University of Southern California
Music Technology Department
Assistant or Associate Professor of Practice, Music Production
Position
The University of Southern California Thornton School of Music invites applicants for a full-time position in Music Production, in the Department of Music Technology within the Division of Contemporary Music. The appointment is anticipated at the rank of either Assistant Professor of Practice or Associate Professor of Practice (commensurate with experience), and begins on August 16, 2024. This is a non tenure track (RTPC) position with an initial period of appointment of three years; the appointment is renewable beyond the initial period.
For more than 130 years, the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music has prepared students for exceptional careers and a life in music as performers, composers, industry leaders, professionals, and educators.
Founded in 1884 and today the oldest continually operating cultural institution in Los Angeles, USC Thornton is internationally recognized as one of the finest conservatories and music schools in the U.S. Led by Dean, Jason King, who joined Thornton in 2023, the school blends the rigors of a traditional conservatory-style education with the benefits of a leading research university. USC Thornton offers students a full range of musical disciplines across a demanding, innovative curriculum, and the opportunity to work with a faculty of national and international renown.
The Music Technology department offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Production and undergraduate and graduate minor fields in audio recording and music production. The department also offers a wide range of recording, desktop music, and studio production courses to Thornton majors and non-majors.
The department promotes artistic, technical, and leadership growth and development by mentoring and challenging students in their study, performance, and music production in a wide variety of contemporary musical styles.
Duties and Job Profile
Principal duties will include
- teach courses in music production as related to critical listening, song analysis, arranging, desktop and studio production, and collaboration;
- teach intermediate to advanced audio courses in MIDI sequencing, synthesis, and mixing;
- teach music production private instruction;
- and mentor final projects.
The ideal candidate for this position will be someone with a sophisticated understanding of the craft and art of contemporary music production. Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership skills, a desire to work in an educational environment, and be an accomplished communicator and mentor for student producers and artists.
Candidates should be forward-thinking and capable of contributing to a program that strives to integrate current and traditional production techniques and aesthetics, support student work in a wide variety of popular music styles, and include musical exemplars that reflect a wide range of musical voices current and past.
Applicants should have significant professional experience in producing music (both studio and in-the-box) and working with successful musical artists, artist managers, music publishing companies, and record labels; and exhibit exceptional skill with music software (Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, etc.).
Successful applicants are also expected to have a record of accomplishment working in a highly diverse environment and promoting social justice, equity, and inclusion in their work and approach to the profession. Rank (either Assistant Professor of Practice or Associate Professor of Practice) will be determined on the basis of experience.
Required Qualifications
- bachelor’s degree in a related music field.
- At least one year of experience teaching at the college, university, or professional training level in music technology and/or music production.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Graduate degree in a related music field—an equivalent in substantive professional experience may be substituted for an advanced degree.
- Three years of experience teaching at the college or university level in music technology and/or music production.
Compensation
The hiring range for this 9-month academic year position is $80,000 – $115,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through the USC online system at www.usc.edu/jobs , and are asked to provide:
- A letter of application
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Email addresses for three references who could provide letters if requested.
Review of applications will begin November 15, 2023, and the position will remain open until filled.
USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy.
USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance.
