Instructor - School of Music

University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas School of Music invites qualified scholars to apply for Instructor positions to be considered for part-time, full-time, regular, or temporary teaching roles. The appointment is a term position for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, renewal based on needs and performance.

Responsibilities include teaching in a specific field, developing course materials, syllabi, lectures, and advising, with collaborations and policy adherence expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in music or closely related discipline is required.
• For undergraduate instruction: a Bachelor's in music and 5+ years of applied experience, or a Bachelor's in any field with 10+ years of applied experience.
• For graduate instruction: terminal degree in music (Ph.D., D.M.A.) or Master's plus 7 years of relevant experience.
• Professional music experience may substitute for degrees on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Teach university courses in a specific field, develop materials, manage syllabi, deliver lectures, and assign grades.
• Advise students and hold office hours; collaborate with colleagues and follow policies.

Skills

Research record

Teaching experience

Education

Master's degree in music or closely related discipline

Bachelor's degree in music or closely related field with 5+ years of applied experience

Bachelor's degree in any field with 10+ years of applied experience

Terminal degree in music or related discipline (Ph.D./D.M.A.)

Job description

Position Overview

The School of Music at the University of Kansas strives to offer a comprehensive array of programs of study at the bachelors, masters and doctoral levels. The School offers required coursework to students wishing to pursue a profession in music or those pursuing related programs of study on campus. The School also offers elective opportunities for music study to the overall student body.

The School of Music invites qualified scholars and professionals to submit applications for Instructor positions, which will be reviewed by the faculty and placed in a pool to be considered for part‑time, full‑time, regular, or temporary teaching positions, as needed. Applications will be accepted throughout the year and appointments made when extra instructors are required to fill vacancies or in emergency situations.

The Instructor is an instructional, adjunct faculty position that is not eligible for tenure or promotion in rank. This is a term appointment for the Fall 2026 and/or Spring 2027 semesters. Renewal will be based upon unit needs and funding as well as performance that meets expectations, not to exceed two continuous semesters.

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and United Academics, United Academics of KU, AAUP, or AFT. UAKU is the exclusive representative. As the State of Kansas is a right to work state, you have the right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California, Delaware, Idaho and Minnesota. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.

The successful candidate must have the appropriate authorization to work in the U.S. before employment begins.

Job Description

100% Instructional Duties:

• As an instructor for the university, primary duties and responsibilities include: teaching in a specific field, developing course materials, developing and managing syllabi, creating lectures and assignments, grading student work, advising students and holding office hours.

• All instructors are expected to collaborate with colleagues, be current in the field, and are required to adhere to departmental, school/college and university polices and procedures.

Required Qualifications

For Instruction of Undergraduate-Level Courses:

1. Master's degree in music or closely related discipline, OR Bachelor's degree in music or a closely related field AND five (5) or more years of applied, relevant experience, OR a Bachelor's degree in any field and ten (10) or more years of applied, relevant experience.

1. Record of research, scholarship or achievement in discipline.

For Instruction of Graduate-Level Courses:

1. Earned terminal degree in discipline (Ph.D., D.M.A., other) in music or closely related discipline, OR Master's degree in any discipline and 7 years of relevant (professional) experience in the field of music.

1. Record of research, scholarship or achievement in discipline.

Years of professional music experience may suffice for the academic degree requirements and will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis for approval.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community.

Additional Candidate Instructions

• Completion of the online application
• CV
• Contact Information for three professional references

Contact Information to Applicants

Matthew Smith
[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

Commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins

Thursday July 30, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

Tuesday August 18, 2026