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Music Chair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meeting course requirements as established by the department chair. Other related duties, including preparing course syllabus, grading, maintaining weekly office hours. Minimum Qualifications

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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 Jul 13, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,596 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Temp Parttime Faculty: Music

Temp Parttime Faculty: Music

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Part-time, Temporary

Re-posted 23 days ago


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8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

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Job description

Temp Parttime Faculty: Music
Posting Number
req13918
Employment Type
Faculty
Faculty Type
Adjunct
Hiring Department
Music (459A)
Academic Location
College of Fine Arts
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Benefits Eligible
Adjunct faculty may be eligible to receive certain UNM benefits in some cases. See the Benefits home page for more information.
Position Summary
College of Fine Arts,Department of Music anticipates hiring Adjunct Faculty to teach in Spring 2022 and/or Fall 2022 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: November 30, 2021 for Spring Semester 2022 and March 30, 2022 for Fall Semester 2022
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
1. Master's degree in the discipline or subfield; or
2. Successful completion of at least 18 graduate credit hours in an accredited program in the discipline or subfield; or
3. Ability to demonstrate tested experience that the Music Department has determined to be equivalent to a Master's degree in the discipline or subfield.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Teaching experience in a post-secondary institution
2. A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials in UNMJobs 1. Curriculum Vitae2. Transcript(s) sufficient to assess Minimum Qualifications3. Cover Letter indicating which courses and/or disciplines you are interested in teaching; the days/times you are available to teach; and how your education and or experience satisfies one the Minimum Qualifications criteria described above.4. Three professional references who can speak to your directly relevant knowledge, skills and experience.
Applicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.
For Best Consideration
This posting will remain active until 4/30/2022. Anyone who applies for a position under this posting will automatically be considered for openings in subsequent semesters unless they indicate in their cover letter that they are not interested in teaching in specific semesters.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

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