1

Music Composition Faculty Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adjunct - Organ Instructor

Baytown, TX ยท On-site

$34.03 - $51.04/hr

Continuous Position Overview Adjunct faculty are hired in a part-time capacity on an as needed ... Music Theory, Music Composition and five (5) years of exceptional documented professional ...

... as composition, arrangement, and performance. We are looking for outstanding artists/scholars, but successful candidates mustalsodemonstrate teaching excellence and versatility as well as an ...

Showing results 21-40

Music Composition Faculty information

See salary details

$37.5K

$54.6K

$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.

More about Music Composition Faculty jobs

What cities are hiring for Music Composition Faculty jobs?

Cities with the most Music Composition Faculty job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Music Composition Faculty jobs?

The most popular types of Music Composition Faculty jobs are:

What states have the most Music Composition Faculty jobs?

States with the most job openings for Music Composition Faculty jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Music Composition Faculty jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Music Composition Faculty jobs are:

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 (Two-Year), Music-Composition and Music Theory

The College of Wooster

Wooster, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Description
The Music Department of The College of Wooster invites applications for a two-year Visiting Assistant Professor in Composition and Music Theory, to begin this August. The successful candidate will teach studio composition lessons and courses in music theory including Counterpoint and Orchestration, mentor junior and senior Composition majors in capstone Independent Study projects, and maintain a record of strong scholarly/artistic activity. Teaching in additional areas might be possible, based on areas of interest and expertise.
The College of Wooster is an independent college of the liberal arts and sciences with a commitment to excellence in undergraduate education. We enroll a racially, socioeconomically, and culturally diverse student population of approximately 2,000 undergraduate students, of which 6% identify as Latinx; 9% as Black/African American; 4% as Asian; 4% as multiracial; and 61% as white. Fifteen percent (15%) of our students are studying on international visas. Twenty-five percent (25%) are Pell-eligible and 11% are first-generation college students. We are interested in hiring faculty who can contribute to the intellectual vibrancy of the community through culturally relevant pedagogy, curricular diversity, intercultural fluency, and a commitment to ensuring equitable outcomes for racially and ethnically minoritized and marginalized student groups.
Qualifications
Experience in composition and completed doctorate or ABD in Composition or Music Theory required. Prior college-level teaching experience is strongly preferred.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit through Interfolio: a letter of application, curriculum vitae, unofficial graduate transcripts, scores and recordings of three recently composed works (PDF with embedded audio or video link), three letters of recommendation, a teaching statement and/or evidence of effective teaching (e.g., syllabi, summaries of student evaluations), a research/creative activity statement, and a statement indicating their track record with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and how they envision this will impact their teaching at the College of Wooster. Position will remain open until filled; applications received by July 1, 2022, will receive full consideration. Please contact Peter Mowrey (pmowrey@wooster.edu), chair of the search committee, with any questions.