About this role
Position Overview
The University of Kansas School of Music is seeking candidates for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Piano position with a focus on artistic performance. The successful candidate will contribute to the School’s academic mission through teaching, creative activity or research, student mentorship, and service. This position supports the School’s undergraduate and graduate programs and contributes to an engaged learning environment for students and collegiality among faculty.
The University of Kansas School of Music is a comprehensive university music school offering professional training in a wide array of specializations through baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degree programs. A charter member of the National Association of Schools of Music (1928), KU is the only institution authorized by the Kansas Board of Regents to grant doctoral degrees in music.
The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to support the academic programs and priorities of the School of Music. The position requires active engagement in the artistic and intellectual life of the School, effective mentorship of students, and participation in shared faculty responsibilities.
This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and the United Academics of KU, which is the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit. It is the candidate’s right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.
KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States prior to the start date of the position.
Job Description
40% Teaching
- Teach applied piano lessons at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Teach related courses as needed, which may include repertoire classes and pedagogy-related courses, and coach chamber music.
- Supervise graduate teaching assistants.
- Supervise and edit doctoral projects.
40% Research / Creative Activity
- Establish and maintain a research and creative agenda that reflects artistic growth and expands a reputation for excellence in the field.
- Share creative activity and research with colleagues and/or the public through publication, performance, or other activities identified in the department or program faculty evaluation plan and promotion and tenure policy.
20% Service
- Recruit students in piano performance and pedagogy and maintain a piano studio.
- Serve on graduate and faculty committees.
- Contribute service to the School of Music, the University, and the profession as assigned or appropriate.
Required Qualifications
- Earned doctorate degree in music by the appointment date.
- Demonstrated record of productive teaching experience at the collegiate or equivalent level.
- Demonstrated successful experience in student recruitment.
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.
Contact Information to Applicants
Dr. Jung-Won Shin [email protected]
Additional Candidate Instruction
Completed applications must include
- Letter of interest highlighting qualifications for the position.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Statement of teaching philosophy.
- A portfolio with links to at least three recent solo and collaborative performances.
- Names and contact information for three professional references.
- Unofficial copies of academic transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire).
Review of application materials begins December 21st, 2026. To ensure consideration apply by this date.
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.