Assistant Teaching Professor in Music Education and Music Therapy

Position Overview

Position:
Assistant Teaching Professor, non‑tenure track (academic year, nine months) to teach undergraduate group piano classes beginning August 18, 2026.

KU School of Music is a comprehensive university music school offering professional training in a wide array of specializations through baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degree programs. As a charter member of the National Association of Schools of Music (1928) and the only institution in Kansas authorized to grant doctoral degrees in music, KU is a flagship R‑1 institution and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

This is a three‑year appointment. Subsequent appointments may be offered contingent upon a satisfactory comprehensive performance evaluation during the final year and approval of the Dean of Music. The position is subject to collective bargaining agreement with the University of Kansas and United Academics.

The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor (non‑tenure track). The successful candidate will teach undergraduate group piano skills classes for students in the School of Music. Expectations include teaching multiple sections of undergraduate piano skills classes, facilitating the quiz‑out processes for those classes, and collaborating with the Area Coordinators for Music Education and Music Therapy to develop a comprehensive and relevant curriculum to the professional needs of students in various majors.

• Teach undergraduate group piano classes within a three‑semester sequence in a digital piano lab setting, each course having multiple sections of no more than 15 students (typically 4‑5 sections per course: PIAN 144 (5), 148 (5), 284 (4)). Fall teaching load is typically heavier than the spring teaching load.
• Utilize piano lab technology effectively, including MIDI equipment, headphones, and software for demonstration and individual monitoring.
• Coordinate with faculty to align group piano objectives with the overarching music curriculum and attend MEMT departmental meetings.

• Engage in scholarly work such as documenting and disseminating results of inquiry into improving teaching and learning; workshop presentations, publications of best practices, and/or peer‑reviewed research as appropriate.

• Participate in committee work and other contributions of service to the School of Music, University of Kansas and/or professional organizations.

• Master's degree in music or related field.
• Experience teaching group piano skills in individual and/or group settings.
• Proficiency in functional piano skills (harmonization, improvisation, sight‑reading, score reading, lead‑sheet reading, transposition).

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position.

• Completion of the online application.
• Letter of interest describing how the candidate's experiences and accomplishments relate to the required qualifications.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• 1‑2 page teaching statement focused on teaching undergraduate group piano skills within a comprehensive university music school, including potential objectives and instructional strategies.
• Three references with contact information.

Monday, July 6, 2026. The review continues until a qualified applicant has been selected.

Cindy Colwell
ccolwell

Commensurate with experience.

Tuesday, August 18, 2026.