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Jazz Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title Assistant Professor of Piano Agency Prairie View A&M University Department Department Of ... Proficiency or familiarity with gospel, jazz, commercial music, or other contemporary styles. Job ...

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Jazz Professor information

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$58K

$114.8K

$189K

How much do jazz professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for jazz professor in the United States is $114,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Jazz Professor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Jazz Professor, you need advanced musical proficiency in jazz performance and theory, experience with ensemble direction, and typically a master’s or doctoral degree in music. Competence with music notation software, digital audio workstations, and classroom technology is often required. Strong mentoring abilities, creativity, and excellent communication are highly valued soft skills in this position. These competencies enable educators to inspire students, manage diverse ensembles, and effectively deliver a dynamic curriculum.

What does a Jazz Professor do?

A Jazz Professor teaches courses in jazz performance, theory, history, and improvisation at a college or university. They mentor students, oversee ensembles, and contribute to curriculum development. Many also engage in research, compose or arrange music, and perform professionally. Their role involves balancing academic responsibilities with real-world jazz experience to provide students with a comprehensive education.

What are some common teaching responsibilities for a Jazz Professor during a typical semester?

A Jazz Professor is usually responsible for a combination of classroom instruction in jazz history, theory, and improvisation, along with directing student ensembles or combos. You may also be expected to coach individual students, organize and lead performances, and participate in curriculum development. Additionally, many Jazz Professors contribute to departmental service, recruit prospective students, and engage in their own performance or research activities. Balancing these varied responsibilities provides both teaching challenges and opportunities for creative collaboration within a vibrant academic and musical community.

More about Jazz Professor jobs
What cities are hiring for Jazz Professor jobs? Cities with the most Jazz Professor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Jazz Professor jobs? The most popular types of Jazz Professor jobs are:
What states have the most Jazz Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Jazz Professor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Jazz Professor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,792 per year, or $55.2 per hour.
Assistant/Associate Professor of Instrumental Music/Director of Bands (54021)

Assistant/Associate Professor of Instrumental Music/Director of Bands (54021)

Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY, founded in 1869, is becoming recognized as one of the leading institutions of higher education in the southeast.
With rigorous student-forced academic programs and a faculty comprised of world-class scholars, these attributes have contributed to
the U.S. News and World Report Claflin thirteenth in its 2025 list of the nation's top historically black colleges/universities (HBCUs).
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC: The Claflin University Department of Music is a institutional member of the National Association of Schools
of Music (NASM). The department is also accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). As a degree-
granting department, we offer two major programs of study: BA in Music Education and BA in Music and jazz studies concentration.
RESPONSIBILITY: Develop and implement a long-term strategic plan for growth and visibility of the band/instrumental program, conduct
or supervise all instrumental ensembles but not Jazz ensembles, advise students, teaching instrumental methods classes, supervision of
student teachers, and other undergraduate courses in music education. Additional teaching responsibilities may include other courses within
the candidate's areas of expertise. Engage actively in fundraising, budgeting, procurement and development efforts. Membership and
participation in local and state professional organizations. In addition, the Director of Bands is expected to participate fully in
departmental and community performance obligations consistent with all ensembles conducting appointments. The candidate is expected to
participate fully in departmental recruitment, advising/mentoring activities, promoting the Department within the state, nationally and
internationally and must be effective in fulfilling committee service, grantsmanship, and expected to be significantly active in creative and/or
research activities consistent with all faculty appointments. Pursue scholarly, creative, or professional activity consistent with the university
expectations. Other duties as assigned
A graduate degree in instrumental music education/instrumental performance is required; ABD candidates with planned completion dates by
August 15, 2026, will be considered a completed doctorate is required for tenure-track appointment and rank of Assistant Professor.
Candidate should have a research agenda headed toward tenure and promotion. Additionally, a valid teaching certification in Music Education
with a minimum of 3 years of successful teaching within K- 12 schools as a certified teacher is required. Understanding of
certification/licensure process. Candidate should have a strong background in the study, performance and teaching of instrumental music and
proven ability in recruiting for, developing, and maintaining a high-quality Wind Ensemble/Instrumental music program. Candidate
must have the ability to build and maintain professional relationships and to work collaboratively with public school band programs and
the ability to teach, advise and mentor students from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. Membership with South Carolina music
education association and familiarity with the South Carolina educational standards and regional band programs. Experience with recruitment
and retention of varied student populations, knowledge about using AI and or modern technologies in vocal music; Experience with
innovative and engaging teaching strategies that will focus on the needs of 21 century students and a demonstrated capacity as an instrumental
ensemble director at the university level. Full-time university teaching experience is preferred.