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Freelance Music Composition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Youth Beat

Multimedia Teaching Artist

Oakland, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

... freelance projects through our media company, Youth Beat PRO. We're seeking energetic, creative ... Photography, Motion Graphics, Music Composition, Web Design. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to move ...

Youth Beat

Multimedia Teaching Artist

Oakland, CA · On-site

... freelance projects through our media company, Youth Beat PRO. Were seeking energetic, creative ... Photography, Motion Graphics, Music Composition, Web Design. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to move ...

Youth Beat

Multimedia Teaching Artist

Oakland, CA

... freelance projects through our media company, Youth Beat PRO. We're seeking energetic, creative ... Photography, Motion Graphics, Music Composition, Web Design. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to move ...

Youth Beat

Multimedia Teaching Artist

Oakland, CA · On-site

... led freelance projects through our media company, Youth Beat PRO . We're seeking energetic ... Photography, Motion Graphics, Music Composition, Web Design. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to move ...

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

$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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$62

$71

How much do freelance music composition jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,079 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Multimedia Teaching Artist

Youth Beat

Oakland, CA • On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE
Youth Beat - Teaching Artist (Video Production)
TIMELINE
Applications accepted starting July, 2026. Hiring immediately
JOB DETAILS
Teaching Artist Opportunities Available
YouthBeat Media Academy, 2026-2027 School Year:
Filmmaking, and Photography Programs
Locations & Times:
  • August 12-May 31 averaging 8-12 hours per week, depending on placement.
  • 2026-26 positions include programs for:
    • Social Media Production
    • Digital Marketing
    • Photography
    • Videography After Effects
    • Motion graphics

INSTRUCTIONS
Please do not send your application directly through email. To be considered for this position, please submit your application through the Apply button on this job posting (or the designated application portal). Applications received by email will not be reviewed.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates whose qualifications best match the position will be contacted for interviews. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to every applicant.
ABOUT YOUTH BEAT:
Youth Beat at KDOL-TV is a non-profit program offering free media production training to Oakland youth. We provide hands-on experience in video, journalism, filmmaking, photography, design, and animation-helping middle and high school students stay engaged in school and build career-ready skills.
Our team of teaching artists, educators, and producers lead after-school and summer programs at KDOL-TV, teach across Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), and guide youth-led freelance projects through our media company, Youth Beat PRO.
We're seeking energetic, creative individuals passionate about media and mentoring diverse, underrepresented youth. Ideal for local creators seeking consistent part-time work or a pathway into media education at a growing nonprofit. Additional hours and project leadership opportunities may be available.
We're hiring part-time Teaching Artists for August 2026 to help expand our capacity to serve more Oakland youth.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
We're seeking skilled multimedia, video production, and animation professionals passionate about sharing their craft with Oakland youth (grades 3-12).
Teaching Artists report to Youth Beat's Education Director and will plan and teach curriculum, support student projects, and help grow our media arts career pathway. Strong technical skills in video production and the ability to connect with inner-city youth are essential. Experience with photography, animation, or design is a plus.
Youth Beat is rapidly expanding, offering opportunities for increased hours and future growth within the organization.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Work with diverse, inner-city youth from Oakland schools as they learn the basics of filmmaking and/or animation.
  • Plan, deliver, and refine curriculum as part of the teaching team
  • Participate in Professional Development and Staff Trainings
  • Follow data and attendance tracking procedures and complete monthly progress reports for Youth Beat
  • Lead and complete media projects along with students for paying clients as part of our youth production company, YB Pro. (These opportunities offer additional freelance opportunities and income for our employees and students, as well as access to our professional production gear at KDOL-TV.)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's Degree preferred from an accredited college or university in a related field: Media Studies that includes Video Production, Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, etc.
  • Ability and passion for working with diverse, inner-city teenagers.
  • In-depth working knowledge of the three stages of video production.
  • Editing experience in Adobe Premiere (or animation software)
  • Additional media skills a plus: Photography, Motion Graphics, Music Composition, Web Design.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to move and set up professional production equipment.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY DISCLOSURE:
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
We know strong candidates may bring skills or perspectives beyond what's listed, if that's you, we encourage you to apply and share how you can contribute to our mission.

Apply