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Lecturer Music Composition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Music Lecturer Pool

San Jose, CA · On-site

$8.5K - $10K/mo

... BM_Composition, BM_Jazz Studies, BM_Music Education, BM_Performance), as well as the Master of ... lecturer appointees. San Jose State University: Silicon Valley's Public University Located in the ...

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Lecturer Music Composition information

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$27K

$62.6K

$90.5K

How much do lecturer music composition jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for lecturer music composition in the United States is $62,646.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $73,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lecturer in music composition do?

A Lecturer in Music Composition teaches students the principles and techniques of writing music, often at a college or university level. They develop and deliver lectures, workshops, and seminars on topics such as harmony, orchestration, and contemporary music styles. In addition to teaching, Lecturers may mentor student composers, oversee composition projects, and contribute to curriculum development. Many also continue their own creative work and may participate in performances or research within their field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lecturer in music composition?

To thrive as a Lecturer in Music Composition, you need advanced knowledge of music theory, composition techniques, and a relevant postgraduate degree (such as a Master's or Doctorate in Music). Familiarity with music notation software (e.g., Sibelius, Finale), digital audio workstations (DAWs), and classroom technology is typically expected. Strong communication, mentorship abilities, and creativity are crucial soft skills for inspiring and guiding students. These skills ensure effective teaching, foster student development, and maintain high academic standards in music education.

What are some common challenges faced by a lecturer in music composition when engaging students with diverse musical backgrounds?

Lecturers in Music Composition often encounter the challenge of addressing students with varying levels of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and stylistic preferences. Creating lesson plans that are accessible yet stimulating for both beginners and advanced students requires flexibility and creativity. Additionally, fostering a collaborative environment while encouraging individual artistic voices is essential. Balancing administrative duties, curriculum development, and personal research or composition projects can also be demanding. Successful lecturers frequently leverage technology and diverse teaching methods to ensure all students are engaged and progressing.

What is the difference between Lecturer Music Composition vs Music Instructor?

AspectLecturer Music CompositionMusic Instructor
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Music or CompositionHigh school diploma or equivalent; often some music training
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, academic settingsMusic schools, community centers, private lessons
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, universitiesMusic schools, private studios, community programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentAcademic roles, teaching at university levelTeaching music to students of all ages

In summary, a Lecturer in Music Composition typically holds advanced degrees and teaches at the university level, focusing on higher education and academic research. In contrast, a Music Instructor often works in more informal settings, teaching students of various ages and skill levels, usually with less formal certification requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Lecturer Music Composition jobs?

For Lecturer Music Composition jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lecturer Music Composition job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,646 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

2026-27 AY Lecturer Pool - School of Music

Sacramento, CA • On-site

California State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

$5.5K - $6.6K/mo

Temporary

Re-posted 10 days ago


California State University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

2026-27 AY Lecturer Pool - School of Music
Job no: 555627
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: Sacramento
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Faculty - Fine/Performing Arts, Temporary, Part Time
DEPARTMENT: School of Music
POSITION TITLE: Lecturer Pool - Music
POSITION DETAILS:
The School of Music at Sacramento State prepares students to excel as artists, educators, and engaged citizens through individualized instruction, collaborative ensemble experiences, and a comprehensive curriculum in music and the liberal arts. We cultivate a welcoming and inclusive community that values diverse perspectives and brings them to life through performances, events, and meaningful engagement with our region. Our faculty are accomplished artists and educators, and our students and ensembles are recognized for their high level of achievement both regionally and nationally.
The School offers the following degrees and certificates:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music
  • Bachelor of Music (Instrumental, Keyboard, Voice, Theory/Composition, Music Education, Jazz Studies, Jazz Education)
  • Master of Music (Conducting, Composition, Performance)
  • Minor in Music
  • Performer's Certificate

