Composition Professor Resume Examples & Templates
6 free customizable and printable Composition Professor samples and templates for 2025. Unlock unlimited access to our AI resume builder for just $9/month and elevate your job applications effortlessly. Generating your first resume is free.
Composition Professor Resume Examples and Templates
Adjunct Composition Professor Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Clear teaching impact with measurable outcomes
You show concrete teaching results, like supervising 12 theses and five national award winners. You also note course sizes and a 35% rise in concert attendance after the composer-in-residence. Those numbers prove your classroom and program impact for an Adjunct Composition Professor role.
Strong blend of practice, research, and pedagogy
You combine a Ph.D., peer-reviewed publication, and 30+ premiered works with active teaching. That mix signals you can teach technique, guide research, and model professional composing. Hiring committees value that balanced profile for undergraduate and graduate instruction.
Relevant technical skills and grant experience
You list core tools like Sibelius and Dorico and mention a CONACYT grant for curriculum development. Those specifics show you can teach notation and secure funding for pedagogy projects, which fits departmental needs for course development and interdisciplinary work.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more targeted to course instruction
Your intro highlights achievements well, but it reads broad. Tighten it to state which courses you teach, your teaching philosophy, and the level you prefer. That helps search committees quickly see you match their composition and pedagogy needs.
Add teaching methods and assessment language
You list topics and outcomes, but you omit pedagogy terms like learning outcomes, assessment, and syllabus design. Add those keywords and a note on synchronous or hybrid delivery. That improves ATS hits and clarifies your classroom approach.
Include a concise list of publications and premieres
You mention 30+ premieres and a journal article, but you lack a short, citable list. Add 4–6 selected works and publications with dates and venues. That gives committees quick evidence of your creative and scholarly record.
Assistant Professor of Composition Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong teaching and supervision record
You show clear teaching depth with 8+ years in higher education and current assistant professorship. You supervise 12 MA/PhD students and four won national prizes, which directly proves your mentoring and student outcomes for an assistant professor of composition role.
Relevant research and funded creative work
You secured €75,000 in national funding and premiered an electroacoustic cycle at Teatro de la Zarzuela. You also published three peer-reviewed articles and presented at major conferences, which supports your research profile in composition and electroacoustic media.
Clear technical skills and curricular impact
Your skills list names electroacoustic tools like Max/MSP and pedagogy strengths. You also redesigned an undergraduate curriculum that increased student output by 35 percent, showing both technical and curricular leadership.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more targeted
Your intro gives a strong overview, but it stays general. Tighten it to match the department priorities by naming teaching areas, research questions, and the exact courses you teach.
Quantify teaching load and outcomes consistently
You note 80 students per year and 35 percent output growth, which helps. Add course-level details like credit hours, class sizes, and assessment types to show workload and teaching effectiveness.
Add more keywords for hiring systems
Your skills list is good but brief. Include keywords like composition pedagogy, curriculum design, electroacoustic performance practice, DAW names, and assessment methods to boost ATS matching.
Associate Professor of Composition Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong record of research funding
Your resume shows clear grant success, naming AUD 680,000 secured as chief investigator across ARC and Australia Council grants. That level of funding signals research leadership and helps match university expectations for an associate professor role in composition and interdisciplinary practice.
Demonstrated teaching and supervision impact
You list 12+ years of tertiary teaching, eight PhD candidates to candidacy, and five PhD completions. You also note an 18% rise in retention after redesigning the core composition sequence. Those facts speak directly to capacity for curriculum leadership and graduate supervision.
Clear interdisciplinary and creative outputs
You highlight interdisciplinary labs, machine learning installations with 6,500+ visitors, premieres with major ensembles, and ABC Classics recordings. Those items link your composition practice to technology and public engagement, which fits the role's contemporary and electroacoustic focus.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more targeted
Your intro lists strong achievements, but it reads broad. Tighten it to two short sentences that name contemporary composition, electroacoustic work, and interdisciplinary practice. That helps the hiring committee see an immediate fit.
Add specific technical tools and methods
Your skills mention electroacoustic and machine learning labs but lack named tools. Add software and hardware names like Max/MSP, SuperCollider, Ableton, or Python libraries. That boosts ATS hits and gives hiring panels clearer technical context.
Improve ATS-friendly structure and quantification
Experience entries use rich HTML lists, which may parse oddly in some systems. Convert key bullets to plain text and lead with metrics. Also add dates in YYYY format per role to improve parsing and timeline clarity.
