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Full Time Music Composition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grove Christian School

Music Teacher

Richmond, VA

Develop student understanding of reading music, composition, performance techniques, and ensemble ... Employment Terms * Full-time faculty position. * Salary and benefits determined by Grove Christian ...

Grove Christian School

Music Teacher

Richmond, VA · On-site

Develop student understanding of reading music, composition, performance techniques, and ensemble ... Employment Terms * Full-time faculty position. * Salary and benefits determined by Grove Christian ...

Grove Christian School

Music Teacher

Richmond, VA · On-site

Develop student understanding of reading music, composition, performance techniques, and ensemble ... Employment Terms * Full-time faculty position. * Salary and benefits determined by Grove Christian ...

Grove Christian School

Music Teacher

Richmond, VA · On-site

Develop student understanding of reading music, composition, performance techniques, and ensemble ... Employment Terms * Full-time faculty position. * Salary and benefits determined by Grove Christian ...

Grove Christian School

Music Teacher K-12

Richmond, VA · On-site

Develop student understanding of reading music, composition, performance techniques, and ensemble ... Employment Terms * Full-time faculty position. * Salary and benefits determined by Grove Christian ...

Noble Schools

Music Teacher SY26-27

Chicago, IL

... composition. * Promote Musical Literacy: Provide instruction that helps students grow their ... Eligibility to work full-time in the U.S. * Active Illinois Teaching License preferred Why Join ...

Diocese of Austin

Director of Music

Bryan, TX · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description Job Summary: The Music Director is responsible for planning ... Knowledge of Music Composition * Knowledge of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as passed ...

Noble Schools

Music Teacher SY26-27

Chicago, IL · On-site

... composition. * Promote Musical Literacy: Provide instruction that helps students grow their ... Eligibility to work full-time in the U.S. * Active Illinois Teaching License preferred Why Join ...

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Full Time Music Composition information

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$30.5K

$57.7K

$121.5K

How much do full time music composition jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time music composition in the United States is $57,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $64,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can I do if I like music?

If you enjoy music, you can pursue careers such as music composer, sound designer, music producer, or music teacher. These roles often require skills in music theory, software like digital audio workstations, and sometimes certifications or formal training. Opportunities exist in entertainment, education, advertising, and media industries.

What does a full-time music composer do?

A full-time music composer creates original music for various projects, such as films, television, video games, commercials, and live performances. Their responsibilities include writing, arranging, and orchestrating music, collaborating with directors or producers, and sometimes overseeing recording sessions. Composers may work independently or as part of a larger team, and their work often requires creativity, technical knowledge of music theory, and proficiency with music production software.

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

To thrive as a Full-Time Music Composer, you need a strong grasp of music theory, composition techniques, and proficiency with at least one instrument, often supported by a degree in music or equivalent experience. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Logic Pro or Ableton Live, as well as notation software and audio editing tools, is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and strong communication skills set successful composers apart, especially when collaborating with clients or teams. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality music that meets project requirements and resonates with audiences in a competitive industry.

What jobs make $500,000 a year?

In the field of music composition, highly successful composers, especially those working on major film, television, or video game projects, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Achieving this level typically requires a strong reputation, industry connections, and mastery of digital audio workstations and orchestration skills. Such earnings are rare and usually involve multiple revenue streams like licensing, royalties, and commissions.

What are some common challenges faced by full-time music composers when working on multiple projects simultaneously?

Full-time music composers often juggle several projects at once, each with its own creative direction and deadlines. Managing time effectively while maintaining originality can be challenging, as composers must switch between genres and client expectations. Clear communication with collaborators and clients is essential to ensure that feedback is incorporated efficiently. Additionally, composers need to stay organized with their workflow and sound libraries to meet overlapping deadlines without compromising the quality of their work.

Are music composers in demand?

