Faculty Position in Music-Orchestra

Position:  The Department of Music at Truman State University seeks applicants for a tenure-track position in Orchestra and Applied Violin and Viola.  This is a nine-month, full-time appointment that will begin in August 2021. 

The successful candidate will serve as the conductor of the University Symphony Orchestra, with responsibility for programming, rehearsing, and presenting several concerts each semester.  This faculty member will also teach individual applied lessons to undergraduate and graduate violinists and violists, graduate conducting lessons, and other related courses.  The recruitment, advisement, and mentoring of high-achieving string performers and orchestral conductors is a vital aspect of this position.  Additional duties include the organization and coaching of chamber music, as well as participation as a performer in Truman’s music community.

The position requires a minimum of ABD in Orchestral Conducting or Violin Performance.  Ability in both Violin Performance and Orchestral Conducting must be demonstrated for consideration.  Preferred qualifications include: a completed doctorate in Orchestral Conducting or Violin Performance with demonstrated ability in the other area; documented teaching experience and a record of student achievement; experience recruiting, or demonstrated potential for successful recruiting, of high-achieving students; record of performances as a violinist and as an orchestral conductor; commitment to the liberal arts and sciences as a teacher-scholar; and strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Program:  The Department of Music offers degrees of Bachelor of Music in Composition, Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Arts in Music, Master of Arts in Music (Conducting, Composition, Performance and Research emphases), and minors in Music, Jazz Studies, Musicology, and Musical-Theatre. Additionally, the Department provides content support for the Master of Arts in Education (MAE in Music) degree, the degree by which music students pursue certification to teach in the public schools. Nineteen full-time and four part-time faculty members provide instruction to approximately 140 majors studying music education, vocal and instrumental performance, theory and composition, conducting and musicology. A full complement of ensembles provides training for students and cultural resources for the community. The music program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. For more information visit http://music.truman.edu.

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. The approximately 5,200 students that make up its student body are well prepared for the academic rigors of a highly selective university. More than 20 percent engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Most gain leadership experience, and nearly half go on to graduate school or professional education within a year of earning a degree.  

Founded in 1867, Truman is known for its focus on student learning and outcomes, and places an emphasis on high-impact experiences such as internships, research and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among Missouri public four-year colleges and universities. For more than two decades, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Truman as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category. The Washington Monthly has included Truman in the top ten of its master’s university rankings in each of the past seven years. For more information regarding additional rankings and acknowledgements, visit truman.edu/about.

Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to Truman, it is home to A.T. Still University, the world’s first osteopathic medical school, as well as a dental school and a community college. The Kirksville School District is among the best in the state, and the community takes pride in several annual events including the Red Barn Arts and Crafts Festival, the Scottish Highland Games and the Red, White and Blue Festival, among many more. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park, with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Due to its location, Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville regional airport to St. Louis allow for quick access to one of the Midwest’s major metropolitan areas. Find more information about Kirksville at kirksvillechamber.com.  

Application: The School of Arts and Letters handles the application process. Electronic submission of applications is preferred, http://employment.truman.edu/.  Application materials may be submitted to hrstaff@truman.edu or by mail to Truman State University, Office of Human Resources, 100 E. Normal MC 101, Kirksville, MO 63501.  Completed applications must include a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative criteria listed above; current curriculum vitae; statement of teaching philosophy that presents the candidate’s commitment to the liberal arts and sciences and to student development; statement outlining approaches to recruitment and documenting in recruiting success; a document that links to 3-5 video recordings of recent performances as a solo violinist and as an orchestral conductor that are viewable in a standard web browser; contact information for at least three references; and official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate college transcripts.

Review of applications will begin on November 14, 2020 and will continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates are required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Questions about this position may be directed to Dr. Brian Kubin, bkubin@truman.edu

Truman State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff.  Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.  In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, Truman State does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its program or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs.  Direct inquiries to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354 and titleix@truman.edu.

Truman State is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.  To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101,  100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO  63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.