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Freelance Music Composition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced Freelance Videographer / Video Producer & Editor to produce a ... Strong knowledge of cinematography, interview lighting, audio capture, composition, and editing ...

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Freelance Music Composition information

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$29

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$71

How much do freelance music composition jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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?

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:
Infographic showing various Freelance Music Composition job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,079 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Temporary Director of Photography, Men's Health and Women's Health

Hearst Newspapers

New York, NY • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Men's Health and Women's Health is seeking a Temporary Director of Photography, Producer, and Editor to support our video team. This is a hands-on, doer role: you'll shoot, light, help produce, and edit in partnership with our Executive Producer and production team-bringing sharp visual taste while jumping in wherever the day needs coverage, problem-solving, or post support. This role reports to the Executive Producer.

  • DP / camera experience in digital, documentary, branded, or studio environments
  • Strong lighting + composition fundamentals with great taste
  • Producer-minded execution: You're proactive, organized, calm under pressure, and you don't wait to be told what's broken
  • Editing experience: You can confidently cut in a modern NLE (Premiere preferred; Avid/Resolve also great), build rough cuts and selects, and handle clean exports/versions for review
  • Post fundamentals: Strong file organization, audio awareness, continuity discipline, and comfort working from notes in a collaborative edit workflow
  • Schedule flexibility: Ability to support shoots as needed (including early calls and occasional travel, depending on production)
  • Shoot the work: DP and operate camera on shoots across brands and formats (studio, field, talent-driven, documentary, social-first)
  • Support production execution: Help with the practical's that keep shoots moving-run-of-show support, coordinating logistics, prepping gear, call sheet support, field problem-solving, and on-set coordination
  • Bring strong visual craft: Light and compose with intention; elevate work through strong taste in camera, lighting, framing, and movement
  • Pitch in on set: Keep sets organized and efficient-help the team stay on schedule, keep coverage clean, and communicate needs clearly
  • Edit and finish deliverables: Cut selects and assemblies; build rough cuts to producer notes; apply pacing, music, and basic sound polish.
  • Manage post camera workflow: Keep footage, audio, and project files organized; label cards/files; maintain continuity notes; prep clean handoffs (project organization, exports, and versioning)
  • Help scale crews when needed: Assist with coordinating freelancers/vendors for specific shoots (camera, sound, g&e), with oversight from senior production leadership
  • Contribute ideas: Bring references, visual approaches, and smart production solutions that keep formats fresh and push the envelope within brand

Be Part of What's Next
Shape the look and feel of premium health and wellness storytelling. As a Temporary Director of Photography, you'll bring ideas to life through camera, lighting, and edit-owning the craft while helping productions run seamlessly from start to finish.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)
Hearst Magazines is one of the world's largest publishers of premium content, with a portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands, including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Harper's BAZAAR, Men's Health, Popular Mechanics, and Seventeen. We reach audiences across platforms-print, digital, video, and social-with storytelling that informs, entertains, and inspires. Our culture is collaborative, innovative, and committed to building an inclusive environment where creativity thrives.

Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)
Lead camera and lighting on shoots across Men's Health and Women's Health, spanning studio, field, documentary, and social-first formats
Operate as a hands-on production partner, supporting logistics, run-of-show execution, and on-set coordination to keep shoots moving efficiently
Bring a strong visual point of view, elevating content through thoughtful composition, lighting, and camera movement
Maintain organized, high-functioning sets by communicating clearly, managing time effectively, and ensuring clean coverage
Edit selects, assemblies, and rough cuts, applying pacing, music, and basic sound polish in line with creative direction
Manage post-production workflows, including media organization, file labeling, continuity tracking, and clean project handoffs
Assist in scaling production teams by coordinating freelancers and vendors (camera, sound, G&E) as needed
Contribute creative ideas, references, and production solutions that push formats forward while staying true to brand

Qualifications (What We're Looking For)
5+  years of experience in cinematography, video production, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
Demonstrated DP/camera experience across digital, documentary, branded, or studio environments
Strong lighting and composition fundamentals with a refined visual sensibility
Producer-minded approach: proactive, highly organized, and calm under pressure in fast-paced environments
Editing proficiency in a modern NLE (Premiere preferred; Avid or Resolve also welcome), including building rough cuts and managing versions
Solid post-production fundamentals, including file organization, audio awareness, and collaborative editing workflows
Ability to flex across multiple roles on set and in post, adapting to evolving production needs
Ability to work onsite Tuesday through Thursday in New York City, with flexibility for early calls and occasional travel as needed

The base salary for this role is $80/hr. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.  

Hearst Magazines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.