Professor of Composition Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong teaching and supervision record
You show clear teaching impact with 12+ years at top institutions and supervision of 15 doctoral and 28 master’s projects. The note that 85% of advisees secured commissions or performances within 18 months proves your mentorship drives real career outcomes for composers.
Relevant technical and creative skills
Your skills list mixes composition, live electronics, and tools like Max/MSP and SuperCollider. That aligns with the job's focus on electroacoustic techniques and interdisciplinary practice and shows you can teach and create with current software and methods.
Documented grant and outreach achievements
You secured a €120,000 grant and founded the Contemporary Music Workshop, which raised audience attendance by 45%. Those concrete numbers show you win funding and build public engagement, both key for a professor who must lead projects and attract students.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more targeted
Your intro lists strong achievements but reads broad. Tighten it to one sentence that states your teaching focus, electroacoustic expertise, and a measurable outcome. That will make your value clear to hiring committees at a glance.
Few publication and presentation details
You mention papers and presentations but give no dates, venues, or citations. Add a short publications section with titles, journals, and years. That will strengthen your research profile for academic hiring panels.
Skills section lacks teaching keywords
Your skills list suits practice but misses pedagogy keywords like curriculum design, assessment, and accreditation. Add specific teaching terms and course names to improve ATS hits and show your classroom strengths.
Distinguished Professor of Composition Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong impact in work experience
The resume highlights impactful achievements, like increasing student engagement by 30%. This clearly demonstrates the candidate's effectiveness in teaching, which is essential for a Composition Professor.
Relevant educational background
The candidate holds a Ph.D. in Music Composition, focusing on contemporary practices. This advanced education aligns perfectly with the requirements for a Composition Professor.
Innovative curriculum development
Details about developing a new curriculum show the candidate's ability to innovate in teaching methods. This is a key quality for a Composition Professor who needs to engage students creatively.
Publication record in music journals
Publishing 15 peer-reviewed articles establishes the candidate's authority in the field. This academic contribution is impressive for a role that values research and scholarship in music composition.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Vague skills section
The skills listed are somewhat generic. Including specific techniques or software used in contemporary composition would enhance relevance to the role of a Composition Professor.
Limited summary detail
The introduction could provide more specific examples of contributions to contemporary music. Tailoring this summary to highlight unique strengths would better capture attention.
Lack of quantifiable outcomes in some roles
While some experiences include metrics, others do not. Adding quantifiable outcomes for all roles would strengthen the impact of the work experience section.
No mention of professional affiliations
Including memberships in professional organizations could show commitment to the field. This would enhance credibility and connection in the academic music community.
Endowed Chair in Composition Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong curriculum development experience
You've developed a comprehensive curriculum tailored for composition students, which is vital for a Composition Professor. This shows your ability to create relevant and engaging content that aligns with contemporary music trends.
Effective mentoring and student success
Your experience mentoring over 50 students, with many achieving success in competitions, highlights your impact as an educator. This directly relates to the role of a Composition Professor, as it emphasizes your ability to foster talent.
Engagement with the music community
Organizing annual composition festivals showcases your commitment to community engagement. This aspect of your experience is important for a Composition Professor, as it demonstrates your ability to connect students with broader artistic networks.
Diverse musical collaboration
Collaborating with directors and actors for theatrical productions highlights your versatility and ability to work across different artistic disciplines. This is a strong asset for a Composition Professor specializing in contemporary music.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Lacks specific quantifiable achievements
While you mention mentoring students and organizing festivals, adding specific numbers or outcomes (like competition placements) would strengthen your impact. Consider quantifying your achievements to show measurable success.
Skills section could be more tailored
The skills listed are relevant but could benefit from tailoring to specific competencies sought in a Composition Professor role. Including terms like 'curriculum design' or 'assessment methods' would improve alignment with job expectations.
Intro could be more focused
Your introduction is strong but could be more tailored to highlight your fit for a Composition Professor role. Emphasizing your teaching philosophy or specific methodologies would make it more compelling.
Education details could be expanded
While your education is relevant, providing more detail on your dissertation or major projects during your studies could enhance your profile. This would showcase your depth of knowledge in music composition.
1. How to write a Composition Professor resume
Finding a position as a Composition Professor can be daunting, especially when you're trying to convey your teaching experiences effectively. How can you ensure that your resume captures the attention of hiring committees? They look for clear evidence of your teaching effectiveness and contributions to student learning, rather than just a list of courses taught. Many candidates, however, tend to emphasize their academic credentials over tangible results and classroom impact.
