Assistant Professor, Department of Music & Theatre at Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS

Job description

Department School of Visual and Performing Arts - Music & Theatre Job Posting Title Assistant Professor, Department of Music & Theatre Job Description Music and Theatre, in the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas, invites applications for a full-time, 9-month tenure-track position beginning August 2027. We seek an engaging artist-teacher of violin and viola who will teach lessons, string pedagogy, string techniques, and mentor music education students in preparation for teaching careers. A student-centered focus on pedagogy, mentoring, and program growth and development is required. Duties also include performing a principal role in the Hays Symphony, assisting with orchestra sectionals, and providing leadership in string section development. Additional duties may be assigned based on the needs of the program and the candidate’s qualifications. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in the community and region to recruit students, advocate for the performing arts and music education, and successfully network with music education professionals in regional high schools and community colleges. FHSU is a hub for Music Education in the western Kansas region, with special attention on rural program development and placement. A focus on rural music education development and advocacy is essential to the success of the program. FHSU Music and Theatre is committed to building a community of collaborative teacher-artists with diverse skills from a multitude of backgrounds. Music Education is a primary focus for the program. FHSU 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 Qualifications: Earned doctorate in Music (violin or viola performance, string pedagogy, music education, or related field), or a Masters in Music with equivalent professional experience, commensurate to advanced graduate studies in Music. Experience teaching applied violin/viola at the collegiate level, private studio, and/or in the public schools. Preferred Qualifications: Evidence of success in recruiting/retaining applied violin and viola students. Strong record of pedagogical engagement with music education programs. Expertise in string pedagogy. Rank: Assistant Professor of Music. Benefits : To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits . Appointment Date: August 12, 2027 Application Deadline : Screening of applications will begin October 29, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Application Process : To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers . Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted. Application Deadline : Screening of applications will begin after November 1 and continue until the position is filled. Required Application Documents : Cover letter that addresses the candidate’s skills and qualifications for this position, no more than two pages in length. Curriculum Vitae. Names and contact information for three professional references that can speak to teaching and performance abilities. Links to performance and teaching demonstration videos. Teaching videos should demonstrate both violin and viola. Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact: Prof. Benjamin Cline Chair, Music and Theatre brcline@fhsu.edu About the Program : Music and Theatre, in the School of Visual and Performing Arts, consists of 15 full-time-faculty and offers B.M. degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, and Music Composition, and B.A. in Music. The program offers a wide variety of performances to the public including music theatre, opera, instrumental and vocal ensembles, chamber music, the Tiger Marching Band, the Hays Symphony,