Music composers are in demand in various industries such as film, television, video games, and advertising, especially as media content continues to grow. Success often depends on skills in digital audio workstations, a strong portfolio, and networking within the entertainment industry.

What is the difference between Full Time Music Composition vs Music Arranger?

AspectFull Time Music CompositionMusic Arranger
CredentialsMusic degree, composition certificationsMusic knowledge, arranging experience
Work EnvironmentStudios, offices, freelanceStudio, live performances, studio
Industry UsageFilm, TV, video games, advertisingPerforming groups, recordings, broadcasts
Primary FocusCreating original musicAdapting existing music for different ensembles or purposes

Full Time Music Composition involves creating original music pieces, often requiring formal training and working in various media like film or video games. Music Arrangers modify existing compositions to suit different ensembles or contexts. While both roles require musical expertise, composition emphasizes original creation, whereas arranging focuses on adaptation and reworking of existing music.

How much does a music composition major make?

A full-time music composition professional's salary varies based on experience, location, and the type of employment, such as working for a media company, film studio, or as a freelance composer. Entry-level composers may earn around $30,000 to $50,000 annually, while experienced professionals can make $70,000 or more, especially with a strong portfolio and industry connections.
More about Full Time Music Composition jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Music Composition jobs? Cities with the most Full Time 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 Full Time Music Composition jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Music Composition jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Music Composition jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Music Composition jobs are:
Full Time Music Composition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Music Composition job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,731 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor in Music Composition

Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor in Music Composition

University of Maryland Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description
The Department of Music at UMBC seeks a well-qualified Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor (Full-time) in Music Composition, to begin August 17, 2026. This position is for one year with a possibility of a one year extension. This position will be responsible for all composition introductory courses (MUSC 311 and 312), Instrumentation (MUSC 224), private lessons for music composition majors, senior projects for composition majors (senior recital), and other courses based on the candidate's expertise and interest (the equivalent of 8 total courses per academic year). This individual will provide oversight of ancillary curricular experiences for the composition majors, including studio classes, reading sessions and professional performances of student works; will arrange technical assistance for composer performances and coordinate collaborations with student ensembles and soloists; attend auditions and recruit for the composition major. Applicants who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion by way of teaching, performing, publishing, or volunteer experiences are urged to submit an application.
Located in the heart of the culturally rich Baltimore-Washington corridor, the Department of Music is a growing, diverse, and supportive community enrolling 160 undergraduate majors. Housed in the University's striking new Performing Arts and Humanities Building, the music wing includes a 350-seat performance space with superior acoustics, 9-foot Steinway grand pianos, and fully equipped recording and keyboard labs. All tenure-track faculty maintain robust careers in performance, conducting, or composing on the regional and national level, with many having a research focus in contemporary art-music and some with creative activities that include music as a vehicle for civic engagement and social justice. In addition to its undergraduate degrees, the Department offers a post-baccalaureate Certificate in American Contemporary Music. See https://music.umbc.edu/ for more details.
UMBC, an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, is especially proud of the diversity of its student body and we seek to attract an equally diverse applicant pool for this position. We have a strong commitment to increasing faculty diversity and are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals who are members of groups that historically have been underrepresented in the professoriate. We encourage applications from women, minority group members, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Qualifications
A master's degree or higher in music is required, along with evidence of teaching experience at the college level and administrative experience.
Application Instructions
The complete application package must include: a letter of interest including a detailed statement of qualifications and teaching philosophy, a current CV, dated links to scores and recordings (audio or video; no midi, please) for 3 works, a separate statement with examples addressing the capacity to respond in pedagogically productive ways to the learning needs of students from diverse backgrounds, and three reference contacts. Additional materials may be requested later. Those with experience employing culturally responsive approaches or integrating musical, social-emotional, or social justice learning goals are encouraged to highlight that in their materials.
For best consideration, please submit all application materials through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/186951) by June 8, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For questions, please contact Dr. Lisa Cella, Chair, Department of Music: cella@umbc.edu.

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