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Director Music Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Today, scientific research has confirmed music's therapeutic ability to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, enhance concentration, and improve overall well-being. hospice, music, cancer, guitar ...

Today, scientific research has confirmed music's therapeutic ability to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, enhance concentration, and improve overall well-being.

You will focus on providing direct patient care. As a certified music therapist, will collaborate ... clinical researchers. You will engage with oncology patients, couples, and families, through ...

You will focus on providing direct patient care. As a certified music therapist, will collaborate ... clinical researchers. You will engage with oncology patients, couples, and families, through ...

You will focus on providing direct patient care. As a certified music therapist, will collaborate ... clinical researchers. You will engage with oncology patients, couples, and families, through ...

You will focus on providing direct patient care. As a certified music therapist, will collaborate ... clinical researchers. You will engage with oncology patients, couples, and families, through ...

You will focus on providing direct patient care. As a certified music therapist, will collaborate ... clinical researchers. You will engage with oncology patients, couples, and families, through ...

You will focus on providing direct patient care. As a certified music therapist, will collaborate ... clinical researchers. You will engage with oncology patients, couples, and families, through ...

Plan, organize, or direct medically prescribed music therapy activities designed to positively ... Review research or literature in music therapy or related disciplines. Assess client functioning ...

Plan, organize, or direct medically prescribed music therapy activities designed to positively ... Review research or literature in music therapy or related disciplines. Assess client functioning ...

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Director Music Research information

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$15.5K

$120K

$156.5K

How much do director music research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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:

Infographic showing various Director Music Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,966 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Director of Music Ministry - Saint Paul the Apostle - Gurnee - Vic. I

Archdiocese of Chicago

Gurnee, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Archdiocese of Chicago rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 18 rated religious organizations


Job description

Visit Parish Website
The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.
The Director of Music facilitates the music for all liturgical celebrations. These responsibilities include directing and planning regularly scheduled liturgies; directing, scheduling, and rehearsing all music assemblies, recruitment and formation of parish cantors and music volunteers, instrumentalists at weekend Masses and on Holy Days; seasonal liturgies; music for Faith Formation program; supervision of audiovisual equipment; and music for funerals and weddings.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
A Pastoral Musician as a Professional Musician
Commitment to professional development is a mutual responsibility of the musician and the parish. To maintain a competent level of professionalism, the responsibility of the pastoral musician includes:
  • Practices to improve or maintain skills in voice, conducting, and the instruments upon which the musician is expected to perform.
  • Research and mastery of liturgical music
  • Pursues educational advancement in musical skills that relate to the parish's need (e.g., organ, choral directing, vocal pedagogy)
  • Keeps current with official statements and documents on music, liturgy, and developments in the pastoral field
  • Studies various liturgical and musical publications
  • Member of professional organizations and attendance at national and area conferences and workshops
  • Periodic coursework in the field of pastoral liturgy and liturgical music.

Pastoral Musician as Administrator
The responsibility of the pastoral musician as an administrator involves:
  • Makes liturgical music policies in conjunction with the Liturgy Commission and pastoral staff, taking into consideration Diocesan and national guidelines
  • Formulates a music budget for the parish worship program.
  • Develops and maintains a liturgical music library of various styles and genres for assembly, choir, cantor, and instrumentalists.
  • Maintains the parish's musical instruments.
  • Makes recommendations for the purchase of new instruments, sound equipment, hymnals and music supplies.
  • Secures other musicians as needed for special celebrations, such as Christmas, Easter, Confirmation, etc. Supports cultural diversity of the parish and their liturgies.

The Director of Music Ministry should demonstrate the ability to:
  • Select and teach new music to the assembly. Develop the musicianship of cantors and other musicians.
  • Nurture musicianship of the youth.
  • Serve as a resource to the parish as well as persons involved in other parish ministries.
  • Provide liturgical guidance in sensitive pastoral situations, such as the preparation of weddings and funerals.
  • Lead and animate the community's sung prayer.
  • Administer a multifaceted music program. This includes both short and long-range planning, budget administration, development and maintenance of a music library, scheduling, and timely communication with other liturgical ministers.
  • Work in collaboration with parish staff, the Music Ministry Assistant, the Director of Liturgy, musicians, and other ministers of the parish.
  • Ability to sing and play independently, without the help of musicians.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
CATHOLIC FAITH
Practice of the Catholic faith is required. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with and supportive of the Church's mission and purpose. Their public behavior must not violate the Church's faith, morals, or laws, or the archdiocese's policies.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in music or its equivalent, and/or experience as a Music Director in a church.
  • Musical leadership requires skills in the following areas: piano/organ, voice, and conducting.
  • Skills and experience may be required in other areas such as contemporary instrumental ensembles, orchestration, hand bells, children's choirs, composition, and familiarity with musical styles of various cultures within the community.
  • A thorough understanding of Roman Catholic liturgical Theology and praxis.
  • A knowledge of the history and repertoire of sacred music.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES
  • A high level of organizational and interpersonal skills is required. Attention to detail and working well with others are also required
  • Ability to read and analyze routine correspondence and compose appropriate responses. Ability to respond effectively to common inquiries from internal and external sources. Ability to effectively present reports and information to constituents.
  • Ability to apply appropriate mathematical concepts and operations in establishing and maintaining budgets.
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Must be able to communicate verbally and in written form.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The working hours of this position are not limited to an 8-hour day. This person will need to be available in the evening and on weekends. Performs extensive computer work for parish and ministry communications.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The ability to sit and stand for long periods of time. Must be able to reach, grasp, feel, and see up close and from afar.
You must be able to use basic office computer hardware and peripherals, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of light-weight objects and materials (15 pounds).
The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.
This position has an annualized salary range of $40,000.00 - $60,000.00. An employee's pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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About Archdiocese of Chicago

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Archdiocese of Chicago is not a company per se, but a large and influential Roman Catholic ecclesiastical jurisdiction in United States. Based in Chicago, Illinois, it was established in 1843 and primarily serves to guide over 2.2 million Catholics in its territory in spiritual and religious matters. Its main function includes pastoral care through parishes and ministries, education via the wide network of Catholic schools, and the promotion of various social service programs. The Archdiocese of Chicago’s mission is to share Christ's love with the community through worship, evangelization, and service.

Industry

Religious organizations

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1843