Lecturer of Music Industry

Job Title
Lecturer of Music Industry

Requisition Number
FE05082

Working Title

Department Name
8X600:Arts Administration

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Type of Position
Faculty

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Tenure Track Status
Non-Tenure Track

Required Education

• Master’s degree in music industry, music business, arts administration, entertainment management, business administration, or a closely related field

Required Related Experience

• Demonstrated professional experience in the commercial or nonprofit music industry or a closely related sector
• Ability to teach undergraduate courses in music industry, arts administration, and related areas
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with students, faculty, and industry professionals
• Commitment to high-quality undergraduate instruction and student professional development
• Commitment to collaborative, team-based work

Required License/Registration/Certification

N/A

Job Summary

About the Department

The Department of Arts Administration at the University of Kentucky is the first stand-alone academic unit in the field in the United States and is recognized as a national leader in arts and cultural administration education. Our mission is to develop and advance a strong arts and cultural workforce through teaching, research, and service.

The department offers the BA, the MA, and the PhD in Arts Administration. The department also offers five fully online certificate programs in Arts Emergency Management (undergraduate and graduate), Creative Social Entrepreneurship (undergraduate and graduate), and Fundraising and Development (graduate) as well as Continuing Education courses. The BA, founded in 1987, is the oldest undergraduate program of its kind. The MA, launched in 2013, was the first fully online arts administration master’s program at a public institution. The PhD, established in 2020, is the first PhD in Arts Administration nationwide. Faculty engage in innovative teaching, academic research, and community-engaged scholarship.

In December 2025, the University of Kentucky announced a historic $150 million gift from the Bill Gatton Foundation to create a new Arts and Innovation District, the largest single gift in the university’s history. This district will establish a new home for the College of Fine Arts along South Broadway and will include state-of-the-art academic and performance facilities, a multi-hundred-seat theater, and a public pavilion and greenspace connecting campus with downtown Lexington. The Arts and Innovation District is envisioned as a vibrant hub for creativity, research, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

About the BA in Music Industry

The Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry is an interdisciplinary degree designed to prepare students for careers across both the commercial and nonprofit music sectors. Drawing on the combined strengths of the Department of Arts Administration, the School of Music, Media Arts and Studies, Arts Emergency Management, and Creative Social Entrepreneurship, the program integrates artistic, managerial, and entrepreneurial perspectives. Students engage with a comprehensive curriculum that examines the business, management, production, promotion, policy, and innovation dimensions of the music industry. No prior musical training or performance experience is required, making the program accessible to students whose interests lie in the creative, strategic, and operational aspects of the field.

Coursework includes artist management, promotion and marketing, copyright and licensing, financing, and entrepreneurship, complemented by project-based learning, writing-intensive coursework, internships, experiential learning opportunities, and a culminating capstone experience. The degree was developed in response to significant student interest and emerging workforce needs in the arts, cultural, and entertainment sectors. The program encourages collaboration with community partners and campus units, supports interdisciplinary learners, and aligns with growth areas in arts entrepreneurship, cultural management, and the creative economy. It also meets all 10 Essential Skills identified in the Kentucky Graduate Profile.

Job Responsibilities

The faculty member will contribute to the department’s mission through teaching, research, and service.

Teaching, Advising, and Instructional Activities

The faculty member will:

• Teach undergraduate courses in music industry and arts administration, including face-to-face and online courses, as assigned by the Department Chair
• Develop and deliver engaging, academically rigorous instruction that integrates music industry theory, current professional practices, and applied learning
• Teach in areas such as music industry foundations, artist management, marketing and promotion, business operations, copyright and licensing, and related subjects based on qualifications and departmental needs
• Develop course materials, assignments, and assessments that support student learning and professional preparation
• Incorporate contemporary music industry practices, technologies, and emerging trends into instructional activities
• Participate in the ongoing development, evaluation, and improvement of music industry curriculum
• Supervise undergraduate internships, practicums, and capstone projects as assigned

Service to the Department, College, University, and Profession

The faculty member will:

• Serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
• Contribute to professional organizations and/or community arts initiatives.
• Support strategic initiatives, including opportunities linked to the Arts & Innovation District.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

• CV/Resume
• Cover letter identifying at least three undergraduate and three graduate courses the candidate is prepared to teach, including certificate-aligned content
• Specific Request #1: Teaching philosophy, including approaches to applied and experiential learning
• Specific Request #2: List of references (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission)

Priority Application Deadline is January 6, 2027. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 15, 2027.

University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky is the Commonwealth’s flagship, land-grant research institution and one of the nation’s fastest-growing public universities. The campus spans more than 918 acres and is home to over 38,000 students and 14,500 employees, including more than 2,300 full-time faculty. UK offers more than 90 nationally ranked academic programs and operates with an annual budget exceeding $8.6 billion. The university continues to invest significantly in academic, research, health care, and arts facilities, reflecting its commitment to student success, innovation, and statewide service.

The Chronicle of Higher Education has recognized the University of Kentucky as a “Great College to Work For,” and the institution’s Strategic Plan underscores its dedication to academic excellence, research prominence, community engagement, and workforce well-being.

Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.

College of Fine Arts

The University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts thrives by engaging individuals and communities with unique creative perspectives. The College fosters a supportive environment through artistic programming and curricula that reflect a broad range of experience and voices.

We believe the arts are essential to both individuals and community life, and we actively promote creative expression among our faculty, staff, and students. We are committed to attracting skilled and passionate faculty, staff, and students who contribute meaningfully to the arts and academic excellence. As a member of the state’s flagship institution, the College promotes thoughtful engagement, respect, and collaboration.

Visit our website at: http://finearts.uky.edu

Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington is consistently ranked among the nation’s best places to live and work. Lexington offers many educational, cultural, and commercial opportunities. With a population of over 250,000, Lexington supports cultural attractions, including opera, ballet, theater, and musical events. Surrounded by rolling hills and horse farms, the Bluegrass Region is known for its natural beauty.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

• Advanced academic qualifications in music industry, arts administration, entertainment management, business, or a related field
• Demonstrated teaching effectiveness at the college level
• Experience in multiple areas of music industry practice, such as artist management, marketing and promotion, copyright and licensing, live entertainment, music publishing, or business operations
• Experience developing and supervising internships, practicums, or other experiential learning opportunities
• Experience with online instruction, instructional technology, and innovative teaching practices
• Established professional relationships within the music industry
• Experience in curriculum development or interdisciplinary academic programs
• Ability to teach in related arts administration courses

Deadline to Apply

Open Until Filled
Yes

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.