This guide will help you craft a compelling resume that highlights your teaching philosophy and student success stories. You'll learn to transform basic job descriptions into impactful achievements, like showcasing curriculum development that led to improved student engagement. We’ll focus on key sections such as your work experience and skills while ensuring your resume remains concise and targeted. By the end, you'll have a polished resume that effectively communicates your qualifications.
Use the right format for a Composition Professor resume
When crafting a resume for a Composition Professor, it's essential to choose the right format. Typically, a chronological format works best, especially if you have a steady career progression in academia. This format allows you to showcase your teaching experience and academic achievements in a clear, linear fashion. However, if you're transitioning from another field or have gaps in your employment history, a functional or combination format may be more suitable. Regardless of the format you choose, ensure your resume is ATS-friendly by using clear sections and avoiding columns, tables, or complex graphics.
Here’s a quick overview of the formats:
- Chronological: Best for steady career paths.
- Functional: Good for career changers.
- Combination: Useful for highlighting both skills and experience.
Craft an impactful Composition Professor resume summary
A resume summary is crucial for a Composition Professor, especially if you have relevant experience. It should capture your years of teaching experience, areas of specialization, key skills, and a notable achievement. A strong formula to follow is: '[Years of experience] + [Specialization] + [Key skills] + [Top achievement]'. If you're new to the field or transitioning, an objective statement may serve you better, focusing on your goals and how you plan to contribute.
For instance, an experienced candidate might emphasize their teaching philosophy and publication record. An entry-level applicant should focus on their educational background and any relevant internships or projects.
Good resume summary example
Experienced: "Ten years of experience in higher education with a specialization in contemporary literature and composition. Proficient in curriculum development and student engagement, having published articles in notable academic journals."
Entry-Level: "Recent graduate with a degree in English Literature seeking to leverage my passion for teaching and experience as a writing tutor to contribute to student success at a reputable institution."
This works because both examples clearly communicate the candidate's background and unique strengths.
Bad resume summary example
"I want a teaching job where I can share my love of writing and help students learn."
This fails because it lacks specific details about the candidate's experience, skills, and achievements, making it too vague and generic.
Highlight your Composition Professor work experience
List your teaching positions in reverse-chronological order, clearly stating the job title, institution, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to detail your responsibilities and achievements, starting each with strong action verbs. For example, instead of saying 'Responsible for teaching courses,' you might say 'Designed and taught undergraduate courses in composition and rhetoric.' Quantifying your impact with metrics can further enhance your bullet points, such as 'Improved student writing scores by 20% over two semesters.' Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your accomplishments.
Remember, clear and concise descriptions will help your resume stand out to hiring committees.
Good work experience example
"Developed and implemented a new composition curriculum that increased student writing proficiency by 25% within one academic year at Satterfield LLC."
This works because it highlights a specific achievement and quantifies the impact of the candidate's work.
Bad work experience example
"Taught various writing classes at Koelpin LLC."
This fails because it lacks detail and specificity about the candidate's contributions and accomplishments, making it less impactful.
Present relevant education for a Composition Professor
When listing your education, include the school name, degree obtained, and graduation year (or expected date). For recent graduates, it's good to make this section more prominent by including GPA, relevant coursework, or honors if applicable. For experienced professionals, this section can be less prominent, and you might omit your GPA. If you have relevant certifications or additional training, consider including them in this section or creating a separate one.
Good education example
"Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, 2021, University of Nebraska; Graduated with Honors, GPA: 3.9."
This works because it clearly presents the degree, institution, and notable achievements, making it easy for hiring committees to see qualifications.
Bad education example
"Bachelor's degree in English from Bosco-Kassulke, 2018."
This fails because it provides minimal information and lacks details about honors or relevant coursework, making it less compelling.
Add essential skills for a Composition Professor resume
Technical skills for a Composition Professor resume
Soft skills for a Composition Professor resume
Include these powerful action words on your Composition Professor resume
Use these impactful action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities:
Add additional resume sections for a Composition Professor
Consider adding sections for Projects, Certifications, Publications, or Volunteer Experience to enhance your resume. These can demonstrate your commitment to your field and provide concrete examples of your expertise and contributions.
Good example
"Publication: 'The Art of Composition: Modern Techniques,' published in the Journal of Writing Studies, April 2022."
This works because it showcases the candidate's research and writing skills while demonstrating their contribution to the academic community.
Bad example
"Participated in a workshop on writing."
This fails because it lacks detail and impact, making it seem less relevant to the candidate's qualifications.
