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College Music Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... MUSIC , PART-TIME PROFESSOR Hartnell College is currently is seeking to build a pool of instructors ... Participate in college governance, including serving on various committees; * Participate in local ...

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College Music Professor information

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$11K

$54.6K

$85.5K

How much do college music professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for college 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 is a college music professor?

College music professors are educators who teach music-related courses at the postsecondary level, such as universities, colleges, or conservatories. They may instruct students in music theory, history, composition, performance, or a specific instrument. In addition to teaching, music professors often conduct research, compose music, direct ensembles, and advise students on academic and career paths. Many are also active musicians who perform or publish scholarly work. Their role is essential in preparing the next generation of musicians, educators, and music scholars.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a college music professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a College Music Professor, you need advanced musical expertise, a master's or doctoral degree in music, and experience in performance or composition. Familiarity with music notation software, digital audio workstations, and learning management systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student growth and manage diverse academic responsibilities. These skills ensure effective teaching, innovative curriculum development, and meaningful student engagement in a collegiate environment.

What is the difference between College Music Professor vs Music Instructor?

AspectCollege Music ProfessorMusic Instructor
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in MusicVaries; often high school diploma or certification
Work EnvironmentColleges, universities, academic settingsMusic schools, community centers, private lessons
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, academiaPrivate studios, schools, community programs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

In summary, College Music Professors typically hold advanced degrees and teach at higher education institutions, focusing on academic and research activities. Music Instructors often work in more informal settings, providing private or group lessons without requiring advanced degrees. Both roles involve teaching music but differ significantly in credentials, environment, and scope.

How do college music professors typically balance teaching, performing, and research responsibilities?

College Music Professors often juggle a combination of classroom instruction, personal performance commitments, and academic research or creative work. While teaching is a primary responsibility, most institutions encourage faculty to remain active performers and contributors to scholarly or creative projects. This balance can be challenging, but it also allows professors to bring fresh, real-world experiences into their teaching and maintain professional growth. Collaboration with colleagues—such as co-hosting recitals or engaging in interdisciplinary projects—can also help manage workload and enrich the academic environment.
More about College Music Professor jobs
What cities are hiring for College Music Professor jobs? Cities with the most College Music Professor job openings:
What states have the most College Music Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for College Music Professor jobs include:
Infographic showing various College Music Professor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,611 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Music, Part-Time Professor

Hartnell College

Salinas, CA • On-site

$53.83/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Salary: $53.83 Hourly
Location : District-wide
Job Type: Part-Time Professor
Job Number: 202300104
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Social & Behavioral Sciences, Fine Arts
Opening Date: 11/03/2023
Description
MUSIC , PART-TIME PROFESSOR
Hartnell College is currently is seeking to build a pool of instructors for future part-time teaching assignments.
Examples of Duties
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
  • Participate in program and curriculum review and development, if desired;
  • Post and maintain office hours for student consultations, if applicable per the HCFA contract;
  • Participate in student recruitment and articulation programs, if applicable;
  • Participate in faculty recruitment and peer evaluation;
  • Participate in assignments and activities that support accreditation, institutional planning, and institutional effectiveness;
  • Participate in college governance, including serving on various committees;
  • Participate in local, state, regional, and national professional activities and organizations;
  • Supports partnerships and collaborative projects with 4-year institutions and industry employers to support student access to internships, summer bridge activities, and career exploration opportunities, if applicable;
  • Attend faculty meetings, college assemblies, professional development and orientation activities, and other meetings as called by the dean, vice president, superintendent/president, or designee.
  • Utilize the results of student learning outcomes assessment to make improvements in teaching and learning

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Ability to develop curriculum, including curriculum delivered via various instructional modalities;
  • Ability to participate in recruitment and articulation activities with local schools, colleges, and universities;
  • Ability to develop Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and to determine their effectiveness in helping students achieve their desired learning outcomes.

Supplemental Information
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's in music OR bachelor's in music AND master's in humanities OR
  • The equivalent.

