Teaching & Professional Development

Graduate Student Teaching Opportunities

Pedagogical training is a vital part of the educational experience at the University, and all Ph.D. programs include a required teaching component. Generally, students focus on their course requirements during the first and second year and fulfill the teaching requirement during the third through fifth years of the program. Doctoral students in music serve as course assistants and stand-alone lecturers, teaching courses in the Core Curriculum (introductory classes in western music, world music, musical materials and design, and music analysis and criticism) and in the Music Department (introductory and advanced undergraduate courses in each of the sub-disciplines). They also may work as writing tutors in the College, and advanced students may apply for additional opportunities such as Humanities Core Lectureships, Stuart Tave Fellowships, or Humanities Teaching Fellowships. All student instructors receive guidance from Department faculty and the Chicago Center for Teaching, and they participate in the Department's Faculty-Student Teaching Forum.

In addition to the Ph.D. program’s teaching requirement, current and recent graduate students from the Department of Music who have successfully completed their coursework and teaching requirements are invited to apply for Humanities Division Teaching Fellowships. This competitive two-year program is designed to enhance pedagogical skills and extend research training. Teaching Fellows participate in a program of professional development under the joint supervision of the Chicago Center for Teaching and their mentor in the relevant Divisional department or program. They teach four courses each quarter, including at least two courses in the Humanities or Arts Core, and they are expected to advance their own research agenda and participate in campus activities. More information about the Humanities Teaching Fellowship is available in the Students section of the Division website.

Professional Development

The University of Chicago is committed to equipping its graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to thrive in a wide variety of careers and settings. UChicago Grad, the University's office for graduate student life, offers a number of career development services and resources including a team of career development officers and advisors, career fairs and networking events, a digital job and internship board, interview coaching, and more. Visit grad.uchicago.edu/career-development for more.

The Department of Music also has its own Director of Professional Development, Professor Lawrence Zbikowski, who is available to consult with students as they prepare to make the transition from student to professional. Professor Zbikowski can organize mock interviews, consult on application materials, and generally advise students as they enter the job market.