ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of MUSIC COMPOSITION / UMKC CONSERVATORY/ Music Division

The UMKC Conservatory invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Music Composition with a focus on electroacoustic and technology-integrated composition, beginning in Fall 2027. We seek a composer-technologist with deep concert-music fluency: an artist-scholar who can teach acoustic composition and orchestration while leading students into electroacoustic, computational, spatial, interactive, and emerging creative practices.

About the role

At the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, we foster collaboration across music, dance, and theatre, advancing the integration of art forms through research and creative work. Our integrated arts approach weaves together multiple disciplines to deepen learning, expand artistic practice, and enrich audience experiences. This position strengthens the Composition Area by addressing a distinct need: a composer whose work is grounded in traditional concert music and extends that practice through electronic, computational, spatial, interactive, or emerging technologies.

The role is intended to enhance existing degree programs rather than establish a new program. It will expand students' access to contemporary tools and practices within the Conservatory's established undergraduate and graduate composition curriculum, while complementing existing strengths in concert music, jazz, opera, cross-genre composition, and media composition.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate composition, contribute to the shared composition core including composition and orchestration, and offer coursework in electroacoustic or technology-integrated composition.
• Mentor graduate students and participate in recruitment and student outreach.
• Maintain an active creative and/or scholarly profile through performances, commissions, recordings, installations, publications, conference activity, collaborations, or equivalent professional work that contributes to contemporary composition and technology-integrated artistic practice.
• Contribute to the work of the Composition Area, Division of Music, Conservatory, and university through committees, outreach, recruitment, community engagement, and collaboration across Music, Theatre, and Dance where appropriate.

Workload distribution: 40% teaching, 40% research and creative activity, 20% service.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree (DMA, PhD, or equivalent) in music composition or a closely related field, or equivalent professional experience (ABD considered).
• Demonstrated excellence as a composer grounded in traditional concert music and engaged with electronic, computational, spatial, interactive, or related technologies.
• Ability to teach composition and orchestration at undergraduate and graduate levels, including work with acoustic forces.
• Evidence of creative and/or scholarly achievement, collaboration, and the interpersonal skills necessary for success in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in electroacoustic or acousmatic composition, computer music, sound synthesis, spatial audio, live electronics, creative coding, interactive systems, algorithmic or generative composition, AI-assisted creative practice, sound installation, or related areas.
• Collegiate teaching experience in composition, electroacoustic music, computer music, or music technology.
• Experience mentoring graduate composers and connecting rigorous compositional training to contemporary artistic and professional pathways.
• A developed perspective on the artistic, pedagogical, and ethical implications of emerging technologies, including AI-assisted creative practice.

Benefits

The University of Missouri provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement contributions.
• Generous leave policies.
• Discounted tuition at all four UM System campuses for employees and qualifying dependents.

About the UMKC Conservatory

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 fostering excellence, innovation, and equity, the Conservatory prepares students to become leading performers, educators, 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 candidates 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.
• Adapt to the opportunities in their regions and to expanding frameworks of collaboration.

Community Information

Kansas City offers a vibrant urban community with midwestern appeal, an affordable cost of living, and a thriving arts scene. The UMKC campuses are centered in cultural arts and business hubs, with access to internationally acclaimed venues like the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, a rich jazz history, national sports teams, and a supportive community engaged with the Conservatory. The region also features rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and bike/hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

Learn more at visitkc.com.