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$12.5K

$48.1K

$77.5K

How much do director of instrumental music jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of instrumental music in the United States is $48,107.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $58,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director of instrumental music?

A Director of Instrumental Music is an educator and leader responsible for overseeing and directing instrumental music programs, such as band, orchestra, or ensembles, within a school, college, or community organization. Their duties typically include conducting rehearsals, selecting music, organizing performances, and instructing students on playing instruments and musical techniques. They may also manage budgets, coordinate with other faculty, and foster a positive learning environment for musicians. This role requires strong musical knowledge, leadership skills, and a passion for music education.

What are some of the common challenges faced by a director of instrumental music, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Instrumental Music often faces challenges such as balancing administrative duties with rehearsal and performance preparation, managing a diverse range of student abilities, and coordinating with other faculty or departments. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are essential to handle scheduling, budgeting, and communication tasks. Additionally, fostering a positive and inclusive environment helps motivate students and encourages collaboration, while ongoing professional development can equip directors to address changing curriculum standards and new teaching methodologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of instrumental music, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Of Instrumental Music, you need a strong background in music theory, instrumental performance, conducting, and a relevant music degree, often with teaching certification. Familiarity with music notation software, digital audio workstations, and ensemble rehearsal techniques is typically required. Leadership, communication, and motivational skills are essential to effectively guide students and collaborate with staff. These skills ensure high-quality performances, foster student growth, and maintain a productive and inspiring music program.

What is the difference between Director Of Instrumental Music vs Music Teacher?

AspectDirector Of Instrumental MusicMusic Teacher
CredentialsMusic degree, teaching certification, leadership experienceMusic degree, teaching certification
Work EnvironmentSchools, orchestras, community programsClassroom, private lessons, schools
ResponsibilitiesProgram planning, ensemble direction, administrative tasksTeaching students, lesson planning, assessment

The Director Of Instrumental Music typically oversees entire instrumental programs, focusing on leadership and program management, while a Music Teacher primarily instructs individual students or groups. Both roles require music education credentials, but the Director's role involves more administrative and leadership duties within educational or community settings.

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Director Of Instrumental Music jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Instrumental Music job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,107 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Director of Instrumental Music

Willamette University

Salem, OR • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Willamette University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

ABOUT WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY:
Willamette University, founded in 1842, is a nationally-renowned private university enrolling 2800 students across five colleges. Our historic campus, adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol, hosts a distinguished undergraduate liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon. Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). We offer a wide range of professional graduate programs, including Oregon's top-ranked MBA program, the Northwest's oldest law school, as well as MA/MFA programs at PNCA and master's degrees in data science and computer science.
Willamette University provides a high-value and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our Benefits Summary includes options for health, dental, life insurance, retirement, substantial paid time off, tuition and more. If you need assistance applying for a job or have any questions on recruitment at Willamette, please contact our HR Department, hr@willamette.edu or call us at 503-370-6210.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Instrumental Music is a part-time position responsible for organizing, preparing, and conducting the orchestral ensemble during the Fall and Spring semesters, as well as working with faculty in the Music Department to recruit potential student-musicians to Willamette.
The position requires: the ability to effectively recruit, organize, and teaching instrumental, orchestral music to college-level musicians; the ability to help students improve their playing and performance skills across a range of orchestral instruments; the ability to conduct an orchestral ensemble at a high level of quality and proficiency; music literacy appropriate to college-level instruction; and willingness and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in the Music Department.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Organizes, prepares, and conducts the orchestra in Fall and Spring, which includes appropriate practice and performance time.
  • Oversees chamber music within the Music Department, which includes holding auditions, helping to organize playing groups, and working with faculty.
  • Participates in recruitment activities for both prospective students and Artist Associates.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • A Masters degree in Music; Doctorate preferred.
  • 5 years of experience teaching and conducting orchestral music and ensembles at least at the high school level; college-level conducting experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated success developing young musicians and helping them to improve their musicianship, playing skills, and ensemble performance abilities.

Typical Work Schedule: Monday through Friday on a part-time basis; possibility of occasional necessity for weekend work related to recruiting and tryouts.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions: Typical work is performed indoors in a normal office environment.
Salary: $30,000 (0.43 FTE on adjunct salary scale)
You will need to upload the following two documents as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section labeled Resume:
  • Cover letter addressing qualifications
  • Current resume

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT:
All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:
Please read the following carefully before beginning the online application process. To be considered for employment at Willamette University, please complete our online employment application. Your application and all required attachments -- listed at the bottom of the page -- must be submitted for each individual job post that you are interested in applying. Once you submit your application you will not be able to edit your application.

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