ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Composition Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rose State College

Professor, English

Midwest City, OK · On-site

$41K - $47K/yr

Professor, English Description of Duties: Primarily responsible for teaching fifteen (15) credit ... Master's Degree in Composition, Rhetoric, and Literacy Studies, or Master's degree in English or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsComposition Professor Jobs

Composition Professor information

See salary details

$58K

$114.8K

$189K

How much do composition professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for composition professor in the United States is $114,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can pay around $2000 a day often include specialized roles such as senior corporate lawyers, experienced management consultants, certain medical specialists, and high-level executive positions. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve high-pressure environments or significant responsibilities.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

High-paying jobs that can reach $400 an hour include specialized roles such as experienced legal consultants, senior medical specialists, executive coaches, and certain freelance professionals like top-tier consultants or highly sought-after speakers. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often operate on a freelance or consulting basis. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and individual expertise.

What is the difference between Composition Professor vs Music Theory Professor?

AspectComposition ProfessorMusic Theory Professor
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Composition or related fieldMaster's or Doctorate in Music Theory or related field
Work EnvironmentUniversities, conservatories, private studiosUniversities, conservatories, research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, arts organizationsHigher education institutions, research centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Composition Professors and Music Theory Professors typically hold advanced degrees and work in academic settings. Composition Professors focus on creating and teaching new music compositions, while Music Theory Professors analyze and teach the structural aspects of music. Although their roles overlap in higher education, their specialization areas differ, making each role unique within the music academic field.

What is the highest paying job in music?

In the music industry, top-paying roles include music directors, composers for film and television, and successful recording artists. These positions often require advanced skills, industry connections, and sometimes a strong reputation or awards, leading to higher earnings. Salaries can vary widely based on experience, reputation, and the scope of projects involved.

What are composition professors?

Composition professors are educators who specialize in teaching students how to write effectively, typically at the college or university level. They instruct courses in academic writing, creative writing, and rhetoric, helping students improve their grammar, organization, and critical thinking skills. In addition to teaching, composition professors often conduct research, develop curriculum, and advise students on their writing projects. Their goal is to prepare students to communicate clearly and persuasively in both academic and professional contexts.

What jobs can I get with a music composition degree?

A music composition degree can lead to careers such as composer for film, television, or video games, music director, arranger, or music producer. These roles often require strong musical skills, knowledge of digital audio workstations, and the ability to collaborate with other artists and clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Composition Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Composition Professor, you need expertise in writing pedagogy, advanced knowledge of rhetoric and composition theory, and typically a PhD or MFA in English or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard), academic databases, and digital writing tools is essential. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and adaptability are crucial soft skills that help foster student growth and engagement. These skills and qualifications are vital for effectively teaching diverse student populations and advancing scholarship in the field.

How does a Composition Professor typically collaborate with other faculty and departments within a university?

Composition Professors often work closely with colleagues in English, Writing Centers, and interdisciplinary programs to develop curriculum, coordinate writing initiatives, and assess student outcomes. They may participate in department meetings, serve on committees, and collaborate on research or teaching projects. This team-oriented environment helps foster consistent standards across courses and provides opportunities for professional growth through shared expertise and mentorship.
More about Composition Professor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Composition Professor jobs? The most popular types of Composition Professor jobs are:
What states have the most Composition Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Composition Professor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Composition Professor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Composition Professor jobs are:
Composition Professor jobs near you
Teaching Assistant Professor or Lecturer of Music Theory, Composition, and Technology, Natalie L....

Teaching Assistant Professor or Lecturer of Music Theory, Composition, and Technology, Natalie L....

The University of Tennessee Knoxville

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

University Of Tennessee, Knoxville rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

351st of 538 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
Nine-month, non-tenure-track, one-year appointment (possible renewal) beginning August 1, 2026. This faculty member will teach a wide range of courses to graduate and undergraduate music majors/minors, potentially including courses in the undergraduate theory sequence, analysis classes, popular music courses, and the graduate diagnostic review. Composition lessons as well as courses in composition and technology will also be included, if necessary, as determined by the needs of the music theory/composition area and the qualifications and interests of the successful candidate.
Qualifications
Completed doctorate in music by the time of appointment preferred. Secondary interests in connecting theory and composition to media, data science, AI and LLMs, and other relevant connections to science and emerging technologies are encouraged. Facility and experience in teaching online and interest in popular, film, and commercial music are encouraged.
Candidates for the rank of Teaching Assistant Professor must meet the qualifications for being a Teaching Assistant Professor within UTK's faculty handbook and the NLH College of Music bylaws; among these qualifications include holding a doctorate in music by the time of appointment and showing promise for excellence in areas of responsibility assigned to them.
Candidates for the rank of Lecturer must meet the qualifications for being a Lecturer within UTK's faculty handbook and the NLH College of Music bylaws; among these qualifications include holding a degree appropriate to their discipline by the time of appointment and showing promise for excellence in areas of responsibility assigned to them.
Application Instructions
Submit application in Interfolio, including curriculum vitae, a teaching philosophy, a teaching portfolio as one PDF with syllabi and teaching materials, and contact information for 3 references. Review of applications will begin May 1 and continue until the position is filled.
Contact ahuntoon@utk.edu with any questions about the position.

What University Of Tennessee, Knoxville employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply