ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Music Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ascension Catholic Church

Music Director

Melbourne, FL · On-site

Researching, developing, and mastering new music; Pursuing educational advancement in musical skills that relate to the parish's need (e.g., organ, piano, choral directing, vocal pedagogy); Keeping ...

Diocese of Orlando

Music Director

Melbourne, FL · On-site

... Researching, developing, and mastering new music; • Pursuing educational advancement in musical skills that relate to the parish's need (e.g., organ, piano, choral directing, vocal pedagogy); • ...

Nemours Children's Health

Music Therapist

Orlando, FL · On-site

Direct Patient Care Responsibilities * Plans and implements therapeutic activities in accordance ... care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention. Our Whole Child Health approach focuses ...

Nemours Children's Health

Music Therapist

Orlando, FL · On-site

Direct Patient Care Responsibilities * Plans and implements therapeutic activities in accordance ... care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention. Our Whole Child Health approach focuses ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMusic Research JobsDirector Music Research Jobs

Director Music Research information

See salary details

$15.5K

$120K

$156.5K

How much do director music research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for director music research in the United States is $119,966.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Music Research, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Music Research, you need advanced knowledge in musicology, research methodologies, and often a graduate degree in music or a related field. Familiarity with music analysis software, databases, and digital archiving tools, as well as experience with scholarly publishing platforms, is typically required. Leadership, strong communication, and project management skills help you guide research teams and collaborate across academic or industry settings. These competencies ensure the effective advancement, documentation, and dissemination of music research, driving innovation and scholarly impact.

What does a Director of Music Research do?

A Director of Music Research oversees and leads research initiatives related to music, often within academic institutions, media companies, or music technology firms. Their responsibilities may include managing research projects, analyzing data on music trends, supervising research staff, and collaborating with composers, performers, or technologists. They work to advance the understanding of music's impact, development, and applications, contributing to innovation in the field. This role often involves publishing findings, securing funding, and ensuring that research aligns with broader organizational goals.

How does a Director of Music Research typically collaborate with other departments within a music organization?

A Director of Music Research often works closely with departments such as marketing, A&R (Artists and Repertoire), data analytics, and legal to interpret music trends, analyze audience engagement, and ensure compliance with copyright regulations. This role regularly communicates research findings to help shape artist development strategies, inform marketing campaigns, and guide repertoire selection. Effective collaboration and communication skills are essential, as the Director must translate complex research into actionable insights for cross-functional teams.

What is the difference between Director Music Research vs Musicologist?

AspectDirector Music ResearchMusicologist
CredentialsMaster's or PhD in music, musicology, or related fieldMaster's or PhD in musicology or ethnomusicology
Work EnvironmentResearch departments, music companies, media organizationsUniversities, research institutions, archives
Industry UsageUsed in media, entertainment, and research firmsPrimarily academic and scholarly settings

The main difference is that a Director Music Research oversees strategic research projects in music, often within organizations or companies, while a Musicologist focuses on academic study and analysis of music history, theory, and culture. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their work environments and primary objectives differ.

More about Director Music Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Music Research jobs? Cities with the most Director Music Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Research jobs? The most popular types of Music Research jobs are:
What states have the most Director Music Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Music Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Music Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Music Research jobs are:
Director Music Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Music Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,966 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Principal Music Librarian

HOUSTON GRAND OPERA ASSOCIATION INC

Houston, TX • On-site

$100K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 hours ago

Job description

Job Highlights 

The Principal Music Librarian leads the Houston Grand Opera music library, overseeing music research, acquisition, preparation, and library operations to support programming at the highest artistic level. Working closely with the Music Director, Chief Artistic Officer, Chorus Director, guest conductors, and music staff, this role is integral to the successful execution of HGO’s season. 

Join Us! 

We are looking for talented, passionate, and dedicated people who are eager to make contributions to ourcommunity and our mission. If you are excited about this position but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply!You may bejustthe right candidate for this position or another role at HGO. 

