School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate students wishing to pursue a Master's or Doctoral degree in Music may apply for a Graduate Assistantship or Graduate Teaching Assistantship with the KSU Symphony Orchestra and/or String Division. Details regarding the assistantships may be found below. You may also contact Dr. Rachel Dirks (rdirks@ksu.edu), String Division Chair, for more information.

KSUSO GA

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

For priority consideration for the KSUSO Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) position, applicants should have their Graduate School and School of Music applications completed (including the audition) by Jan. 1, 2024. If the position is still available after Feb. 1, completed applications will be accepted through April 15.

For all Graduate Assistantships (GA), priority applications and auditions must be completed and accepted no later than Saturday, February 3, 2024. If positions are still available after Feb. 3, completed applications will be accepted through April 15.

ONLINE APPLICATION & MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT:

https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/music/graduate/

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor of Music or Music Education degree (string emphasis preferred)
    • Doctoral candidates must have completed both bachelor and master's of music or music education degrees.
  • Exceptional Performance and/or Teaching ability
  • Admission to Graduate Studies of Kansas State University
  • Recipients will be a graduate student pursuing one of the following degrees:
    • Master of Music (Applied Study in Instrumental Performance or Conducting, Music Education, Composition)
    • Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction (Emphasis in Music)

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Applied Instrumental Performance:
    • A movement from a standard concerto (or equivalent work)
    • At least one movement of solo Bach
    • An additional piece of your choice (works by historically underrepresented composers are strongly welcomed)
    • Inquiries - Prof. Madeleine Jansen (mjansen@ksu.edu)
  • Orchestral Conducting:
    • An unlisted YouTube video link (5-10 minutes in length) demonstrating rehearsal techniques - camera facing the conductor.
    • An unlisted YouTube video link of one or two conducted works in performance - camera facing the conductor.
    • Interview in person or via Zoom
    • Inquiries - Dr. Rachel Dirks (rdirks@ksu.edu)
  • Music Education:
  • Composition:

AUDITION DATES:

Graduate auditions will be held Saturday, Feb. 3 on the K-State campus. Graduate candidates who are unable to attend this date are encouraged to audition in person and may make an individual on-campus appointment by contacting Prof. Madeleine Jansen (mjansen@ksu.edu). Online auditions will also be accepted. All auditions must be completed by Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP DUTIES:

Assisting Orchestra, String Division, and MTD as Assigned. Hours to be chosen according to candidate strengths and department needs. Possible assignments could include:

    • Studio Teaching - On Campus & Within Community
    • Orchestra Conducting &/or Section Coaching
    • Assisting with String Education Curriculum
    • Outreach, Engagement, & Recruitment
    • Chamber music performances representing the KSU String Division on and off campus
    • Assisting graduate faculty, teaching courses as assigned
    • Assisting with the recording of faculty recitals

AWARDS:

  • GTA (This position is a .5 FTE, equating to 20 hours of work per week.)
    • $12,000 stipend per year
    • Tuition Waiver equaling up to 10 Graduate credit hours per semester
    • Possibility of additional $3000 scholarship if accepted and contract signed by Feb. 1.
  • GA - Graduate String Quartet (4 Positions Available)
    • Up to $12,000 stipend per year (equating up to .5 FTE)
    • In-State Tuition

KANSAS STATE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WEBSITE & FACULTY BIOS:

https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/music/orchestra/