Assistant Teaching Professor in Music Education and Music Therapy

The University of Kansas School of Music seeks to fill a full-time, academic year (nine month) faculty position to teach undergraduate group piano classes beginning on August 18, 2026. The University of Kansas 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. A charter member of the National Association of Schools of Music (1928), KU is the only institution authorized by the Kansas Board of Regents to grant doctoral degrees in music.
This 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. This is a 3 year appointment. Subsequent appointments may be offered, contingent upon a satisfactory comprehensive performance evaluation during the final year of this appointment and approval of the Dean of Music.
The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university, an R-1 institution, and one of 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Our university consistently earns high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university (engaging in $275 million of externally funded research annually). At KU, we make it our mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world. We aspire to be an exceptional learning community that lifts each other and advances society. KU’s strategic plan Jayhawks Rising is focused on objectives to accomplish this vision through three mission-based priorities of student success, healthy and vibrant communities, research, and discovery.
KU’s research residential campus is in the center of a vibrant and culturally-rich community – a quintessential college town. Visitors, students and new employees from outside the area enjoy discovering the many wonders of Lawrence, including a thriving downtown, diverse local and regional events, area lakes, vibrant arts and music scenes, and an indelible history. Home to nearly 95,000 people, Lawrence is located 45 minutes west of Kansas City and 30 minutes east of Topeka, the state capital. Along with the music, arts, culture and sports experiences offered at KU and in Lawrence, the short drive to Kansas City provides quick access to historic jazz clubs, museums, world-class music and theatre venues, and professional sports teams.
The University of Kansas is a Carnegie Research-Extensive Institution with a student body of over 30,000 students representing every state and more than 113 foreign countries. The University is located in Lawrence, a city with a population exceeding 95,000. The community is known for its support of the arts and education and regularly appears in various “best town” listings.
This position is subject to acollective bargaining agreementbetween The University of Kansas and United Academics, United Academics of KU, AAUP, or AFT. UAKU is the exclusive representative. As the State of Kansas is a right to work state, you have the right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.

80% – Teaching

• Teach undergraduate group piano classes within a three-semester sequence in a digital piano lab setting.
  • Each course has multiple sections of no more than 15 students, typically 4-5/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

10% – Scholarly Engagement

• Scholarly engagement may involve documenting and disseminating results of inquiry into improving teaching and learning; workshop, presentations, and publications of best practices, and/or peer-reviewed research as appropriate.

10% – Service

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

1. Master’s degree in music, or related field.
2. experience teaching group piano skills in individual and/or group settings.
3. Proficiency in functional piano skills (i.e., 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. The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community.

A complete Application consists of:

1. Completion of the online application
2. Letter of interest that describes how the candidates experiences and accomplishments relate to the required qualifications listed above.
3. A Curriculum Vitae
4. 1-2 page teaching statement focused on teaching undergraduate group piano skills within a comprehensive university music school, including potential objectives and instructional strategies
5. Three references with contact information.

Application review will begin on Monday, June 29, 2026 and will continue until a qualified applicant has been selected.

Cindy Colwell
ccolwell@ku.edu

Commensurate with experience

Monday July 6, 2026

Tuesday August 18, 2026