We seek versatile, collaborative musicians and educators who demonstrate a commitment to artistic excellence, inclusive teaching, and meaningful engagement with students. Lecturers are hired on an as-needed basis across a range of instructional areas, including applied music (all instruments and voice), class piano, ensembles, jazz studies, music education, music history and literature, music technology, music theory, and general education courses for non-majors (including music literature, theory fundamentals, American music, and global musics).
Duties of a part-time lecturer include instruction, class preparation, grading, Canvas course management, and office hours. Other duties may be assigned based on departmental needs. Course assignments, including dates, time, and modality, are made by the Director of the School of Music under the direction of the College Dean.
Part-time lecturers are instructional faculty with conditional appointments based on enrollment and budget. Hires from the pool of applicants are made when there are instructional needs to fill coursework offered by an academic department based on changing enrollment patterns, changes to tenure-track faculty assignments, and other factors that cannot be addressed with our existing faculty. Initial appointments are typically for one semester, but occasionally academic year initial appointments are made. Appointments may be renewed based on department needs, funding, and performance. Often appointments are made just prior to the start of the semester.
Rank and Salary
Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department.
Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:
Lecturer A: $5,507 - $6,677
Lecturer B: $6,221 - $13,224
Lecturer C: $6,825 - $14,523
Lecturer D: $8,593 - $15,211
The salary ranges indicated are based on a "full-time rate" (15 weighted teaching units [WTUs]). A semester's worth of compensation is made up of six (6) payments of the given amount. To calculate your salary for a semester, the base rate would be pro-rated based on the units worked out of 15 WTUs. If you were a Lecturer A assigned 3 units at the minimum salary, your pay would be structured as follows: $5,507 x 3/15 (3 units out of a possible 15 units total) = $1101.40 x 6 checks = $6,608.40 total for 3 units/semester.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's Degree in the discipline or Bachelor's Degree with more than five years of relevant professional experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Doctorate; college-level teaching experience.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEW APPLICANTS:
New applicants are required to submit:
  • Cover letter
  • Current curriculum vitae/résumé
  • Unofficial transcripts of highest degree or degree required for position
  • List of three references with contact information

Please review the course catalog for a description of courses in School of Music, and use the link provided in the Additional Questions section of the application to provide your availability and course preferences.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXISTING LECTURERS:
Existing lecturers employed in the School of Music during the 2025-26 academic year must reapply if they hold a semester appointment, an academic-year appointment, or a part-time three-year appointment in its final term (year 3 of 3).
Please submit an updated curriculum vitae/résumé including:
  • Qualifications, degrees, and specializations
  • All courses taught at Sacramento State (title, semester, and year)
  • Teaching experience at other higher-education institutions, if applicable (course, semester, and year)
  • Other relevant professional experience

Please review the course catalog for a description of courses in School of Music, and use the link provided in the Additional Questions section of the application to provide your availability and course preferences.
About Sacramento State
Sacramento State is located in the heart of California's capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital," is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State's 31,000 students come not only from the Greater Sacramento Region, but also from across the state, country, and world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission: "As California's capital university, we transform lives by preparing students for leadership, service, and success. Sacramento State will be a recognized leader in education, innovation, and engagement." As the regional hub of higher education, Sacramento State is dedicated to student success, diversity, equity and inclusion, community engagement, philanthropy, and campus safety.
As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code, Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.
To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.
Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.
It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/people-climate/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html.
The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/people-climate/human-resources/learning-development/support/csu-learn.html.
Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Fire Safety Right-To-know Act Notification
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery .
The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at clery@csus.edu.
Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.
Background Check Disclaimer
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all California State University, Sacramento employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Effective May 2023.
Eligibility Verification
Candidate will be required to provide official transcripts of their highest degree earned and must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agent for non-tenure track (temporary/lecturer) faculty for the H1-B Visa.
Out of State Employment
Per CSU-wide policy (HR2021-04), all faculty who will begin initial employment (or return from a 12-month break in service) on or after January 1, 2022 are required to perform their work from within the State of California. Faculty hired prior to January 1, 2022 must be available to perform work in the State of California if their assignment is in-person.
Advertised: Apr 06 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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