Music and Theatre, in the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas, invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in percussion beginning August 2026. We seek an engaging artist-teacher of percussion with the ability to teach multiple genres and a wide array of percussion instruments. Primary teaching responsibilities include teaching applied percussion to undergraduate students (music education majors, performance majors, and non-majors), directing the Percussion Ensemble, teaching the Marching Band drum line, and teaching other percussion-related courses, including pedagogy, techniques, and literature. Other duties may include teaching music major courses and/or general education courses based on the candidate’s qualifications and needs of the program.
Additional duties include:
- mentoring percussion students
- developing and engaging in creative scholarship appropriate for a tenure-track position
- participating in service at the program, college, and university level
- engaging in leadership and service that contributes to the shared governance of the program, school, college, and university
- actively recruiting students to the program
- pursuing and implementing opportunities for program growth and development
The successful candidate will be able to engage the community and region to recruit students, advocate for the performing arts and music education, and successfully network with music education professionals in regional high schools and community colleges. FHSU is a hub for Music Education in the western Kansas region, with special attention on rural program development and placement. A focus on rural music education development and advocacy is essential to the success of the program. Strong skills in problem solving, creative thinking, and innovative solutions, coupled with a readiness to think outside the box, are desired.
FHSU Music and Theatre is committed to building a community of collaborative teacher-artists with diverse skills from a multitude of backgrounds. We are engaged in the process of discovering what a 21st century music and theatre program can be and expanding access to students in the region and the globe. Music Education is a primary focus for the program. FHSU Music and Theatre treats community-engaged work in teaching, scholarship, and/or service as legitimate and important areas of faculty activity, of comparable value to high-impact classroom teaching and mentorship, the scholarship of discovery, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Doctorate in Music, or a masters in Music with equivalent professional experience, commensurate to advanced graduate studies in Music.
- Experience teaching applied percussion at the collegiate level.
- Experience teaching applied percussion to students of varying abilities.
- Experience teaching a diversity of percussion instruments, styles, and literatures.
- Experience working with marching band percussion.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty in music and other disciplines to advocate for music and music education.
- Ability to teach in other areas of music (i.e. music theory, world music, music technology, etc.).
Rank: Assistant Professor of Music, Tenure-Track
Appointment Date: August 2026
Application Deadline: Screening of applications will begin September 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.
Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit
FHSU Benefits.
Application process: To apply for this position, please visit
FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.
Required Application Documents:
- Cover letter that addresses the candidate’s skills and qualifications for this position, no more than two pages in length.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Names and contact information for three professional references.
Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:
Dr. Peter Lillpopp
