Assistant Professor of Music Education

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at Kansas State University invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Music Education beginning in August 2026. This position offers the opportunity to join a colla...

  • 521387
  • Manhattan
  • School of Music Theatre Dance
  • Academic / Faculty - 9 month
  • Closing at: May 4 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at Kansas State University invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Music Education beginning in August 2026. This position offers the opportunity to join a collaborative music education program with two additional music education faculty and strong connections across choral, band, orchestra, jazz, applied music, and music business areas.

Kansas State University’s music education program prepares highly effective teachers with strong placement in K–12 schools. We seek a candidate committed to innovative teaching, meaningful field experiences, and partnerships with local, rural, and urban schools.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate music education courses, mentor and supervise students in field and student teaching experiences, serve on thesis and dissertation committees, maintain an active research agenda, and contribute to program development, recruitment, and service.

About Us

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is one of the largest and fastest-growing academic units at Kansas State University, serving more than 430 majors, secondary majors, minors, and graduate students, with over 7,000 individual student enrollments annually. The School presents more than 300 concerts, recitals, plays, and dance productions each year, supported by 72 faculty and staff.

The School is an All-Steinway School and holds professional accreditation from NASM, NAST, and NADTA. Established in 2012 through the merger of long-standing music, theatre, and dance units, the School builds on more than a century of excellence in the performing arts at Kansas State University.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Music Education or terminal degree in closely related field (ABD considered; degree must be completed by appointment date)
  • Minimum of five years of successful K–12 music teaching experience
  • Evidence of an emerging or established research agenda

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications

  •  Evidence of effective teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate level
  •  Experience working in varied educational settings
  •  Demonstrated ability to contribute to multiple areas of the music education curriculum, including methods, practicum, and field-   based instruction across varied school settings
  •  Interest in innovative approaches to field experiences, community engagement, or school partnerships
  •  Demonstrated ability to teach foundational music education coursework

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  1. A signed letter of interest that addresses listed qualifications
  2. A detailed curriculum vita, including a list of courses or subject areas previously taught or within the candidate’s ability to teach
  3. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of 3 professional references
  4. Teaching philosophy (750 words maximum)
  5. A 10-15 minute teaching video of the candidate in either a K-12, undergraduate, or graduate music education setting from within the last 5 years

Application Window

Applications close on: May 4, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$60,000-$65,000

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.