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Music Chair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Primary K-2 Music Teacher (Part-time; afternoons) Appointment: School Year 2026/2027 Reports To ... Director of Early Childhood to Grade 5, Performing Arts Chair Laurel School seeks talented faculty ...

Primary K-2 Music Teacher (Part-time; afternoons) Appointment: School Year 2026/2027 Reports To ... Director of Early Childhood to Grade 5, Performing Arts Chair Laurel School seeks talented faculty ...

Primary K-2 Music Teacher (Part-time; afternoons) Appointment: School Year 2026/2027 Reports To ... Director of Early Childhood to Grade 5, Performing Arts Chair Laurel School seeks talented faculty ...

Primary K-2 Music Teacher (Part-time; afternoons) Appointment: School Year 2026/2027 Reports To ... Director of Early Childhood to Grade 5, Performing Arts Chair Laurel School seeks talented faculty ...

Showing results 21-40

Music Chair information

See salary details

$19K

$50.6K

$118K

How much do music chair jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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:
What states have the most Music Chair jobs? States with the most job openings for Music Chair jobs include:
Infographic showing various Music Chair job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,596 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Temp Parttime Faculty: Music

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Part-time, Temporary

Re-posted yesterday


University Of New Mexico rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

College of Fine Arts,Department of Music anticipates hiring Adjunct Faculty to teach in Fall 2025 and/or Spring 2026, Semesters .
 
Openings potentially include the following subjects: 

Applied Music, Music Education, Music History, Music theory, World Music, and Choral and Instrumental Ensemble Direction, String Pedagogy.

The Music Department is seeking a part- time instructor to teach a graduate/undergraduate class in applied music, music education, music history, music theory, world music, String Pedagogy and choral instrumental ensemble direction.

Positions are contingent upon need each semester as determined by student enrollment levels, current course offering matrix, and demand driven by graduation requirements. Positions may be filled or eliminated each semester up to the deadline for students to drop or add courses. Candidates who are selected for these positions will report to the Department Chair

Wages

Adjunct Faculty in the college of Fine Arts are currently compensated on the basis of their credentials and credit-hour course loads.

Best Consideration Dates
For best consideration please apply by these dates:  June 30, 2025, for Fall Semester 2025, and November 30, 2025, for Spring 2026  semester


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