1

College Music Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

College Music Professor information

See salary details

$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.

Assistant Professor of Music Theory

Towson University

Towson, MD • On-site

$67K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Towson University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

409th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Responsibilities and Duties
Assistant Professor of Music Theory Music
Department of Music
College of Fine Arts and Communication
COFAC-3909
Towson University:
Towson University (TU) is one of the nation's top 100 public universities. Located north of Baltimore, TU currently enrolls over 19,000 students and is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland. Towson University fosters a climate that is grounded in respect to cultivate the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.
Position:
The College of Fine Arts and Communication invites applications for a tenure-track, 9- month, full-time Assistant Professor of Music Theory in the Department of Music. Preferred start date August 2026. The focus of this position is the teaching of Western music theory and aural skills. We are seeking an innovative and student-centered teacher-scholar who will demonstrate excellence in teaching, scholarly engagement, and service.
Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a completed doctorate in Music Theory or a closely related field. ABD candidates will be considered, but the degree must be fully conferred by August 2026. A minimum of two years of successful college/university-level teaching experience is required. Candidates must show evidence of excellence in teaching core theory and aural skills curricula, including piano facility, and demonstrate an active or promising scholarly agenda. The successful candidate will also possess excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with faculty, staff, and students.
Responsibilities:
Teach the undergraduate and graduate music theory and aural skills curriculum within a Theory Division that consists of four other full-time faculty members. Advise students, participate in departmental assessment and recruitment activities, contribute to
curriculum development, and maintain an active scholarly profile. Provide service on department, college, and university committees is expected. Demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive pedagogy and student engagement.
The Department:
The Department offers the Bachelor of Music in Performance and Composition, Bachelor of Science in Music Education, and Bachelor of Science in Music degrees and several minors in Music at the undergraduate level. Graduate degrees include the Master of Music with Concentrations in Performance or Composition, Master of Science in Music
Education, Master of Music in Music Pedagogy, and a Graduate Certificate in Applied
Music. The Department of Music regularly hosts guest artists for public masterclasses and private coaching with qualified students. The Department has a long history of philanthropic support to sponsor the educational needs of its students. Our alumni are performers at the national and international levels, respected educators in PreK-12 schools and university settings, commercial musicians and jazz artists, entrepreneurs, and arts administrators.
Application Process:
Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Priority given to complete digital applications received by October 15, 2025. All materials must be submitted online through the university's application portal. A complete application
includes: [1] a letter of application addressing the candidate's qualifications for the position; [2] a curriculum vitae; [3] a reference page with names and contact information for at least three references; [4] a statement of teaching philosophy that outlines teaching practices and strategies; [5] a research statement outlining current and future scholarly interests; [6] unofficial transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended (official transcripts will be required at time of hire); and [7] a recent sample teaching video (up to 15 minutes) demonstrating classroom instruction, accessible via a weblink to a streaming video platform. Additional material(s) may be requested later.
Address questions to the Theory Search Committee via email: musictheorysearch@towson.edu
Click here to apply. Please note that the search number for which you are applying is COFAC-3909.
Please be sure to visit the Applicant Data Form to complete a voluntary on-line form. All data collected are for internal, state, and/or federal reporting and will not be used for other purposes.
Salary and Benefits:
Targeted salary range: $67,000-70,000 commensurate on experience
Benefits: TU offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent health, life
and retirement plans; and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, clic k here for regular faculty/regular lecturer o r here for contingent lecturer. TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here.
Background Check:
A Criminal Background Investigation is required for the hired candidate and the results may impact employment.
COVID-19 Statement:
The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and neighbors has been our top priority and the focus of every one of our decisions since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Therefore, the University System of Maryland (USM) has strongly encouraged full COVID vaccination and up-to-date booster shots (when eligible) for all faculty, staff, and students at all schools in the USM as both a reasonable and necessary means of protecting our health and safety.

What Towson University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom