stage of the search process.
For questions or additional information please contact Dr. Leonidas Lagrimas, search committee chair, at llagrimas@wcu.edu.
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).