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$72.5K

How much do music composition faculty jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for music composition faculty in the United States is $54,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a music composition faculty?

A Music Composition Faculty job involves teaching and mentoring students in the art and techniques of composing music. Faculty members develop curriculum, lead classes on composition, orchestration, and music theory, and provide individual feedback on student work. They may also be involved in research, performances, or collaborations within the academic and professional music communities. Additionally, they often advise students on career paths and portfolio development.

What are the typical responsibilities of a music composition faculty member during the academic year?

Music Composition Faculty members typically teach composition, orchestration, and theory courses while advising and mentoring students on their original works and projects. Responsibilities often include developing curriculum, conducting individual or group lessons, assessing student progress, and participating in faculty meetings or academic committees. Faculty may also collaborate with performers, guest artists, or other faculty members on concerts and interdisciplinary projects. These duties contribute to a dynamic learning environment that fosters creativity and prepares students for professional careers in music.

How to get a job as a music composition faculty?

To become a music composition faculty member, candidates typically need a master's or doctoral degree in music or a related field, along with strong composition skills demonstrated through a portfolio or recordings. Relevant teaching experience, knowledge of music theory, and proficiency with digital audio workstations or notation software are also important. Applying to academic institutions, networking within the music community, and publishing or performing original work can enhance job prospects.

Are music composition faculty in demand?

Music composition faculty are in steady demand at higher education institutions, especially those with strong music programs and diverse curricula. Employment opportunities depend on institutional funding, regional demand for arts education, and faculty qualifications such as advanced degrees and experience in composition and teaching.

What can I do with a degree in music composition?

A degree in music composition prepares individuals for careers as composers, arrangers, or music directors in various settings such as film, television, theater, or concert halls. Graduates can work independently or with production companies, often utilizing software like digital audio workstations (DAWs) and music notation programs. Additional skills in music theory, orchestration, and sound design enhance employment opportunities in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the music composition faculty position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Music Composition Faculty, you need advanced skills in music theory, composition, orchestration, and a graduate degree (often a DMA or MM) in music composition or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard notation software (such as Sibelius or Finale), digital audio workstations, and possible teaching certifications is important. Strong communication, mentoring abilities, and creativity are valuable soft skills for inspiring and guiding students. These qualifications ensure you can effectively teach, support student growth, and contribute to academic and creative excellence within a collegiate music program.

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Music Composition Faculty jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Composition Faculty job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Full Time, 65% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,560 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Visiting Assistant Professor - Composition

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

126th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
Teach courses based on applicant's expertise, composition applied lessons, and independent studies in composition at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Supervise graduate student research. Liaise with other units in the College of Fine Arts to foster inter-departmental student collaborations. Develop and advance nationally impactful creative activity as a music composer. Participate in the academic community of the Theory/Composition Division and the broader Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music through participation in meetings, committee service as assigned, and events.
Start date, August 2026. Salary commensurate with experience. This is a one-year, fixed term appointment.
About the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin ranks among the finest universities in the country. The Butler School of Music, comprising of over 100 faculty and approximately 650 music students, has an outstanding reputation for its faculty expertise, academic programs, and student outcomes. Degree plans range from the bachelor's to the doctoral level. The Austin area is a dynamic metropolitan area with a growing economy, ample outdoor recreation, many cultural advantages through its numerous arts organizations, and is home to a very active and creative music scene. The composition faculty at the University of Texas at Austin encourage students to explore many different music making traditions and cultures.
Qualifications
DMA or PhD required. Significant professional accomplishments in lieu of a terminal degree will be considered. A portfolio demonstrating a record of or potential for excellence in music composition for one or more of the following contexts: music for orchestra/band, chamber music, electronics, or collaboration across media such as theatre, dance, film, and visual arts. The successful candidate will demonstrate a record of openness to a variety of aesthetics, media, and styles.
Application Instructions
Applications will be reviewed beginning May 28, 2026. The position is open until filled.
To apply, click "apply now" and submit the following materials via Interfolio:
  • cover letter
  • curriculum vitae
  • complete contact information for three references
  • a separate document with live links to the audio/video files of 3-5 representative works, and PDFs of the scores matching those files. If no performance score is used, provide a text describing the work. The links should connect to a cloud based folder (e.g. DropBox, Google Drive, Box, Vimeo, or YouTube).

Letters of recommendation will be requested from selected applicants at a later date. Please do not submit additional supporting materials unless requested by the search committee.

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