ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of COMPOSITION / UMKC CONSERVATORY / Music Division

UNIVERSITY of MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY

CONSERVATORY

Music Division / Composition

At the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, we take pride in fostering collaboration across the divisions of music, dance, and theatre, and in advancing the integration of art forms through our research and creative work. Our integrated arts approach intentionally weaves together multiple art forms to deepen learning, expand artistic practice, and enrich audience experiences.

To prepare students for 21st-century careers in the arts, the Conservatory proposes a Sound, Composition, and Digital & Immersive Media Faculty Cohort-three faculty positions across divisions, each with distinct yet complementary roles. Comprised of the three positions including Assistant Professor of Composition (Music Division), Assistant Professor of Sound and Technology (Theatre Division), and Assistant Professor of Digital and Immersive Media (Theatre Division), the cohort will form a hub for applied creativity, industry engagement, and innovative pedagogy.

Members of this cohort will play a central role in modernizing and enriching curricula within their respective divisions, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and perspectives needed in today's professional landscape. Each faculty member will contribute disciplinary expertise while actively seeking points of intersection that expand creative possibilities for students. Our goal is to enhance existing degree programs, rather than establishing new ones, by integrating contemporary practices, collaborative projects, and industry-informed approaches that prepare graduates for evolving careers in the performing arts and related fields.

The UMKC Conservatory invites applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Composition at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning in August 2026. This position involves teaching and research that extends into diverse media contexts including the concert hall. Here, "media" refers to screen-based, interactive, and immersive environments where music intersects with image, narrative, space, and technology. Examples include scoring for digital platforms such as film, television, video games, and streaming, as well as live or hybrid performance and installation work. Candidates may ground their practice in concert composition while demonstrating interest or emerging expertise in these areas or bring established professional experience in media composition.

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach composition for concert and media
• Connects students with industry-standard tools, workflows, and professional portfolio development
• Teach coursework in areas of interest and specialty as needed, including literature, pedagogy, and chamber music.
• Teach coursework for the Conservatory at-large as needed and deemed appropriate.
• Maintain an active agenda of creative activity, in composition and related subjects
• Engage in a variety of service activities including committees, outreach, and community partnerships.
• Engage in recruitment activities including a summer camp.
• Collaborate with faculty across the Conservatory providing interdisciplinary experiences that train students in an integrated artist-scholar framework.

• DMA/PhD in Composition or Equivalent professional experience (ABD considered).
• Evidence of successful teaching experience, preferably at the University/professional level.
• Demonstrated and increasing profile of research and scholarly productivity.
• Active involvement in professional organizations, with long-term potential for leadership.
• Organizational and interpersonal skills necessary for success in higher education.
• Previous artistic leadership, collaboration, and community engagement through performance or educational initiatives.

Salary is commensurate with experience and credentials. Our academic workloads and schedules provide for a positive work/life balance.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, discounted tuition at all four UM System campuses for employees and qualifying dependents, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

For consideration, you must apply online at https://info.umkc.edu/hr/careers/academic-positions/; click on Academic Positions Job Opening ID 57474.

Please complete the online application form and submit the following materials:

• A one-page cover letter that explains how your work in the past or in the future aligns with the conservatory vision statement. https://conservatory.umkc.edu/about-us/vision-mission-principles.html
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Current contact information for at least three professional references.
• Links to representative scholarly and/or artistic work.

For the online application, please combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document. Additionally, please limit the document name to 50 characters and do not include any special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). Maximum size limit is 11MB.

• If you are experiencing technical problems during application, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.
• For questions about the position, please contact umkcfacultysearch@umkc.edu including the Job Identification number 57474 and name of the position.
• Reasonable accommodation 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.

We will request higher education transcripts for applicants who progress to the finalist stage. A Criminal Background Check is required for the finalist prior to hire.

Review of applications will begin November 1st and continue until a qualified candidate is hired.

About the UMKC Conservatory

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, 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. UMKC Conservatory is the designated arts campus for the UM System.

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 to expanding frameworks of collaboration.

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. 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 jazz, cultural arts and music venues, 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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