Full Time Music Composition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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 MissionStatement:

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 artisticvisions 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 VisionStatement:

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

About the College:

The work that students and faculty in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences do inside and outside of the classroom develops the creative, critical, and practical skills that graduates will use throughout their lifetimes-and across multiple careers-as productive and successful leaders at the regional, national, and global levels in a rapidly changing world.

The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences includes the Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science; the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology; the Department of English and Modern Languages; the Department of History and Philosophy; and the School of Visual and Performing Arts.

For further information about the college, please visithttps://www.fhsu.edu/cahss/.

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.