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Adjunct Music Composition Faculty Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Music Position Type Faculty Employment Status Adjunct Salary Adjunct Stipend Open Date 11/12/2025 ... composition as well as music education. The curriculum at Del Mar College seeks to challenge ...

Posting Details Posting Information Posting Number F099P Working Title Adjunct - Music FLSA Exempt Pay Grade Faculty Advertised Salary Position Status Part Time Appointment Length Other Department ...

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Adjunct Music Composition Faculty information

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How much do adjunct music composition faculty jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for adjunct music composition faculty in the United States is $52.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.82 and $67.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Adjunct Music Composition Faculty vs Part-Time Music Instructor?

AspectAdjunct Music Composition FacultyPart-Time Music Instructor
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Music CompositionVaries; often Bachelor's or Master's in Music
Work EnvironmentCollege or university classrooms and studiosCommunity centers, schools, or private lessons
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutionsEducational institutions, private studios
Workload & CompensationCourse-specific, often semester-based, part-time payHourly or session-based pay, flexible hours

Adjunct Music Composition Faculty typically hold advanced degrees and teach at colleges or universities, focusing on composition courses. In contrast, Part-Time Music Instructors may have varied credentials and teach in community settings or private lessons. Both roles are part-time, but the academic role usually involves more specialized credentials and a focus on higher education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an adjunct music composition faculty?

To thrive as an Adjunct Music Composition Faculty member, you need advanced knowledge in music theory, composition techniques, and a relevant graduate degree (typically a Master's or Doctorate in music). Familiarity with notation software (such as Sibelius or Finale), digital audio workstations, and experience with classroom management systems is also important. Strong communication, mentorship abilities, and a collaborative mindset help engage diverse students and support their creative growth. These skills ensure effective teaching, foster student success, and uphold academic standards within the music department.

What are some common challenges faced by adjunct music composition faculty, and how can they be managed effectively?

Adjunct Music Composition Faculty often balance multiple teaching assignments across institutions, which can make time management and staying connected with students challenging. Additionally, they may have fewer opportunities for departmental involvement or access to resources compared to full-time faculty. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to set clear communication channels with students, utilize digital tools for assignment feedback, and proactively seek out networking opportunities within the department. Building a strong professional network and demonstrating flexibility can also help in navigating the unique demands of adjunct teaching roles.

What is an adjunct music composition faculty?

Adjunct Music Composition Faculty are part-time instructors at colleges or universities who teach courses in music composition. They are often working musicians or composers who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Unlike full-time faculty, adjuncts are typically contracted on a semester-by-semester basis and may not have responsibilities such as research or committee work. Their primary focus is on teaching and mentoring students in composing music across various styles and genres.
More about Adjunct Music Composition Faculty jobs
What cities are hiring for Adjunct Music Composition Faculty jobs? Cities with the most Adjunct Music Composition Faculty job openings:
What states have the most Adjunct Music Composition Faculty jobs? States with the most job openings for Adjunct Music Composition Faculty jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Adjunct Music Composition Faculty jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Adjunct Music Composition Faculty jobs are:
Infographic showing various Adjunct Music Composition Faculty job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,920 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Adjunct Applied Composition and Music Technology

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago


George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 615 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts
Classification: Adjunct Faculty (matrix)
Job Category: Adjunct Faculty
Job Type: Part-Time
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: On Site Required
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
The Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music's mission is to enable every student to find his or her best musical voice; prepare each student to fulfill society's need for artistic and innovative musicians, scholars, music educators, and ambassadors for the arts; and graduate with hope, confidence, and distinction.
About the Position:
The Adjunct Applied Composition and Music Technology Professor will teach individualized lessons starting August 24, 2026
Responsibilities:
  • Teach Applied Composition and Music Technology;
  • Participate in recitals and juries for the composition and music technology areas; and
  • Participate in composition and music technology area initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
  • Doctorate in Music Composition or equivalent professional experience required;
  • Established reputation as a composer with a documented portfolio of scores, live performances and recordings;
  • Successful pedagogical experience in composition and music technology; and
  • Demonstrated ability to work with colleagues and students from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Successful experience teaching at the University level; and
  • Interest and skills in teaching Music Technology, Orchestration, Arranging, Songwriting, and chamber music coaching.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Adjunct Applied Composition and Music Technology at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent, CV and links to original Compositions for review.
Posting Open Date: July 16, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: August 5, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

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