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Assistant Music Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title Visiting Assistant Professor - Music Department Music Department JM Worker Type Temporary (Fixed Term) Pay Type Salary Salary will be commensurate with the level of the position, education ...

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Assistant Music Professor information

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$11K

$54.6K

$85.5K

How much do assistant music professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant music professor in the United States is $54,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27,500.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Music Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Music Professor, you need advanced musical expertise, a relevant graduate degree (often a DMA or PhD), and experience in teaching or performance. Familiarity with music notation software, digital audio workstations, and learning management systems is typically required. Strong communication, mentorship abilities, and organizational skills help foster student growth and collaboration with faculty. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering high-quality instruction, engaging students, and contributing to departmental and scholarly activities.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Music Professors in balancing teaching, research, and performance obligations?

Assistant Music Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including delivering engaging lectures, mentoring students, conducting research or creative activity, and maintaining an active performance or composition schedule. Balancing these demands can be challenging, especially during peak academic periods or concert seasons. Effective time management, clear communication with colleagues, and setting realistic goals are essential to succeed in this multifaceted role. Support from the department and collaboration with fellow faculty members can also help in managing these competing priorities.

What does an Assistant Music Professor do?

An Assistant Music Professor is an entry-level faculty member at a college or university who teaches music courses, conducts research, and may also participate in performances or direct student ensembles. They are responsible for developing course materials, mentoring students, and contributing to the academic community through service and scholarly activities. Their role often involves balancing teaching, research, and administrative duties while pursuing professional development to advance in their academic careers.

What is the difference between Assistant Music Professor vs Associate Music Professor?

AspectAssistant Music ProfessorAssociate Music Professor
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Music, teaching experienceSame as Assistant, plus more teaching and research experience
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, music departmentsSame as Assistant, often with more responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, music academiaSame as Assistant, with promotion to higher rank

The main difference between an Assistant Music Professor and an Associate Music Professor lies in experience and responsibilities. An Assistant Music Professor is typically an entry-level faculty member with less teaching and research experience, while an Associate Music Professor has more experience, often with additional research, publications, and teaching duties. Both roles are common in higher education music departments, but the Associate rank signifies a higher level of achievement and seniority.

More about Assistant Music Professor jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Music Professor jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Music Professor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Professor jobs? The most popular types of Music Professor jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Music Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Music Professor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Assistant Music Professor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 21% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,611 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Full-time Temporary Music Professor - Orchestra Conductor

Full-time Temporary Music Professor - Orchestra Conductor

Clark College

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Salary: $82,775.00 Annually
Location : Clark College Main Campus, Vancouver, WA
Job Type: FTT Faculty
Job Number: 26-00055
Unit: Social Sciences and Fine Arts
Opening Date: 06/09/2026
Description
Do you value active learning, meaningful collaboration with classroom faculty, and culturally relevant and equity-minded instruction? Are you excited to work with a diverse student population? Are you eager to work collaboratively to find innovative ways to improve student success? If these questions resonate with you, then we invite you to consider joining our Music department. We value collaboration and are dedicated to guiding all students to achieve their academic and career goals.
Clark College is currently accepting applications for a full-time temporary Music Professor for the 2026-2027 academic year. The primary responsibility will be to teach first and second year music theory and ear training to music majors in the AA Music Transfer Degree Program. Responsibilities include curriculum development and coordination with state and area universities to ensure that DTA graduates transfer with maximum credits into four-year programs.
The Full-time temporary Music Professor will administer and serve as Music Director/Conductor of the award-winning Clark College Orchestra, a community orchestra that includes adjunct faculty and area music educators in addition to students. Department and college service work is expected with the position (as assigned by the division or college) to support the institutional mission and goals, foremost being student success and retention. This position begins September 11, 2026, and ends with the completion of the spring 2027 quarter.
At Clark, we value equity, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to growing, learning, and supporting our employees.
Position Responsibilities
FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Instruct all classes as an expert in the discipline using active learning approaches that both engage and facilitate student learning.
  • Advise and assist students in their educational and career development.
  • Strive to enhance teaching and learning techniques.
  • Obtain and maintain Professional-Technical Certification requirements.
  • Participate in programming, curriculum development and assessment activities.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues, businesses, advisory committees, and other educational partners to create unique learning opportunities at Clark College.
  • Participate in decision-making processes by taking part in department meetings.
  • Work well with people of all ages from academically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.
  • Understand and commit to the mission of Clark College.
  • Work cooperatively in a variety of department-level activities and college or company-wide projects.
  • Pursue professional development to enhance teaching and learning in the department and College.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's degree in Music or Music Education.
  • Teaching experience, preferably in community college or other higher education setting.
  • Experience conducting orchestra.

COMPETENCIES:
  • Ability to teach the following: Music Theory, Ear Training, Orchestra, Applied Music (if needed).
  • Ability to utilize presentation software, Canvas or other learning management systems; commitment to take eLearning classes for pedagogy of teaching online or hybrid modalities.
  • Ability and enthusiasm to use teaching methods that engage students and encourage them to be motivated self-learners.
  • Demonstrated competencies in curriculum and course development, pedagogy, student outcomes assessment, and the development of student critical thinking skills.
  • Competence in piano to support all levels of ear training instruction.
  • Willingness to recruit potential students at the local high schools.

