University of Kansas is hiring: Music Director in Lawrence

University of Kansas Music Director in Lawrence, Kansas

Job Title: Music Director

Department: Theatre and Dance

Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Job Description:

Musical Direction and Academic Program Associate (40%)

• Serve as Musical Director for University Theatre productions.
• Arrange for or provide live musical accompaniment for Theatre and Dance (THR & DANC) classes, auditions, rehearsals, and special events.
• Coach student singers and provide instructional training in rehearsals and performances.
• Select, coach, and provide training for accompanists and pit musicians as needed.

Teaching (20%)

• Teach one organized section per semester, such as THR 210/310 Musical Performance for the Actor.

Service (20%)

• Serve the Department, College, University, and the profession of Theatre & Dance through activities such as curriculum development, recruitment support, and committee participation.

Research (20%)

• Sustain an active and productive creative research program in the field of musical theatre, which may include composing or performing live music for stage, screen, radio, or recorded media. This may involve solo work or collaborations with others in creative projects.

Conditions of Employment: Limited Term

Contact Information to Applicants: Markus Potter, markuspotter@ku.edu

Limited Term End Date: 17-May-2028

Position Number: 00207044

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree (MFA, Master’s of Music, PhD, DMA) in Music, Theatre, or a related field, OR a Bachelor’s Degree, OR three years of professional experience in the performing arts.
• Formal or special study in piano, demonstrating technical and artistic skills in music theory, composition, sight reading, arranging, and/or improvisation.
• Professional experience as a Musical Director and/or Accompanist.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of experience serving as a Musical Director and/or accompanist in a university and Professional setting.
• Experience teaching musical theatre performance at an accredited university.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative and culturally diverse campus environment.

Position Overview: The University of Kansas Department of Theatre and Dance seeks a full-time Music Director/Accompanist to serve as both an instructor and musical director for departmental productions. This is a full-time, nine-month academic year position with an initial three-year term. The position includes responsibilities related to teaching, musical direction for University Theatre productions, and service within the Department and University.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

Reg/Temp: Regular

Application Review Begins: 28-Jan-2025

Anticipated Start Date: 18-Aug-2025

Additional Candidate Instruction: A complete application includes: Cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 professional references.

Review of applications will begin on January 28, 2025 and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.