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Music Composition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ladgov Corporation

Music Therapist

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

Songwriting or music composition * Knowledge of trauma-informed care and mindfulness practices Preferred Qualifications * Experience working with veterans or clinical populations * Program management ...

Ladgov Corporation

Music Therapist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Songwriting or music composition * Knowledge of trauma-informed care and mindfulness practices Preferred Qualifications * Experience working with veterans or clinical populations * Program management ...

TrueShort

AI Music Composer & Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

This role sits at the intersection of music composition, music editing, and AI-native creative workflows. We're looking for musicians with strong storytelling instincts, excellent musical taste, and ...

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Music Composition information

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$30.5K

$57.7K

$121.5K

How much do music composition jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for music composition in the United States is $57,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $64,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in music?

The highest paying jobs in music often include roles such as music director, composer for film and television, or successful recording artist, with top executives in the industry also earning high salaries. These positions typically require advanced skills, industry experience, and sometimes significant networking or reputation to reach top earnings.

What is the difference between Music Composition vs Music Arrangement?

AspectMusic CompositionMusic Arrangement
DefinitionCreating original music and melodies from scratch.Adapting existing music for different instruments or ensembles.
Required SkillsCreative songwriting, melody development, harmony.Reharmonization, orchestration, adapting scores.
Work EnvironmentStudios, composers' offices, freelance projects.Studio, rehearsal spaces, live performance settings.
Common UsageFilm scores, video games, original songs.Cover arrangements, orchestral adaptations, band arrangements.

Music composition involves creating original music, while music arrangement focuses on adapting existing compositions for different instruments or ensembles. Both roles require musical creativity, but composition emphasizes original creation, whereas arrangement emphasizes adaptation and orchestration.

What are some common challenges faced by music composers when collaborating with directors or clients on projects?

Music composers often encounter challenges such as interpreting a director's or client's creative vision, adapting to changing feedback, and meeting tight deadlines. Effective communication is key to ensuring the music aligns with the project's emotional tone and narrative. Additionally, composers must balance their artistic expression with the practical needs of the production, often revising pieces several times based on input from collaborators. Building strong professional relationships and staying adaptable are essential for success in this collaborative environment.

What jobs are there in a music studio?

In a music studio, common jobs include music producer, sound engineer, recording technician, mixing engineer, mastering engineer, and session musician. These roles involve operating recording equipment, editing audio, and collaborating with artists to produce finished recordings. Skills in audio software and knowledge of acoustics are essential for many studio positions.

What is music composition?

Music composition is the process of creating original music by combining melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and other musical elements. Composers write music for various purposes such as performances, films, games, or personal expression, often using notation software or traditional sheet music. The field encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, and composers may work independently or as part of a larger creative team. Developing skills in music theory, instrumentation, and digital audio tools is common for those interested in music composition.

Is there a demand for music composers?

The demand for music composers varies by industry, with opportunities in film, television, video games, advertising, and live performance. As technology advances, composers who are skilled in digital audio workstations and adaptable to different media tend to have better job prospects, though competition can be strong in certain sectors.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Job in Music Composition?

The qualifications that you need to start a career in music composition depend on your career goals and your composing skills. You may wish to pursue a degree in music theory, writing, or music performance, especially if you wish to teach at a college level. Composers often need to show their skills through a portfolio of previously-composed work. You can write and record pieces as part of a postsecondary degree program or on your own without any formal training. Most composers are also qualified as musical instrumentalists or performers.

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

To thrive as a Music Composer, you need a strong foundation in music theory, composition techniques, and proficiency with at least one instrument, often supported by a degree in music or related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), notation software like Sibelius or Finale, and audio editing tools is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and the ability to accept feedback are essential soft skills for producing unique works and working with clients or ensembles. These skills are crucial for creating professional-quality compositions that meet artistic or commercial needs in the music industry.
More about Music Composition jobs
What cities are hiring for Music Composition jobs? Cities with the most Music Composition job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Composition jobs? The most popular types of Music Composition jobs are:
What states have the most Music Composition jobs? States with the most job openings for Music Composition jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Music Composition jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Music Composition jobs are:
Music Composition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Composition job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,731 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor in Music Composition

Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor in Music Composition

University of Maryland Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description
The Department of Music at UMBC seeks a well-qualified Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor (Full-time) in Music Composition, to begin August 17, 2026. This position is for one year with a possibility of a one year extension. This position will be responsible for all composition introductory courses (MUSC 311 and 312), Instrumentation (MUSC 224), private lessons for music composition majors, senior projects for composition majors (senior recital), and other courses based on the candidate's expertise and interest (the equivalent of 8 total courses per academic year). This individual will provide oversight of ancillary curricular experiences for the composition majors, including studio classes, reading sessions and professional performances of student works; will arrange technical assistance for composer performances and coordinate collaborations with student ensembles and soloists; attend auditions and recruit for the composition major. Applicants who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion by way of teaching, performing, publishing, or volunteer experiences are urged to submit an application.
Located in the heart of the culturally rich Baltimore-Washington corridor, the Department of Music is a growing, diverse, and supportive community enrolling 160 undergraduate majors. Housed in the University's striking new Performing Arts and Humanities Building, the music wing includes a 350-seat performance space with superior acoustics, 9-foot Steinway grand pianos, and fully equipped recording and keyboard labs. All tenure-track faculty maintain robust careers in performance, conducting, or composing on the regional and national level, with many having a research focus in contemporary art-music and some with creative activities that include music as a vehicle for civic engagement and social justice. In addition to its undergraduate degrees, the Department offers a post-baccalaureate Certificate in American Contemporary Music. See https://music.umbc.edu/ for more details.
UMBC, an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, is especially proud of the diversity of its student body and we seek to attract an equally diverse applicant pool for this position. We have a strong commitment to increasing faculty diversity and are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals who are members of groups that historically have been underrepresented in the professoriate. We encourage applications from women, minority group members, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Qualifications
A master's degree or higher in music is required, along with evidence of teaching experience at the college level and administrative experience.
Application Instructions
The complete application package must include: a letter of interest including a detailed statement of qualifications and teaching philosophy, a current CV, dated links to scores and recordings (audio or video; no midi, please) for 3 works, a separate statement with examples addressing the capacity to respond in pedagogically productive ways to the learning needs of students from diverse backgrounds, and three reference contacts. Additional materials may be requested later. Those with experience employing culturally responsive approaches or integrating musical, social-emotional, or social justice learning goals are encouraged to highlight that in their materials.
For best consideration, please submit all application materials through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/186951) by June 8, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For questions, please contact Dr. Lisa Cella, Chair, Department of Music: cella@umbc.edu.

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