Collaborative Pianist, Department of Music and Theatre

Department

Job Posting Title

Job Description

Music and Theatre Programs, in the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Fort Hays State University, invites applications for a full-time collaborative pianist beginning August 2027.  This position is a 9-month faculty position with no teaching, service, or research responsibilities.     

The successful candidate will provide an average of 30 contact hours a week of collaborative piano services in rehearsals and performances for students and ensembles in the Music and Theatre program. 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform as collaborative pianist in lessons, rehearsals, and performances for vocal and instrumental students on departmental recitals (Thursday Forums/Convocations), student juries, and student degree recitals.
• Perform as collaborative pianist for vocal and instrumental studio classes.
• Perform as collaborative pianist in rehearsals and performances for Concert Choir and Fort Hays Singers.
• Perform as collaborative pianist for other program ensembles, performances, and events as assigned by the Chair of Music and Theatre.

Knowledge and Skills Needed:

• Knowledge of standard repertoire for voice and instruments.
• Skilled in keyboard performance.
• Skilled in sight-reading.
• Skilled in music of different styles/genres.
• Skilled in effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to perform in a collaborative role at a strong level of proficiency and musicality.
• Ability to organize and maintain an active rehearsal and performance schedule.
• Ability to communicate and be collegial with students, staff, and faculty.
• Ability to work with little supervision.
• Ability to possess and maintain high academic and personal standards in and outside the rehearsal/performance environment.

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.  FHSU Music and Theatre is committed to building a community of collaborative teacher-artists with diverse skills from a multitude of backgrounds.  Music Education is a primary focus for the program.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree of Music or relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• One year of work-related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters or Doctorate in Music or relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• Evidence of significant collaborative piano experience at the collegiate level.
• Experience in voice coaching.

Rank: Professional Non-Faculty

Appointment Date: August 2027

Application Deadline: Screening of applications will begin after December 2, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

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.
• Link to video of collaborative piano performance and/or rehearsal.

Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:

Irena Ravitskaya

[email protected]

About the Program:

Music and Theatre, in the School of Visual and Performing Arts, consists of 15 full-time-faculty and offers B.M. degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, and Music Composition, and B.A. in Music.  The program offers a wide variety of performances to the public including music theatre, opera, instrumental and vocal ensembles, chamber music, the Tiger Marching Band, the Hays Symphony, theatrical performances, and faculty artist and guest artist recitals. The program is housed in Malloy Hall, consisting of two rehearsal halls, a theatre, several classroom spaces, practice rooms, and faculty studios.  We are committed to expanding access to students in the region and around the globe. For more information visit https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/

School of Visual and Performing Arts Mission Statement:

The School of Visual and Performing Arts is a vibrant and diverse artistic community that fosters and inspires the creative potential of students, cultivating their artistic visions for the future as they prepare for meaningful and successful lives in the arts. We promote and respect creativity, expression, and diversity in all its forms.  

School of Visual and Performing Arts Vision Statement:

The School of Visual and Performing Arts is dedicated to advancing human creativity and inspiring students to be change-makers within their communities. 

About the College:

The work that students and faculty in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences do inside and outside of the classroom develops the creative, critical, and practical skills that graduates will use throughout their lifetimes—and across multiple careers—as productive and successful leaders at the regional, national, and global levels in a rapidly changing world. 

The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences includes the Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science; the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology; the Department of English and Modern Languages; the Department of History and Philosophy; and the School of Visual and Performing Arts. 

For further information about the college, please visit https://www.fhsu.edu/cahss/.

Community of Hays

FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.

Notice of Non-discrimination: FHSU is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, employment, services, and activities in compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. FHSU prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its programs, activities, admissions, or employment.

Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.

Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.