Ranked Assistant Teaching Professor of Music Theory / UMKC Conservatory / Music

As the designated performing arts campus for the University of Missouri System, the UMKC Conservatory is a vibrant community of artists, educators, and scholars located in the heart of Kansas City’s thriving arts corridor. Committed to fostering excellence, innovation, and equity, the Conservatory prepares students to become leading performers, educators, conductors, and scholar-artists. As part of an R-1 public research university, the Conservatory offers exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and global impact.

Job Description

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate music theory classes; other courses assigned based on interest and area need; participate actively in the intellectual life of the Conservatory and university by serving on graduate and faculty committees, as well as engaging in other Conservatory activities; participation in area and division meetings, committees, and other service activities as assigned based on the candidate’s strengths and the needs of the institution; enrich the cultural environment of the Kansas City metropolitan community.

We seek candidates who:

• help build the future of performance, education and research in the performing arts;
• demonstrate a growth mindset, with an understanding that learning is an ongoing process;
• believe that art has the power to help us understand ourselves, each other, and our culture while empowering us to move that culture forward;
• engage in work that appeals to, and positively impacts, the global population;
• adapt to the opportunities in their regions, and work within frameworks that embrace transdisciplinary possibilities.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Music Theory (ABD considered, completion required at time of appointment)
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with undergraduate and graduate students
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues within a combined music theory/aural skills undergraduate curriculum
• Awareness of and engagement in current trends in music theory pedagogy

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary is commensurate with background which qualifies you for an academic position and experience. This is a 9-month, benefit-eligible, full-time (1.0) faculty appointment eligible for ranked promotion.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Our academic workloads and schedules promote a positive work/life balance.

Community Information

For more than a century, UMKC Conservatory has been a leader in creating Kansas City’s cultural riches and in extending UMKC’s reach nationally and internationally. Focused upon creativity, performance, scholarship, and learning in the arts, UMKC Conservatory is, at heart, a community of warm and fiercely dedicated people. Visit www.conservatory.umkc.edu for more information about the Conservatory.

A City on the Rise: Big City Life and Midwest Charm, Kansas City offers the best of both worlds – a vibrant, urban community with midwestern appeal and an affordable cost of living. The university is located in a Kansas City metropolitan area that is among the most entrepreneurial cities in America with a population of more than 2.4 million.

Our UMKC campuses are centered in the hubs of cultural arts, business activity, (some great barbeque and ethnic cuisine!), trendy neighborhoods, and health science research engagement for both campuses. As one of the largest cities in Missouri, we are home to the internationally acclaimed Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, a rich history of cultural arts and music, a new international airport, national championship sports teams, NASCAR racing, and a community that is very engaged with and supportive of our university initiatives. Our beautiful state has rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and long bike/hiking trails all within a short drive for those that enjoy time in the great outdoors. Kansas City offers something for everyone! https://www.visitkc.com/

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.

It is the fundamental policy of UMKC to provide equal opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, Veteran status or disability status in all education, employment and contracted activities. All final candidates will be required to successfully pass a Criminal Background Check prior to beginning employment.

Application materials to be submitted online:

• Curriculum vitae including educational background, previous academic appointments and artistic credentials
• Links to 1-2 teaching videos of undergraduate music theory and/or aural skills classes
• Current contact information for 3 professional references

Please combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as your resume attachments. Limit document name to 50 characters and do not include any special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.).

• If you are experiencing technical problems during application, please email [email protected]
• For questions about the position, please contact [email protected] including the Job Identification number 57358 and name of the position.
• Reasonable accommodations may be requested during the application and recruitment process. If you need an accommodation, please contact the Office of Equity and Title IX at (816) 235-1323.

Higher education transcripts are required for candidates advancing as finalists. Candidates will receive prior notification if references will be contacted.

Application Deadline

Review of application materials will begin November 1, 2025 and will continue until a qualified candidate is hired.