Assistant Professor Jobs in Kansas City, MO

UNIVERSITY of MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY

CONSERVATORY

Music Division

At the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, we take pride in collaboration across the divisions of music, dance, and theatre, and in advancing the integration of art forms through performance, teaching, and creative work. Our integrated arts approach intentionally brings together multiple disciplines to deepen learning, expand artistic practice, and enrich audience experiences. Conservatory | UMKC

Building on the Conservatory's strengths in classical voice, opera, and art song, and its integrated programs in theatre, dance, and emerging media, this position strengthens a distinct need in the Voice area: a teacher and performer whose work is grounded in sound vocal technique and pedagogy, with demonstrated ability to extend that technical foundation into musical theatre and contemporary-commercial styles. The successful candidate will value foundational voice building as the basis for stylistic flexibility while preparing singers to perform successfully across multiple genres.

The position is intended to enhance existing degree programs rather than establish a new one. It does not create a musical theatre major or degree. Instead, it broadens students' access to contemporary vocal skills and styles within the Conservatory's established voice and music curricula, supports the new undergraduate certificate in Musical Theatre, and complements existing strengths in classical voice, opera, choral, and cross-genre performance. The goal is to prepare singers as versatile artists with broad, modern skills for a range of 21st-century careers. Music - Areas of Study - Conservatory | UMKC

Musical Theatre & Contemporary-Commercial Emphasis
Full-time, Tenure-Track | Assistant Professor of Voice

The UMKC Conservatory invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Voice with an emphasis in musical theatre and contemporary-commercial styles, beginning Fall 2027.

We seek a versatile teacher and performer with expertise in sound vocal technique and pedagogy who can also lead students into musical theatre and contemporary-commercial practice, including belt, mix, and a range of contemporary styles. The successful candidate will understand foundational voice building and vocal pedagogy as the basis for stylistic versatility, preparing singers to move fluidly among classical, musical theatre, and contemporary-commercial genres. The ideal candidate may also demonstrate: Excellence as a teacher and performer grounded in sound vocal technique and pedagogy, with demonstrated experience applying that technical foundation to musical theatre and/or contemporary-commercial styles.

Areas of practice may include musical theatre voice and styles, contemporary-commercial music, song interpretation and acting through song, and related contemporary vocal work grounded in healthy vocal technique and sound technical craft.

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate applied voice across classical, musical theatre, and contemporary-commercial styles, grounded in foundational voice building and vocal pedagogy.
• Teach studio and classroom coursework in areas of specialty, which may include musical theatre voice and styles, song interpretation and acting through song, and contemporary vocal pedagogy.
• Support the new undergraduate certificate in Musical Theatre through instruction and curriculum, without establishing a separate degree program.
• Collaborate with faculty in Theatre and Dance to provide integrated training in singing, acting, and movement.
• Contribute to the Voice area's strategic vision for versatile, career-ready artists, including new initiatives and interdisciplinary performance.
• Maintain an active agenda of creative and/or scholarly activity at the regional, national, and international levels.
• Recruit and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, including outreach and possible summer programming.
• Engage in service through committees, community partnerships, and professional organizations.

Required Qualifications

• A terminal degree in vocal performance, vocal pedagogy, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Pedagogical command of foundational voice building together with contemporary vocal technique (including belt, mix, and healthy contemporary vocal production), demonstrating the ability to teach singers successfully across classical and contemporary styles.
• A record of professional performance in musical theatre and/or contemporary-commercial music.
• Ability to recruit and retain talented undergraduate and graduate students.
• Creative and/or scholarly achievement and the interpersonal skills necessary for success in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Collegiate teaching experience in voice, musical theatre, or contemporary-commercial styles.
• Demonstrated experience teaching singers across both classical and contemporary vocal traditions, including opera, art song, musical theatre, and contemporary-commercial repertoire.
• Experience teaching or developing curriculum for non-major and interdisciplinary students.
• Skills in music direction and/or collaborative piano, including the ability to coach and lead from the keyboard to assist Musical Theatre productions when needed.
• Experience collaborating with Theatre and Dance faculty to integrate acting and movement into vocal instruction and/or the curriculum in support of expressive, stylistically versatile performance.
• Familiarity with vocal health and pedagogy across multiple styles.
• Experience with recording, media, or immersive and interdisciplinary performance.
• Connections to professional musical theatre and the broader performing arts industry.
• Active involvement in professional organizations, with long-term potential for leadership.

This is a 9-month, tenure-track, benefit-eligible ranked faculty position to begin with the Fall 2027 semester. Salary is commensurate with experience and credentials. Our academic workloads and schedules provide for a positive work/life balance.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, discounted tuition at all four UM System campuses for employees and qualifying dependents, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

For consideration, you must apply online at Careers - Human Resources | University of Missouri-Kansas City / Academic Positions / Prospective employees: Job Opening ID 61022.

Please complete the online application form with questions, and submit the following materials:

• A one-page cover letter that explains how your work, past or future, aligns with the Conservatory Vision Statement: https://conservatory.umkc.edu/about-us/vision-mission-principles.html
• Curriculum Vitae
• Current contact information for at least three professional references
• Links to representative performances demonstrating musical theatre and/or contemporary-commercial styles, as well as classical repertoire that reflects the candidate's technical and artistic foundation.

Please combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as your resume attachment. Additionally, please limit the document name to 50 characters and do not include any special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). Maximum size limit is 11MB.

• If you are experiencing technical problems during application, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.
• For questions about the position, please contact umkcfacultysearch@umkc.edu including the Job Identification number 61022 and name of the position.
• Reasonable accommodation may be requested during the application and recruitment process. If you need an accommodation, please contact the Office of Equity and Title IX at (816) 235-1323.

We will request higher education transcripts for applicants who progress to the finalist stage. A Criminal Background Check is required for hire.

Review of applications will begin November 1, 2026, and continue until a qualified candidate is hired.

Employment visa sponsorship may be available for candidates currently in the United States in H-1B status or other work-authorized status.

The UMKC Conservatory is a vibrant community of artists, educators, and scholars located in the heart of Kansas City's thriving arts corridor. Committed to excellence, innovation, and equity, the Conservatory prepares students to become leading performers, educators, conductors, and scholar-artists. As part of an R-1 public research university, the Conservatory offers exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and global impact.

We seek colleagues who:

• help build the future of performance, education, and research in the performing arts;
• demonstrate a growth mindset, with an understanding that learning is an ongoing process;
• believe that art has the power to help us understand ourselves, each other, and our culture while empowering us to move that culture forward;
• engage in work that appeals to, and positively impacts, the global population;
• contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and supportive culture by building positive relationships with colleagues and fostering an environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and student success; and
• adapt to the opportunities in their regions and work within frameworks that embrace transdisciplinary possibilities.

A City on the Rise: Big City Life and Midwest Charm, Kansas City offers the best of both worlds - a vibrant, urban community with midwestern appeal and an affordable cost of living. Our UMKC campuses are centered in the hubs of cultural arts, business activity, (some great barbeque and ethnic cuisine!), trendy neighborhoods, and health science research engagement for both campuses. As one of the largest cities in Missouri, we are home to the internationally acclaimed Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, a rich history of jazz, cultural arts and music venues, a new international airport, national championship sports teams, NASCAR racing, and a community that is very engaged with our Conservatory and supportive of our university initiatives. Our beautiful state has rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and long bike/hiking trails all within a short drive for those that enjoy time in the great outdoors. Kansas City offers something for everyone! https://www.visitkc.com/

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.