Music Education/Assistant Director of Choral Activities

Description

Full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Music Education and Assistant Director of Choral Activities. Teach courses in music education and choral topics, and direct a large mixed-voice choir. Serve as program coordinator for the music education degree program and as liaison to the College of Education.

Examples of Duties

Teach undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in music education based on the candidate's area of expertise for the University’s Division of Music. Possible courses include elementary and middle school methods; choral arranging, choral techniques, and choral literature; and current trends in music education, among others.

• Direct the UCM Collegiate Choir, a 60-voice mixed ensemble.
• Assist with recruiting, supervision, and advising of undergraduate music education students, and act as liaison to the College of Education.
• Build and maintain relationships with area K-12 public schools.
• Supervise graduate-level research in music education.
• Maintain a creative and/or scholarly career in music education, leading to a prominent reputation in the field.

Typical Qualifications

Doctorate in Music required; Ph.D. in Music Education preferred. ABD will be considered, with the understanding that such candidates will be appointed as Visiting Assistant Professor and must complete the doctorate within one year to move into the tenure-track position.

Significant K-12 teaching experience and evidence of successful teaching in university settings.

Experience conducting advanced choral ensembles.

Ability to supervise graduate-level research in music education.

Supplemental Information

The Division of Music at UCM strives to foster an inclusive learning community for all who wish to participate in the field of music as educators, performers, technologists, researchers, and listeners. We seek colleagues who will support our commitment to engagement and inclusion of culturally diverse audiences in Missouri and beyond.

The position begins August 1, 2026.

CLOSING DATE: Position open until filled. Completed applications received by January 5th will receive priority screening.

With 19 full-time and 12 part-time faculty, and more than 200 music majors, the Division of Music at UCM is the third-largest in Missouri and is the state’s first All-Steinway School. UCM Music offers the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Music in Performance and Music Technology and Commercial Music, and the Master of Arts degrees. We are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Higher Learning Commission, and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. UCM has a long tradition of leadership in teacher training. Administration supports faculty members in their efforts to produce future-focused musicians who will lead the profession upon graduation.

UCM Music’s ample teaching and rehearsal spaces include a 385-seat recital hall and a 1,300-seat concert hall on the Warrensburg campus. Smart Technology enhancements are available in many classrooms. Recently-approved renovations to our facilities include a major upgrade to the music technology studios allowing for state-of-the-art recording capabilities and collaborative projects across the School of Visual and Performing Arts and the university at large. Upcoming investments include significant upgrades to our large concert hall and a new, dedicated building for the Marching Mules. Access to our Missouri Innovation Campus (Lee’s Summit, MO) allows for unique outreach and professional opportunities, and the cultural hub of downtown Kansas City is less than one hour away.

For more information, please visit ucmo.edu/music.

Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/ucmo. A completed application will include a cover letter addressing the candidate’s ability to perform the primary job responsibilities; a statement of teaching philosophy; a current curriculum vitae; links to evidence of teaching or conducting; contact information for at least three references; and unofficial transcripts of the highest degree. Additional materials will be requested of candidates who advance in the search.

All materials should be uploaded within the application. Please ensure the committee will be able to access these supplemental materials at will until further notice.

Direct all inquiries to:

Dr. Jackson Thomas

Chair, Music Education and Assistant Director of Choral Activities Search Committee

jthomas@ucmo.edu

Special Instructions:

Full-time staff & 12-month faculty benefits-eligible position: Benefits include competitive salary; health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD & D, long-term disability; 3 weeks paid vacation per year; 3 weeks of accrued sick leave per year; 13 paid holidays; retirement; and generous education assistance for an employee, spouse and dependent children taking classes at UCM.

9-month faculty benefits-eligible position: Benefits include competitive salary; health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD & D, long-term disability; 3 weeks of accrued sick leave per year; 13 paid holidays; retirement; and generous education assistance for an employee, spouse and dependent children taking classes at UCM.

Part-time benefits-eligible positions: Benefits include generous education assistance for the employee.

Temporary, adjunct, student employment, or graduate assistant positions: Benefits are not included.

Completed UCM online application for employment required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

A review will begin immediately and continue until filled unless indicated otherwise.

NOTE: A background check is required for the selected candidate of all staff, faculty, adjunct, and temporary positions and any job offer is contingent on the results of this check. Student employees and graduate assistants do not require a background check to be conducted prior to employment.

The University of Central Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Our faculty and staff are the university’s most valuable asset, and our goal is to provide a robust Total Rewards Program designed to help them maintain a happy, healthy, and productive lifestyle.

Highlights from UCM's total rewards package for full-time employees include:

• 30.25% (staff) and 6% (faculty) defined retirement contribution, paid by the university;

• Voluntary Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) programs (403(b) and 457(b)) that allow eligible employees to make additional pre-tax contributions to a retirement plan;

• Employees can earn up to full tuition (15 credit hours) for themselves per academic year. Full-time employees are also eligible for up to $175 towards non-credit courses each fiscal year. Employees can earn up to full tuition for their dependents;

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans that begin on the first of the month following your date of hire. Basic dental and vision insurance paid at 100% by the university;

• Available Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts;

• University-paid basic life insurance (including accidental death and dismemberment) and short-term and long-term disability insurance coverage;

• Generous leave accruals that begin accruing on your start date, plus 14 paid holidays per year.

• The UCM Childcare Center on the Warrensburg campus can provide faculty, staff, and students quality care for their children ages six weeks to 10 years.

• The Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC) is free for all employees and is located on the Warrensburg campus.

• An Employee Assistance Program is available to all employees and their immediate family members to help assist with personal challenges you may face in your daily life;

• UCM offers an Employee Discount Program through Working Advantage.