2. ATS-optimized resume examples for a Composition Professor
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that help employers manage job applications. They scan resumes to identify keywords and relevant information, often rejecting resumes that don’t meet specific criteria. For a Composition Professor, optimizing your resume for ATS is crucial to ensure it gets seen by hiring committees.
To enhance your chances, use standard section titles like 'Education', 'Experience', and 'Skills'. Incorporate keywords from job postings, such as 'creative writing', 'literature studies', or specific teaching methodologies. Avoid complex formatting, including tables and images, as these can confuse ATS. Use a clear font like Arial or Times New Roman, and save your document in PDF or .docx format to ensure proper parsing.
Common mistakes include using creative synonyms instead of exact keywords. Don’t rely on headers or footers that ATS might overlook. Omitting critical keywords related to your teaching experience or areas of expertise can also hurt your chances. Always tailor your resume to the job description to make sure you hit those important keywords.
ATS-compatible example
Skills: Creative Writing, Literary Analysis, Composition Theory, Teaching Methods, Curriculum Development
Why this works: This skills section includes relevant keywords that ATS scans for, making it clear that the candidate possesses the necessary qualifications for a Composition Professor role.
ATS-incompatible example
Abilities: Good with words, love teaching, know a lot about books
Why this fails: This section uses vague phrases instead of specific keywords. An ATS might not recognize these terms as relevant, which could lead to the resume being overlooked for a Composition Professor position.
3. How to format and design a Composition Professor resume
When you're crafting a resume for a Composition Professor role, you want to select a template that reflects your academic prowess and teaching experience. A clean, reverse-chronological layout works best, as it highlights your education and relevant experience clearly. This kind of layout improves readability and is friendly for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Keep your resume to one page if you're early in your career, but if you have extensive experience, two pages can be acceptable. Just remember to be concise and focus on the most relevant information. You want to showcase your qualifications without overwhelming the reader.
Choose professional fonts like Calibri or Georgia in sizes 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headings. Make sure to maintain consistent spacing and plenty of white space. Avoid overly creative designs; simple formatting is key for both human readers and ATS software.
Common mistakes include using complex templates, excessive colors, or non-standard fonts. These can confuse ATS and detract from your professional appearance. Also, make sure to use clear section headings so that everything is easy to find.
Well formatted example
Education
Ph.D. in Composition Studies, University of California, 2020
M.A. in English, University of Florida, 2015
Experience
Composition Professor, Strosin-Rogahn, 2021-Present
- Developed curriculum for introductory and advanced writing courses.
- Mentored students in their writing projects, leading to improved outcomes.
Why this works: This format uses clear headings and a straightforward structure, making it easy to read. It highlights relevant experience and education effectively.
Poorly formatted example
EDUCATION: Ph.D. in Composition Studies - University of California 2020 | M.A. in English - University of Florida 2015
EXPERIENCE: Composition Professor, Rodriguez-Kuhn, 2021-Present - Developed curriculum for courses. Mentored students.
Why this fails: The use of symbols and lack of clear section breaks may confuse ATS. This format also lacks adequate spacing and white space, making it hard to read.
4. Cover letter for a Composition Professor
Writing a tailored cover letter is essential for a Composition Professor position. It complements your resume and shows your genuine interest in teaching and the institution. A strong letter can set you apart from other candidates.
Your cover letter should include several key sections. Start with a header that has your contact information, the date, and the recipient's details if you know them.
- Opening Paragraph: Begin by mentioning the specific role you're applying for. Express your enthusiasm for the position and the school. You might also include a notable achievement or where you found the job listing.
- Body Paragraphs: This is where you connect your teaching experience and qualifications to the job requirements. Highlight your relevant projects, teaching methods, educational philosophy, and any notable contributions to student success. Use keywords from the job description to tailor your letter to the institution's needs.
- Closing Paragraph: Conclude by reiterating your strong interest in the role. Show confidence in your ability to contribute positively to the department. Include a call to action, like requesting an interview, and thank them for their consideration.
Maintain a professional yet conversational tone throughout your letter. Customize your content for each application and avoid using generic templates. This personal touch makes a big difference.
Sample a Composition Professor cover letter
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am excited to apply for the Composition Professor position at the University of Chicago, as advertised on your website. With over ten years of teaching experience and a passion for fostering student creativity in writing, I believe I will be a valuable addition to your faculty.
