Visiting Assistant Professor in Musicology

Position Overview

Purdue University Fort Wayne is hiring a Visiting Assistant Professor in Musicology for the School of Music, with the appointment scheduled to start in August 2026. The role calls for an educator who understands current approaches to teaching musicology at the undergraduate level and who can contribute across music history and global music areas.

Key Teaching Areas

The teaching load will include, though is not limited to, courses such as Western music history before 1900, American popular music history, and global musics. Additional assignments may be given by the Director of the School of Music based on the selected candidate’s background and experience.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD in musicology or a closely related discipline is required by the time the appointment begins.
• Prior teaching experience at the university level, either as the instructor of record or as a teaching assistant, is required.
• The applicant must be able to teach undergraduate music history and global music courses.

Preferred Background

• Experience serving as the instructor of record is preferred.
• Additional specialization in early Western music and/or American popular music is also preferred.

Employment Conditions

This appointment depends on the outcome of a satisfactory background records check and the availability of funding.

The School of Music

The School of Music includes 24 full-time faculty members and 45 part-time faculty members, and serves 270 students. Its degree programs include the Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Science in Music Industry, Bachelor of Science in Commercial Music, Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Music and an Outside Field, Bachelor of Music in Performance, and Bachelor of Music Technology. The school operates from the Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center and the Surack-Sweetwater Music Industry Building, both equipped with advanced performance and rehearsal spaces. Faculty also work closely with community partners such as the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Opera Today!, Fort Wayne Children’s Choir, Fort Wayne Community Band, and Voices of Unity. The university is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and approved by the American Music Therapy Association.

The College and University Environment

The College of Visual and Performing Arts includes the departments of Art and Design, Theatre, and the School of Music. More than 600 students study across the college, supported by a professional and academic team that includes 32 full-time faculty members, numerous associate faculty, and visiting artists. The college is active in scholarship, creative work, and student competitions, and maintains connections with local business leaders and community projects. Purdue University Fort Wayne is the largest university in northeast Indiana, with more than 8,000 students and a broad mix of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university emphasizes an inclusive community built on respect, tolerance, sensitivity, and the recognition of every person’s dignity. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, names and contact details for three current references, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and a 1–2 page teaching philosophy. Materials may be sent to the Musicology Search Committee Chair, School of Music, Purdue University Fort Wayne, 2101 East Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499, or submitted electronically through the university careers portal.

Selection Process

Application review begins on May 15, 2026 and will continue until the role is filled. Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to prepare a 45–60 minute instructional presentation and may be asked to complete other activities determined by the search committee.

Additional Information

Questions about the position may be directed to Jacques Dupuis at jpdupuis@pfw.edu. Purdue University Fort Wayne is an EEO/AA employer and does not offer visa sponsorship for this position.