Job Details

Department School of Visual and Performing Arts - Music & Theatre

Job Posting Title Assistant Professor of Music (Applied Violin and Viola), Department of Music and 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 temporary position beginning August 2026. 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 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 Requirements:

• Masters in Music.

Preferred Requirements:

• Doctorate in Music, 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.
• Evidence of success in recruiting/retaining applied students.

Rank: Instructor or Assistant Professor of Music, depending on qualifications.

Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits.

Appointment Date: August 6, 2026

Application Deadline: Screening of applications will begin immediately 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.

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.

Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:

Prof. Benjamin Cline
Chair of Music and Theatre Department
brcline@fhsu.edu