In my previous role at Northwestern University, I developed a new curriculum that improved student engagement and increased writing proficiency scores by 30% within one semester. My approach emphasizes critical thinking and peer collaboration, which I believe aligns well with your department's commitment to innovative teaching strategies. Additionally, my research on the intersection of technology and writing has led to workshops that have enhanced students' digital literacy, preparing them for contemporary writing challenges.
I am eager to bring my expertise in composition and my commitment to student success to the University of Chicago. I would love the opportunity to discuss how my background and teaching philosophy can contribute to your department. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
5. Mistakes to avoid when writing a Composition Professor resume
Creating a resume for a Composition Professor role requires careful attention to detail. You want to showcase your teaching experience, writing skills, and academic accomplishments clearly. Avoiding common resume mistakes can help you stand out to hiring committees.
Avoid vague descriptions of teaching experience
Mistake Example: "Taught various writing courses at the university."
Correction: Be specific about your teaching roles and the impact you've made. Instead, write: "Developed and taught advanced composition courses focusing on persuasive writing and critical analysis, resulting in a 20% increase in student engagement metrics."
Generic applications without tailoring
Mistake Example: "I am a passionate teacher looking for opportunities in education."
Correction: Customize your resume for each application to reflect the institution's values and needs. Instead, write: "As a Composition Professor at XYZ University, I aim to foster a collaborative learning environment that aligns with the department's focus on innovative writing strategies."
Typos and grammatical errors
Mistake Example: "I have taught students to improve their writing skills and put emphasis on critical thinking."
Correction: Proofread your resume multiple times. A better version could be: "I have taught students to enhance their writing skills while emphasizing critical thinking techniques."
Overstating qualifications
Mistake Example: "Renowned expert in all aspects of composition and rhetoric."
Correction: Be honest about your expertise. Instead, write: "Focused expertise in composition theory and practice, with a strong background in teaching academic writing at the college level."
Poor formatting for readability
Mistake Example: A cluttered resume with long paragraphs and no clear sections.
Correction: Use clear headings and bullet points. A better format could be:
- Teaching Experience
- Research and Publications
- Professional Development
6. FAQs about Composition Professor resumes
Creating a resume as a Composition Professor involves highlighting your teaching skills, academic achievements, and relevant experience in the field. This section provides FAQs and tips to help you craft a compelling resume that reflects your expertise and passion for teaching.
What skills should I include on my Composition Professor resume?
What skills should I include on my Composition Professor resume?
Focus on skills like:
- Curriculum development
- Writing pedagogy
- Assessment techniques
- Classroom management
- Literature analysis
These skills demonstrate your ability to teach effectively and engage students.
What is the best format for a Composition Professor resume?
What is the best format for a Composition Professor resume?
Use a reverse-chronological format. Start with your most recent experience and work backward. Include sections for education, teaching experience, publications, and relevant certifications.
How long should my Composition Professor resume be?
How long should my Composition Professor resume be?
Keep it to one or two pages. If you have extensive experience or publications, two pages are acceptable. Be concise and focus on the most relevant information.
How can I showcase my publications on my resume?
How can I showcase my publications on my resume?
Create a dedicated section for publications. List them in a standard format including the title, publication name, and date. This highlights your contributions to the field.
What should I do about employment gaps in my resume?
What should I do about employment gaps in my resume?
Address gaps honestly. Use a brief explanation, if necessary. Highlight any relevant activities during that time, like freelance writing, workshops, or further studies.
Pro Tips
Highlight Your Teaching Philosophy
Include a brief statement about your teaching philosophy. This shows employers your approach to teaching and how you engage with students.
Include Relevant Certifications
List any teaching certifications or professional development courses you've completed. This adds credibility to your qualifications and shows your commitment to education.
Showcase Student Success
If possible, mention any notable achievements of your students. This demonstrates your effectiveness as a teacher and your impact on their learning.
7. Key takeaways for an outstanding Composition Professor resume
Crafting a compelling resume as a Composition Professor is essential for landing your dream teaching position. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Use a clean, professional format that's easy to read and ATS-friendly.
- Highlight your relevant teaching experience, including any courses you've developed or taught, tailored to the needs of the institutions you're applying to.
- Incorporate strong action verbs and quantify your achievements, like improvements in student writing skills or course evaluations.
- Optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems by including job-specific keywords related to composition and pedagogy.
Remember, your resume should reflect your unique teaching style and educational philosophy. Don’t hesitate to use resume building tools or explore templates to create something that truly represents you!
Similar Resume Examples
Simple pricing, powerful features
Upgrade to Himalayas Plus and turbocharge your job search.