About the Houston Grand Opera 

The mission of HGO is to enrich our diverse community through the art of opera.We do so by creating, curating, exploring, and producing outstanding experiences centered around the human voice. HGO has received a Tony Award, three Grammy Awards, and three Emmy Awards – we are the only opera company in the world to win all three honors. 

Our strategic focus is two-fold: creating profoundly enriching experiences for our diverse audiences and clearly defining and positively promoting the HGO brand. We believeevery team member enriches our organization by exposing a broad range of ways to understand and engage our community and discover, design, and deliver enriching experiences. 

Compensation and Benefits 

The annual salary for this role is $100,000.00. We offer robust benefits to full-time employees, including:

  • Comprehensive and affordable health benefits. 
  • Generous paid time off. 
  • 403b retirement plan with employer match. 
  • Flexible work schedule. 
  • Professional development fund and opportunities. 
  • Discounted parking in the Theater District garage and nearby lots, pluseasy access to Metro transportation. 
  • Free tickets to our mainstage and community productions and events. 

Key Responsibilities 

Music Research and Acquisition 

  • Researches editions of repertoire for current and future seasons, advising HGO Artistic staff on available versions. 
  • Negotiates performance, mechanical, and sync licenses with publishers in collaboration with Director of Artistic Operations for current and future seasons. 
  • Secures rental and purchased materials according to production timelines.  
  • Collaborates with the Music Administrator to confirm and distribute instrumentation details for all upcoming orchestral productions and events for budgetary and contracting purposes. 
  • Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with music publishers and industry partners on behalf of Houston Grand Opera. 

Music Preparation 

  • Ensures all musical materials for productions, concerts, and events are prepared accurately, delivered on time, and compliant with Collective Bargaining Agreements. 
  • Manages all aspects of orchestral music preparation including proofreading, editing, bowing, and part marking according to specifications from HGO artistic leadership and guest conductors.  
  • Produces edited piano/vocal and chorus scores in alignment with HGO artistic leadership and guest conductors.  
  • Creates and distributes cut lists and production memos pre-production and during the rehearsal process. 

Library Operation & Leadership 

  • Supervises the staff Music Librarian and additional over hire help, providing direction, training, and oversight. 
  • Attends all orchestra readings and sitzprobes and serves on pit duty for stage rehearsals with orchestra and performances on a rotating basis with staff Music Librarian. 
  • Maintains accurate and up-to-date instrumentation for current and future season projects in the company’s ArtsVision database. 
  • Maintains the Houston Grand Opera physical and digital collection of full scores, piano vocal scores, choral scores, orchestral parts, and CD recordings in an organized manner, including tracking borrowed materials. 
  • Administers the company’s quarterly ASCAP reporting process. 
  • Oversees organization and maintenance of the Houston Grand Opera music library supplies and equipment in accordance with budgetary parameters. 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent professional experience. 
  • Minimum of five years of professional experience as a music librarian at a major classical music organization. 
  • Expert-level musicianship including fluency in a variety of clefs, transposition, and instrument nomenclature in various languages. 
  • In-depth knowledge of operatic repertoire and industry practices. 
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and at least one music notation platform. 
  • Experience working with AFM Union orchestras. 
  • Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with a high degree of diplomacy and discretion. 
  • Demonstrated experience managing staff. 

Special Job Characteristics 

Requires a collaborative professional who can maintain composure and a positive attitude while delivering highly accurate work in a fast-paced environment. Skilled in working and collaborating with a variety of personalities. Will have to maintain a demanding and flexible work schedule during production periods. Weeknights and weekend hours required. 

Physical Demands  

The physical demands described here are representative of those we considerimportantfor an employeeto successfully perform essential functions of this job: extended periods of sitting and performing tasks such as typing and using a computer mouse, with strong visual and auditory focus, occasional lifting (not exceeding 20 pounds), reaching for items, effectivecommunication skills, and fine motor abilities, being mobile within the office for activities like attending performances, events, and meetings.Reasonable accommodations maybe madeto enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Equal Opportunity 

Houston Grand Opera is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HGO are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws or regulations. HGO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. HGO encourages applicants of all ages. 

Apply