NOTE: If you do not meet the minimum qualifications as stated, please review the.
The Equivalency Committeewill consider only those applicants who formally requestequivalency consideration by submitting theCompleted Equivalency Request Form with their application. Be sure to attach detailed evidence, such as unofficial transcripts and/or other certifications that support the equivalency.
Anticipated Compensation:
$70.55-$83.86 per hour for instructional assignments
$60.19-$71.29 per hour for non-instructional assignments (lab/library/counseling)
Application Procedure
The following documents MUST be uploaded as attachments to your online application:
1) Resume
2) Cover letter
3) Unofficial College/university transcripts
All coursework must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Note: Transcripts for degrees earned outside the U.S. must be accompanied by an evaluation from an approved NACES service verifying that the degree is equivalent to the U.S. degree.
Fostering a Culture of Care
Caring Campus, developed by the Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC), is dedicated to creating a culture of care within community colleges. IEBC's Caring Campus program aims to increase student retention and success. We understand that when students feel connected to their college, they are more likely to succeed academically.
At Hartnell College, we embrace the culture. By implementing intentional, campus-wide behavioral commitments, we enhance our existing student success initiatives and create an environment where care and support are integral.
Join us on this journey of fostering a caring environment where students thrive. Together, we can transform Hartnell College into a place where care and success go hand in hand, empowering our students to reach their full potential.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Criteria:
In order to be considered for a faculty position at Hartnell College, applicants must satisfy the following criteria. Include specific examples that support each of your responses. Incomplete entries will not be forwarded into the application pool.
Faculty Applicant Criteria:
In order to be considered, candidates must be able to satisfy the following five criteria:
  1. Demonstrate experience working with Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and other historically underrepresented and underserved populations leading to student success and excellence in higher education.

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of systemic barriers faced by BIPOC and other historically underrepresented and underserved populations and experience with implementing strategies that can be used to close equity gaps for students.

  1. Demonstrate a commitment to empowering students in their development of self-efficacy and a sense of belonging with the goal of helping students thrive and reach their fullest potential.

  1. Demonstrate a commitment to fostering cultural humility within the classroom by incorporating the cultural strengths of BIPOC students in your teaching pedagogy.

  1. Demonstrate your experience using an equity-minded framework through service activities on campus and/or in the local community.

EEO Statement:
Hartnell Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, language, accent, immigration status, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, and physical or mental disability consistent with applicable federal and state laws.
Anticipated Compensation:
$70.55-$83.86 per hour for instructional assignments
$60.19-$71.29 per hour for non-instructional assignments (lab/library/counseling)
01
IMPORTANT: All applicants must respond to the following questions directly. Your answers are essential for evaluating your qualifications for this position. Using "See resume," attachments, or links will not be accepted. Confirm below that you have read and understood these instructions.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description for this position? Yes, I meet the minimum qualifications. No equivalency application is required. No, I do not meet the minimum qualifications, but I believe I possess qualifications that are equivalent. I will complete and attach an equivalency application.
  • Yes
  • No

03
At Hartnell College, we prioritize a supportive and compassionate community. How would you contribute to the Caring Campus commitments?
04
Demonstrate experience working with Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and other historically underrepresented and underserved populations leading to student success and excellence in higher education. Provide specific examples of how you meet this criterion.
05
Demonstrate an understanding of systemic barriers faced by BIPOC and other historically underrepresented and underserved populations and experience with implementing strategies that can be used to close equity gaps for students. Provide specific examples of how you meet this criterion.
06
Demonstrate a commitment to empowering students in their development of self-efficacy and a sense of belonging with the goal of helping students thrive and reach their fullest potential. Provide specific examples of how you meet this criterion.
07
Demonstrate a commitment to fostering cultural humility within the classroom by incorporating the cultural strengths of BIPOC students in your teaching pedagogy. Provide specific examples of how you meet this criterion.
08
Demonstrate your experience using an equity-minded framework through service activities on campus and/or in the local community. Provide specific examples of how you meet this criterion.
Required Question