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$19K

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How much do music chair jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 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 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.

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.

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Cities with the most Music Chair job openings:

What states have the most Music Chair jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Music Chair jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Music Chair jobs are:

Music Chair jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Chair job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,596 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Assistant Chair, Professional Music

Boston, MA • On-site

Berklee College of Music
Music Bands and Freelance Musicians • 1 - 5K employees

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Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

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Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
Berklee College of Music is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Chair of the Professional Music Department.The Professional Music Department at Berklee includes 5 full-time and 5 part-time faculty, 2 adjunct faculty, 1 full time staff employee, and over 330 Berklee students. As one of the largest majors at the College, Professional Music is an established program that offers a "design-your-own major/entrepreneurial approach" for students. The Department works closely with students to individualize their undergraduate program of study to be directly aligned with career goals. Further, the Department offers innovative instruction, regularly engages with music industry professionals, sponsors visiting artists and annual events, oversees Berklee Revelation Records (a student-run initiative), engages in community development, and provides opportunities for experiential learning.
Working under the direction and supervision of the Chair, the Assistant Chair provides leadership in the practical implementation of artistic and educational goals of the Division, with a focus on student support, as well as operations and augmented curricular offerings (e.g. guest artists, special presentations and events, etc.). The Assistant Chair reports to the Chair, as well as the Dean, and works closely with Division faculty, staff, and the Berklee academic and artistic community.
This is a 12-month administrative position with an expected start date of August 2026. Initial appointment is for three years.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Represent the department in administrative settings both within Berklee and externally, modeling professionalism and serving as a liaison among internal and external stakeholders.
  • Provide collaborative leadership in advancing departmental goals and initiatives that align with Berklee's academic mission, artistic vision, and student success priorities.
  • Support departmental operations and day-to-day logistical coordination to ensure smooth delivery of programs.
  • Advise students on academic progress, career goals, and artistic development, fostering an environment where all students feel seen, supported, and challenged.
  • Assist with faculty and staff recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, development, and evaluation, supporting an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture that fosters professional growth.
  • Support curriculum development, implementation, and review, ensuring academic rigor, industry relevance, and alignment with college-wide learning outcomes.
  • Promote student success and recruitment by participating in admissions outreach, prospective student engagement, and recruitment events, both on and off campus.
  • Coordinate and implement strategic projects that enhance the student experience, support innovation, and strengthen departmental systems or offerings.
  • Assist with faculty and staff recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, development, and evaluation, supporting an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture that fosters professional growth.
  • Organize and facilitate department-sponsored events, including guest artist/scholar visits, masterclasses, and community engagement opportunities.
  • Assist with the development of class schedules and teaching assignments for faculty
  • Advance Departmental goals
  • Assist with the management of Department budgets
  • Serve on Department, Division, and College committees
  • Facilitate Department-sponsored guest artists and events
  • Teach a minimum of one course per fall/spring semester
  • Maintain professional engagement
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
  • Expertise in Popular Music (R&B, Hip-Hop, K-Pop, Afrobeats, Latin, "World" etc.)
  • Strong administrative and leadership background in education, non-profit, or industry settings.
  • Proven ability to support a welcoming and collaborative community where all individuals feel valued and respected.
  • Effective interpersonal and communication skills, fostering relationships within academia, industry, and professional organizations.
  • Proficiency in technology for both administrative and instructional functions.
  • Ongoing professional engagement and leadership in the industry.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor, advise, and support students.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous teaching experience at college or university level.
  • Experience in curriculum development, assessment, and program management.
    Experience managing faculty and staff, including within a unionized environment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices.
  • Success in developing external partnerships or community engagement.
  • Experience in budget oversight and strategic planning.
  • Record of innovation and leadership in academia or the arts sector.

SUBMISSION PROCESS
Electronic applications only. Address your cover letter to: Professional Music Department Assistant Chair Search Committee, Attn: Toki Wright, Chair, Professional Music Department, Berklee College of Music. Candidates should submit:
  • A cover letter of interest outlining how background and qualifications meet position requirements
  • A curriculum vitae (including contact information for at least three references)
  • Note: Supporting materials may be requested as the search progresses-and may not be returned.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. This search will remain open for applications until the position is filled.
Hiring Rangre: $125,000 - $151,210
Berklee College of Music is committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:
We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.
*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*
Employee Type:
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