Job Description

Job Description
Music and Theatre, in the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas, invites applications for a tenure-track position in Music Education beginning August 2024. We seek an engaging Music Education specialist to teach Music Education courses, provide vision and leadership for Music Education, and collaborate with the Music and Theatre program chair to support the needs and vitality of the Music Education program. FHSU is a hub for Music Education in the western Kansas region, with special attention on rural program development and placement.

Primary teaching responsibilities include teaching undergraduate Music Education courses in primary and secondary music methods, with the possibility of other Music Education courses in the candidate’s area of expertise. Other teaching duties may include teaching music-major core courses. Candidates who can teach double reeds, guitar, or piano are especially encouraged to apply.

Additional duties include:

leadership in curriculum development and assessment
coordinate Music Education program and mentor music education majors
develop and engage in creative scholarship appropriate for a tenure-track position
service at the program, college, and university level
leadership and service contributing to the shared governance of the program, school, college, and university
actively recruit students to the program
pursue and implement opportunities for program growth and development


The successful candidate will be able to engage the community and region to recruit students, advocate for the performing arts and music education, and successfully network with music education professionals in regional public schools and community colleges. A focus on rural music education development and advocacy is essential to the success of the program. Strong skills in problem solving, creative thinking, and innovative solutions, coupled with a readiness to think outside the box, are desired.

Music and Theatre is committed to building a community of collaborative teacher-artists with diverse skills from a multitude of backgrounds. We are engaged in the process of discovering what a 21st century music program can be and expanding access to students in the region and around the globe. Music Education is a primary focus for the program. Music and Theatre treats community-engaged work in teaching, scholarship, and/or service as legitimate and important areas of faculty activity, of comparable value to high-impact classroom teaching and mentorship, the scholarship of discovery, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Minimum Requirements:

Doctorate in Music, or a masters in Music with equivalent professional experience, commensurate to advanced graduate studies in Music.
Experience in teaching K-12 music.
Preferred Requirements:

Demonstrated excellence in classroom teaching
Potential to recruit, mentor, and successfully oversee student degree completion
Accomplishments should reflect a commitment to advocating for and working with an inclusive student population.
Ability to collaborate with education specialists in other academic units and successfully represent and advocate for Music Education to the College of Education.
Appointment Date: August 2024

Application Deadline: Screening of applications will begin December 10, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

Rank: Assistant Professor of Music, tenure-track

Salary: Faculty salaries are set at 90% of current College and University Professional Association (CUPA) averages by rank and discipline.