University of Central Missouri
Jazz and Commercial Music Professor- Tenure Track
University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO, United States
Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : UCMO - Warrensburg, MO
Job Type: Faculty Full Time
Job Number: 998376
Division: Music
Opening Date: 01/23/2025
Description
The University of Central Missouri is seeking a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Jazz and Commercial Music. This position involves directing bands and combos within a dynamic jazz and commercial music program. The successful candidate will teach and develop courses in areas such as improvisation, commercial music, arranging, pedagogy, and related subjects. Additionally, the Assistant Professor will organize and lead the annual UCM Jazz Festival.
Examples of Duties
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 the engagement and inclusion of culturally diverse audiences in Missouri and beyond.
SALARY: This is a 9-month, benefits-eligible, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor, starting August 1, 2025.
CLOSING DATE: The position is open until filled. Applications received by February 15 will receive priority consideration.
The University of Central Missouri's Division of Music enjoys ample teaching and rehearsal space and includes a 385-seat recital hall and a 1300-seat concert hall on the Warrensburg campus. 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. 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.
The Division of Music at the University of Central Missouri offers a variety of degrees, including the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music (with emphases in Performance and Music Technology and Commercial Music), Bachelor of Music Education, and Master of Arts degrees. We are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the North Central Association, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. With a rich history of providing solid music foundations to our graduates, the Division of Music is committed to fostering innovative thinking and collaboration. Additionally, faculty are encouraged and supported by the administration in their innovative thinking and collaboration to produce future-focused musicians who will serve and lead the profession upon graduation.
The division includes 19 full-time and 12 part-time faculty members, including several Artists-in-Residence from the Kansas City Symphony. With more than 200 music majors, the Division of Music is the third-largest in Missouri and the state's first All-Steinway School. For more information, please visit
Special Instructions:
Full-time 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.
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 and specifically invites applications from women, minorities, veteran status, and people with disabilities.
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:
Location : UCMO - Warrensburg, MO
Job Type: Faculty Full Time
Job Number: 998376
Division: Music
Opening Date: 01/23/2025
Description
The University of Central Missouri is seeking a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Jazz and Commercial Music. This position involves directing bands and combos within a dynamic jazz and commercial music program. The successful candidate will teach and develop courses in areas such as improvisation, commercial music, arranging, pedagogy, and related subjects. Additionally, the Assistant Professor will organize and lead the annual UCM Jazz Festival.
Examples of Duties
- Teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses in jazz and commercial music within the University's Division of Music, part of the School of Visual and Performing Arts. The standard course load at UCM is four three-credit courses per semester.
- Foster and support a diverse range of student musical interests and backgrounds.
- Maintain a creative and/or scholarly career in jazz and commercial music, building a prominent reputation in the field.
- Collaborate as a jazz and commercial music expert within the Music Technology and Commercial Music program, as well as across the School of Visual and Performing Arts.
- Demonstrate expertise in arranging and composing for jazz and commercial ensembles.
- Assist in the supervision and maintenance of the program's jazz and commercial music facilities and equipment.
- Provide academic advising for students in the Music Technology and Commercial Music degree programs.
- Contribute to recruitment efforts for the Division of Music's degree programs.
- Organize and lead the annual UCM Jazz Festival.
- Ph.D. or D.M.A. in jazz, commercial music, or a related field. ABD candidates will be considered with the understanding that they will be appointed as Visiting Assistant Professor and must complete their doctorate within one year to transition to the tenure-track position. In exceptional cases of significant professional experience, candidates with other relevant degrees may also be considered. Strong preference will be given to those with industry experience outside academia.
- Evidence of successful teaching.
- Ability to lead jazz and commercial music ensembles at the collegiate level.
- Experience and interest in commercial music creation that includes cross-disciplinary work, such as songwriting, scoring for multimedia or theatre, or composing music for dance.
- Proficiency in teaching improvisation across a variety of genres and styles.
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 the engagement and inclusion of culturally diverse audiences in Missouri and beyond.
SALARY: This is a 9-month, benefits-eligible, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor, starting August 1, 2025.
CLOSING DATE: The position is open until filled. Applications received by February 15 will receive priority consideration.
The University of Central Missouri's Division of Music enjoys ample teaching and rehearsal space and includes a 385-seat recital hall and a 1300-seat concert hall on the Warrensburg campus. 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. 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.
The Division of Music at the University of Central Missouri offers a variety of degrees, including the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music (with emphases in Performance and Music Technology and Commercial Music), Bachelor of Music Education, and Master of Arts degrees. We are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the North Central Association, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. With a rich history of providing solid music foundations to our graduates, the Division of Music is committed to fostering innovative thinking and collaboration. Additionally, faculty are encouraged and supported by the administration in their innovative thinking and collaboration to produce future-focused musicians who will serve and lead the profession upon graduation.
The division includes 19 full-time and 12 part-time faculty members, including several Artists-in-Residence from the Kansas City Symphony. With more than 200 music majors, the Division of Music is the third-largest in Missouri and the state's first All-Steinway School. For more information, please visit
Special Instructions:
Full-time 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.
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 and specifically invites applications from women, minorities, veteran status, and people with disabilities.
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:
- 28.75% (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.