Assistant Professor - Department of Music & Theatre

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

[email protected]

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, theatrical performances, and faculty artist and guest artist recitals. The program is housed in Malloy Hall, consisting of two rehearsal halls, a theatre, several classroom spaces, practice rooms, and faculty studios.  We are committed to expanding access to students in the region and around the globe. For more information visit https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/

School of Visual and Performing Arts Mission Statement:

The School of Visual and Performing Arts is a vibrant and diverse artistic community that fosters and inspires the creative potential of students, cultivating their artistic visions for the future as they prepare for meaningful and successful lives in the arts. We promote and respect creativity, expression, and diversity in all its forms.  

School of Visual and Performing Arts Vision Statement:

The School of Visual and Performing Arts is dedicated to advancing human creativity and inspiring students to be change-makers within their communities. 

Community of Hays

FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.

Notice of Non-discrimination: FHSU is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, employment, services, and activities in compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. FHSU prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its programs, activities, admissions, or employment.

Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.

Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.