Professor of Jazz & Pop Drums, Utrecht Conservatory

HKU Utrecht Conservatory offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in music. These programs include various specializations across 35 different majors in jazz and pop, classical music and historical performance practice, Musician 3.0, and music education. In addition, HKU Utrecht Conservatory organizes numerous projects and concerts, making a significant contribution to the cultural life of Utrecht.

The lead instructor for Jazz & Pop Drums works closely with fellow instructors within the department. At the Utrecht Conservatory, close collaboration with other departments is a given. In this role, you will be responsible for guiding talented young musicians as they prepare for a professional career.

Learn more about working at HKU.

What will you be doing?

• You will be involved in and help shape the development of the curriculum for jazz and pop drummers, drawing on a broad perspective of their career prospects, with a specific focus on and up-to-date experience in the field of pop music.
• You will teach Jazz & Pop drumming as a major subject to both Bachelor’s and Master’s students, as well as to students in the preparatory program and pre-Master’s program.
• You will be responsible for developing and implementing cross-section and cross-departmental educational programs, such as group classes, projects, etc.
• You will serve on relevant evaluation committees (including educational and administrative matters).

What are we looking for?

• Teaching proficiency for higher professional education and excellent pedagogical and teaching skills.
• Demonstrable experience in a similar educational setting.
• A broad musical background and professional expertise; experience in various musical applications and genres is a plus.
• Active as a performing musician both nationally and internationally in a wide range of settings, with a clear vision of today’s dynamic professional landscape.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate constructively as part of a team.
• A proactive and flexible attitude toward work.
• Proficiency in Dutch and English.

What do we offer?

For this position, we offer a salary in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement for higher professional education (CBA-HBO) as well as attractive benefits:

• The gross monthly salary for a full-time position ranges from a minimum of €4,427.64 to a maximum of €6,677.44 (pay grade 11), depending on education and experience, excluding an 8% vacation allowance and a year-end bonus (8.3%);
• This is a temporary position starting September 1, 2026, for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance;
• The benefits package is excellent, including a generous leave policy, membership in the ABP pension fund, sports and recreational facilities, and a commuting allowance;

We are committed to investing in motivated and well-trained employees. Working at HKU means you have access to time and resources dedicated to professional development and long-term employability.

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe it is important that everyone feels welcome and valued. We believe that diversity enhances creativity and strive to bring together the diverse perspectives and experiences from society within our organization. We actively take steps to promote diversity and inclusion and collaborate with organizations that support us in this effort. In addition, we organize (internal) events and gatherings during Keti Koti, International Women’s Day, and participate in Pride Utrecht.

Apply

You can apply using the "Apply" button at the bottom of the page until May 17.

We would like to receive your resume and a cover letter addressing the questions below.

• How do you see your contribution to education at the Utrecht Conservatory, specifically based on your expertise?
• What appeals to you about mentoring students in the Jazz & Pop department?
• How do you see your role within the Jazz & Pop team?
• Finally, we’d like to see (a link to) a video recording of you playing the drums (no longer than five minutes).

Requesting one or more references may be part of the process.

The interviews will take place on Thursday, June 4. Approximately 50 minutes will be allocated per candidate, consisting of a teaching demonstration (20 minutes) and an interview (30 minutes).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Eva Korse, Program Director for Jazz & Pop: eva.korse@hku.nl.

The position is being advertised both internally and externally. In the event of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given priority.

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.