Assistant Professor of Music at Graceland University
Graceland University · Lamoni, United States Of America · Onsite
- Professional
- Office in Lamoni
The Visual and Performing Arts Department at Graceland University invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor of Music in Collaborative Piano, 9-month contract renewable with the possibility of being tenure-track, starting August 2026 on the Lamoni, IA, campus. The successful candidate will join our supportive music and theatre faculty in establishing an innovative Performing Arts major, with concentrations in Business and Entrepreneurship, Dramatic Media, and Performance Studies.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- MM in Collaborative Piano, or an allied field, at the time of the appointment. or commensurate professional experience.
- 1 year of experience teaching piano at the college level.
- 1 year of experience as a collaborative pianist working with faculty and undergraduate students.
- Ability and willingness to effectively recruit undergraduate student pianists.
Preferred Qualifications
- Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Piano or allied field is preferred. Doctoral candidates who are finishing up their dissertation are encouraged to apply.
- 2 years of experience teaching class piano at the college level.
- 2 years of experience as a collaborative pianist working with faculty and undergraduate students.
- Proven ability to effectively recruit collaborative and solo undergraduate pianists.
- Special consideration will be given to candidates with professional/teaching experience in music technology.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Coordinate, direct, and grow an active Applied Studio of undergraduate musicians, and, as the program grows, assign undergraduate collaborative pianists for the accompanying needs of the Music and Performing Arts Programs.
- Rehearse and perform with guest artists, faculty, students, and ensembles as a professional collaborative pianist.
- Teach up to 12 credits per semester (Fall and Spring), with the understanding that full-time load will include rehearsals and performances as a professional collaborative pianist. Courses taught will be dependent on the candidate’s strengths and interests; subjects taught might include Music History or Theory and Music Technology.
- All members of the Visual and Performing Arts Department contribute to and participate in student advising, department assessment and evaluation, program development, recruiting, and academic citizenship.
- Additional teaching and service will be determined depending on the needs of the Music and Performing Arts Programs.
About Graceland University:
Graceland University is a small, historic, private, liberal arts institution situated in south central Iowa, approximately 70 miles south of Des Moines, IA and 120 miles north of Kansas City, MO. Graceland has a rich tradition of artistic excellence and is home to the Shaw Center for the Performing Arts that features the state-of-the-art JR Theatre, a black box theatre equipped with lighting, sound and multi-functional qualities equal to the best such theaters in the country; the acoustically-perfect, 172-seat Carol Hall recital hall; the 488-seat Shaw Family Auditorium; and a beautiful outdoor amphitheater. To see more, visit: https://www.graceland.edu/academics/visual-and-performing-arts/the-shaw-center/
Message to Applicants:
- Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online, so please click the Apply button. You will have the opportunity to complete a brief online application for the position and will want to attach the following in order to be considered for the position:
- Curriculum vitae,
- Academic transcripts from all institutions of higher education (photocopies acceptable during initial application process),
- Statement of teaching philosophy that can include your diversity statement,
- PDF with active links to 2-3 video recordings of live solo and collaborative performances, and
- Contact information for three references (at least one which speaks to the candidate’s teaching ability).
Questions can be sent directly to: Kimberly Manuel, Chair, Department of Visual and Performing Arts, [email protected].
Company
Graceland is a nonsectarian institution sponsored by Community of Christ, which provides a rich Christian heritage. Graceland has two main campuses: one located in Lamoni, Iowa, and one located in Independence, Missouri.
Founded in 1895 and sponsored by Community of Christ, Graceland University is much more than a school. Graceland is a community of passionate, caring and dedicated individuals who make up a worldwide community network that reaches far beyond the two campuses.
All applications/resumes are kept on file for one year. If you see future positions that interest you, please let us know so we may submit your application materials. Reference letters will not be accessible to applicants during the application process nor after becoming an employee.
Graceland is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Graceland welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We’re looking for candidates who share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Graceland University consists of two campuses: the Lamoni campus is a residential liberal arts institution situated in south central Iowa, approximately 70 miles south of Des Moines, IA and the Independence, Missouri campus which focuses on degree completion, adult and graduate programs.