Supplemental Information
SALARY STATEMENT:
Starting salary is $82,775 (non-negotiable); current top step is $116,597. Salary is for a 173-day contract; additional compensation is available for summer and moonlight teaching, and doctoral and vocational stipends. Temporary appointment: this is a one-year temporary position. The selected candidate will be appointed at Step A and is not eligible for step progression during the temporary appointment.
Clark College offers an exceptional benefits package that includes vacation/sick leave; medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; retirement; and tuition waiver.
WHAT WE OFFER:
  • Clark College promotes work/life balance for employees.
  • McClaskey Culinary Institute offers fast, fresh, and healthy dining options for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The space, located in Gaiser Hall, features three kiosks, a full-service retail bakery and barista bar, grab-and-go items, and a student-run restaurant.
  • Coffee Lounge in Hannah Hall and Clark Café in Joan Stout Hall.
  • Campus bookstore offers snacks, apparel, and specialty supplies.
  • On-campus early childhood education care program (pending registration and availability).
  • Gym and recreation facilities available for membership.
  • Clark promotes wellness with a variety of different workshops and events.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Required Online Application Materials:
  • Clark College Online Application, including names of three (3) references
  • Cover letter describing background and experience related to qualifications and responsibilities of the position
  • Current résumé
  • Video of candidate's conducting with application (YouTube link preferred), demonstrating both rehearsal and performance.
  • Unofficial copy of all transcripts/certifications uploaded with online application or delivered to the Office of People and Culture.

Please apply online at www.clark.edu/jobs.
To contact Clark College Office of People and Culture, please call (360) 992-2105 or email
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted which includes a sexual misconduct background check as required under Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Completion of academic degrees will also be verified through receipt of official transcripts. Please note that upon being hired,Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) require a Vocational Certification plan be in place prior to the first day of classes. Under the standard specified in WAC 131-16-070 through 131-16-094 Vocational Certification is a condition of continued employment for all professional technical education personnel.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
Upon request, accommodations are available to persons with disabilities for the application process. Contact Office of People and Culture at (360) 992-2105 or by video phone at (360) 991-0901.
SECURITY
The security of all the members of the campus community is of vital concern to Clark College. Information regarding crime prevention advice, the authority of the Security/Safety Department, policies concerning reporting of any crimes which may occur on or near college property, and crime statistics for the most recent 3-year period may be requested from the Clark College Security/Safety Department, (360) 992-2133 or The most recent Annual Security Report, written in compliance with the Clery Act, can be reviewed here:
Empty heading
ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION
If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work. Clark College does not currently sponsor H1-B visas.
CORRECTIONS OR EXTENDED NOTICES Corrected or extended notices will be posted online and in the Office for People and Culture.
Clark College's Office of People and Culture supports individuals with their academic, personal, and professional development, as well as provides training and educational resources for all members of the college community around diversity, inclusion, power, privilege, inequity, social equity, and social justice. The college offers further professional development for our employees through opportunities such as Employee Resource Groups, Cross Institution Faculty of Color Mentorship program, and Faculty and Staff of Color Conference.
The Office of People and Culture aims to support and elevate the college community by embedding equity and continuous growth into every aspect of people's practices - from recruitment and onboarding to learning, well-being, and community partnerships.
Clark College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Protected group members are strongly encouraged to apply. Clark College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). The college considers equal opportunity, affirmative action, and non-discrimination to be fundamental to the mission, vision and values of the college. All faculty and staff hired at Clark College are encouraged to embrace, continually support and enhance social equity on our campus and in our community. The college provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, Title II and Title IX, and Affirmative Action: Thao Schmidt, Interim Associate Vice President, 360-992-2628, , 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Baird 142, Vancouver, Washington 98663. Clark College is a smoke-free/drug free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.
Clark College Office of People and Culture
June 11, 2026 (updated)
#26-00055
Clark College offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave; medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance as well as flexible spending account and tuition waiver.
Detailed information about health benefits can be found on our
Part-time temporary positions are generally ineligible for benefits.
01
Where did you first hear about this opportunity?
  • Clark College Website
  • Career Fair
  • The Chronicle for Higher Education
  • Craigslist
  • DiversityJobs.com (Circa)
  • Find.jobs
  • Greater Vancouver Chamber
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
  • Indeed.com
  • Local Media (Oregonian, OregonLive, Columbian, etc.)
  • Partners in Diversity
  • PinkJobs
  • Portland Observer
  • The Skanner
  • Social Media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
  • United Latino Job Bank
  • Urban League of PDX
  • WorkSource
  • Other (Job Interest Card, State Job Board, Word of Mouth, etc.)

02
Which best describes your level of education?
  • None
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Some college
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctorate

03
Do you have a Master's degree in Music or Music Education?
  • Yes, I have a Master's degree in Music
  • Yes, I have a Master's degree in Music Education
  • No, I do not have a Master's degree in Music or Music Education

04
Do you have teaching experience?
  • Yes, I have teaching experience in higher education or community college setting
  • Yes, I have teaching experience
  • No, I do not have teaching experience

05
Do you have experience conducting an orchestra?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Please describe how you have implemented practices and/or participated in initiatives that promote racial and cultural equity.
07
A required online application material is a video of your conducting with application (YouTube link preferred), demonstrating both rehearsal and performance. Have you provided this information?
  • Yes, the link is within my resume
  • Yes, the link is within my cover letter
  • Yes, the link is within a separate attachment
  • No, I do not have a link to provide

08
A resume is required to be submitted for this position. Have you included your resume in this online application? If not, your application will be considered incomplete.
  • Yes
  • No

09
A cover letter describing background and experience related to the qualifications and responsibilities of the position is required. Have you attached this document to your application? If not, your application will be considered incomplete.
  • Yes
  • No

10
To meet accreditation standards, Clark College requires official transcripts of the required degree for the specific position you are hired for, to be provided by the first date of hireIf I were to be offered this position, I understand this requirement and am willing and able to comply. I recognize that if I do not have transcripts by the starting date, I will not be able to start working.
  • Yes
  • No

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