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Music Chair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Berklee College of Music

Chair of Brass

Boston, MA · On-site

Berklee seeks an accomplished musician-educator and experienced academic leader to serve as Chair of the Brass Department. Reporting to the Dean of the Performance Division, the Chair provides ...

Berklee College of Music

Chair of Bass

Boston, MA · On-site

$54K - $69K/yr

Berklee seeks an accomplished musician-educator and experienced academic leader to serve as Chair of the Bass Department. Reporting directly to the Dean of the Performance Division, the Chair ...

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Music Chair information

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$19K

$50.6K

$118K

How much do music chair jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for music chair in the United States is $50,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,000.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Music Chair, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Music Chair, you typically need deep musical expertise, leadership experience, and an advanced degree in music or a related field. Familiarity with music education software, curriculum development tools, and performance management systems is often required. Strong organizational, communication, and mentorship skills distinguish exceptional Music Chairs, as they must inspire faculty and students alike. These competencies are crucial for fostering a high-quality music program, ensuring academic excellence, and building a collaborative departmental culture.

What is the difference between Music Chair vs Music Director?

AspectMusic ChairMusic Director
Required CredentialsMusic degree, conducting or performance experienceMusic degree, conducting certification, leadership skills
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, orchestras, ensemblesPerforming arts organizations, orchestras, theater productions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, schools, community groupsProfessional orchestras, theaters, festivals
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles in music organizationsFocuses on overall artistic direction and management

The Music Chair typically oversees academic or organizational music programs, focusing on curriculum and coordination. The Music Director usually leads performances, sets artistic vision, and manages musical ensembles. While both roles require strong musical credentials, the Music Director often has a broader leadership scope in performance settings, whereas the Music Chair is more academic or administrative.

What is a Music Chair?

A Music Chair is the leader or head of a music department within an educational institution, such as a college, university, or school. This role typically involves overseeing faculty, developing curriculum, managing budgets, and organizing performances or events. The Music Chair also represents the department within the institution and often plays a key role in hiring, student recruitment, and community engagement. Their responsibilities may vary depending on the size and focus of the institution, but they are central to fostering a vibrant and high-quality music program.

How does a Music Chair typically collaborate with faculty and students to develop a dynamic music program?

A Music Chair works closely with both faculty and students to foster a vibrant and innovative music program. This often involves facilitating regular meetings, supporting curriculum development, coordinating performances, and encouraging cross-departmental projects. The role requires strong leadership and communication skills to balance administrative responsibilities with creative input, ensuring that the department remains responsive to the interests and needs of its members while upholding academic standards. Collaboration also extends to recruitment, mentorship, and providing professional development opportunities for faculty.
More about Music Chair jobs
What cities are hiring for Music Chair jobs? Cities with the most Music Chair job openings:
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Music Chair jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Chair job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 56% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,596 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Production Manager - Music Department

Production Manager - Music Department

William Paterson University

Wayne, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.
William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community-designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution-committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes' Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award.
Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings-preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Chair of the Music Department with dotted line reporting to Managing Director, Shea Center for the Performing Arts, the Production Manager leads end-to-end production for Music Department events presented in Shea Center and Black Box Theatre spaces-including the Jazz Series and Summer Jazz Series, musical theatre, opera, major department concerts, smaller ensemble performances, student recitals in Shea 101, and midday series-ensuring that each engagement is advanced, staffed, and executed safely, on schedule, and within budget.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
  • Builds season production calendars and staffing plans.
  • Coordinates technical riders and venue needs and prepares preliminary parttime staffing budgets for leadership review.
  • Schedules rehearsals, load-ins, performances, and load-outs, in collaboration with UPA and the Music Chair.
  • Supervises student workers and overhire crews (with attention to limited student availability and work-study opportunities); and supports select University and Shea events as needed, consistent with Music Chair approval processes.
  • Provides technical oversight across lighting, sound, set builds, rigging, costumes/props, and special effects-maintaining safe operations, compliance with University policies and public assembly standards.
  • Presents clear documentation and communication among artists, faculty, designers, and vendors.
  • Mentors student technicians and stage managers, reinforcing professional practices in a learning environment.
  • Serves as Production Stage Manager for rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances, including those for curricular staged musical works, coordinates props and costumes from the University's collection, takes detailed blocking notes, conducts script analysis, and develops prompt books, maintaining consistency, communication, and safety across performances.
  • Other duties as necessary and appropriate for the position.

Education and Experience
  • A bachelor's degree in technical theatre, theatre production, production management, or a closely related field is required. A Master's degree/MFA in technical theatre or production management is preferred.
  • Three to five or more years substantial hands-on experience overseeing technical teams and productions in professional theatre or live performance.
  • Certificates or advanced coursework in areas such as audio engineering, lighting design, rigging, stage management, or Vectorworks/AutoCAD/QLab are highly valued, as is senior-level experience in arts/non-profit or university performing-arts centers.

Competencies/Skills Required
  • Strong command of venue safety and code compliance.
  • Expertise in budgeting and scheduling.
  • Communicates clearly under pressure to resolve issues, maintains meticulous documentation, and is proficient with industry tools such as Vectorworks or AutoCAD together with standard productivity software.
  • An ability to mentor and develop student technicians and early-career staff is central to the position's contribution to the University learning environment.
  • Must be reliable, punctual, and have theater experience.
  • The ability to read a musical score as needed for stage manager responsibilities.

Preferred qualifications
  • Advanced capability in lighting and sound system design and shop workflows.
  • Experience supervising mixed personnel groups that may include union crews.
  • Familiarity with current theatre technologies and rental-supported programming.
  • Experience within higher-education performing arts centers and successful collaboration across University arts units.

Other Information
This position requires the ability to move equipment weighing up to 30 pounds, prolonged standing during rehearsals and performances, and a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends. Consistent on-site presence is expected during major events, load-ins/outs, and critical production periods.
This description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees in the above job. It is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Starting Salary - AFT Range 21 - $66,067.40 - $75,985.55
This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans. To learn more, please visit: BENEFITS FOR PROFESSIONAL STAFF (AFT)
Invitation to apply
Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume/CV.
Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and all documents should be uploaded where prompted to upload your resume/cv.
General questions related to this application process, please contact humanresources@wpunj.edu.
Please include with your inquiry the Job Requisition number beginning with R as well as the job title and department.
Salary Range:
Please see posting.
Total Rewards and Benefits:
Click here to view the total rewards of working at WP
William Paterson University is committed to protecting your privacy and will not sell your personal information.
EEO Statement
William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit University Facts

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