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Freelance Music Composition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Freelance Graphic Designer

Basic understanding of design principles, layout and composition-strong design, color, photography ... The ability to animate existing art assets, add text, movement and music * Strong visual ...

Complex

Freelance Studio Operations Lead

New York, NY · On-site

$350 - $450/day

Through innovative content, Complex tells stories of music, streetwear and style, sports, art and ... Monitor live feeds and camera outputs for color balance, exposure, and composition. * Conduct ...

Complex

Freelance Studio Operations Lead

New York, NY · On-site

$350 - $450/day

Through innovative content, Complex tells stories of music, streetwear and style, sports, art and ... Monitor live feeds and camera outputs for color balance, exposure, and composition. * Conduct ...

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Freelance Music Composition information

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$29

$62

$71

How much do freelance music composition jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance music composition in the United States is $62.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60.34 and $68.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is freelance music composition?

Freelance music composition involves creating original music on a project-by-project basis for clients such as filmmakers, game developers, advertising agencies, or musicians. Freelance composers are self-employed and typically work independently, managing their own schedules, contracts, and client relationships. They may write music for a wide range of media, including film scores, TV commercials, video games, or personal commissions. Success in this field requires both musical talent and the ability to market oneself and communicate effectively with clients.

How do freelance music composers typically manage client relationships and project deadlines?

Freelance music composers often handle multiple projects simultaneously, making effective client communication and deadline management essential. They typically use project management tools to organize timelines, deliverables, and revisions. Building strong relationships with clients involves providing clear updates, promptly addressing feedback, and setting realistic expectations about turnaround times. Staying organized and maintaining a professional workflow helps composers deliver high-quality work and secure repeat business.

What is the difference between Freelance Music Composition vs Music Producer?

AspectFreelance Music CompositionMusic Producer
CredentialsMusic degree or composition training often preferredMusic production experience, technical skills, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or studioStudio, remote, collaborative environment
Industry UsageUsed across film, TV, advertising, video gamesUsed in recording, mixing, overseeing music projects

Freelance music composers create original music for various media on a project basis, focusing on composition skills. Music producers oversee the entire music creation process, including recording and mixing. While both roles require musical knowledge, composers focus on writing, whereas producers manage production workflows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Music Composer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Music Composer, you need a strong grasp of music theory, composition techniques, and proficiency with at least one instrument, often supported by formal music education or relevant experience. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), music notation software, and audio editing tools is essential for creating and delivering professional-quality work. Creativity, time management, and effective communication with clients make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure the composer can consistently produce original, high-quality music that meets diverse project requirements and client expectations.
More about Freelance Music Composition jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Music Composition jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Music Composition job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Composition jobs? The most popular types of Music Composition jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Music Composition jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Music Composition jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Music Composition jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Music Composition jobs are:
Freelance Music Composition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Music Composition job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,079 per year, or $62.5 per hour.
Asst. Professor Game Scoring and Adaptive Music

Asst. Professor Game Scoring and Adaptive Music

Strategic Education, Inc.

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Strategic Education rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 196 rated education and training

Job description

Media Design School at Strayer, a part of Strayer University and Strategic Education, Inc., is a globally recognized provider of creative and technology-focused education. Originally established in New Zealand and now integrated within Strayer's academic portfolio, Media Design School combines industry-driven curriculum with an emphasis on innovation, preparing students for careers in fields such as game development, animation, and digital design. As part of Strayer's broader mission to deliver flexible, career-relevant education and expand access to future-focused learning opportunities, Media Design School leverages global resources, industry partnerships, and a collaborative academic environment.
The Assistant Professor of Game Scoring and Adaptive Music will lead the development and delivery of curriculum focused on adaptive music for interactive media within both the Master of Fine Arts in Screen Scoring & Music Design and the corresponding Online Graduate Certificate program. This role serves as a key liaison to game arts programs at Media Design School, fostering collaboration among faculty and students across disciplines. The position reports directly to the Executive Dean.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Serve as the lead instructor for MFA521 (Screen Scoring III: Adaptive) and MFA524 (Music Design Technology Lab), as well as related courses within the Online Graduate Certificate program
  • Recruit, mentor, and supervise adjunct faculty within the areas of game scoring, adaptive music, and music design technology
  • Conduct ongoing research to ensure coursework and student projects remain aligned with current industry practices and emerging trends
  • Engage in active outreach and relationship-building with game studios and independent game developers
  • Foster and maintain collaborative partnerships with Media Design School and other game design programs

Technical Skills:
  • Advanced proficiency with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) for game music composition, including tools such as Logic Pro, Cubase, Reaper, and Pro Tools
  • Advanced experience utilizing game audio implementation middleware, such as Wwise and FMOD
  • Demonstrated expertise in game development platforms, including Unity and Unreal Engine

Professional Experience:
  • 2-3 years of experience in an on-staff or active freelance capacity with a game development studio (e.g., Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft) or comparable organizations; experience with independent (indie) game developers will also be considered
  • Demonstrated professional experience in the composition of adaptive music for games and interactive media

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree (e.g., B.A., B.F.A., B.Mus., or B.M.) in Music Composition or a related field with a focus on music for screen or interactive media; alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in a related game design discipline will be considered
  • A Master's degree (e.g., M.A. or M.F.A.) in a relevant field is preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree

Other:
  • Must be able to travel occasionally should a business need arise. For most roles travel would not be common. Travel may involve plane, car or metro. In accordance with ADA policies, reasonable accommodations regarding travel limitations can be provided. Travel will be more common for roles such as Account Executives (25 - 50%), senior leaders (10 - 20%) or Capella Core Faculty (5 - 10%).
  • Ability to work onsite in Corporate or Campus location (in a typical office environment) may be required based on role. If so, this would include being mobile within the office, including movement from floor-to-floor using elevators or stairs.
  • If offsite or hybrid role, must have access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
  • Faculty and Federal Work Study roles require access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including computer, privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
  • This role may require lifting, however reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with our ADA policies.
  • Must be able to meet critical thinking and problem solving aspects aligned to job duties, as well as effectively communicating with co-workers.
  • Must be able to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant. Accommodations related to schedule may be considered.
  • Able to access information using a computer.
  • Other essential functions and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

#LI-JD1
SEI offers a comprehensive package of benefits to employees scheduled 30 hours or more per week. In addition to medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, SEI employees may take advantage of well-being incentives, parental leave, paid time off, certain paid holidays, tax saving accounts (FSA, HSA), 401(k) retirement benefit, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, tuition assistance as well as entertainment and retail discounts. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay, if applicable.
Careers - Our Benefits, Strategic Education, Inc
SEI is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture where individuals can grow their careers and contribute fully. We strive to attract talent with broad experiences, skills and perspectives. We welcome applications from all. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the pay range at SEI, we offer a competitive salary. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate may vary depending on multiple factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay equity. Our Talent Acquisition Team is ready to discuss your interest in joining SEI. The expected salary range for this position is below.
$67,700.00 - $101,500.00 - Salary
If you require reasonable accommodations to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at Careers@strategiced.com.

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