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Music Composition Faculty Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The University of Maryland (UMD) School of Music invites applications for part-time, adjunct faculty positions in music performance, music studies, music theory, music composition, and music ...

... Faculty, Credit Classes Grade P1 Salary $54.37 - Base Rate Department Music, NWSA Reports To Dean ... or Composition degree programs at New World School of the Arts, located at the Wolfson Campus of ...

We are seeking our next Adjunct Faculty - Music who will be all-in on our mission and who will ... Professional experience includes composition, performance, conducting, audio mixing, etc., and is ...

  • Medical

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  • Retirement

Those generally taught by Adjunct faculty include, but are not limited to: * Music Performance ... composition, sound engineering arts, music education, music and entertainment industries, and ...

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Music Composition Faculty information

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$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.

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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.

School of Music and Dance - Music Lecturer Pool 2026-2027

California State University

San Diego, CA • On-site

$5.5K - $6.6K/mo

Temporary

Re-posted 12 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

School of Music and Dance - Music Lecturer Pool 2026-2027
Job no: 556381
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: San Diego
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Temporary, Part Time
Description
The School of Music and Dance in the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts at San Diego State University is accepting applications for their Music part-time lecturer pool.
We welcome applications from prospective temporary faculty with expertise or experience in the following areas:
  • Music History, Musicology, Music Theory, Music Composition, Music Education, Music Topics, Class Piano, Class Guitar, Aural Skills, Audio, Music Technology, Ensemble Direction (various), Private Instruction (various), Mariachi Conducting
  • Audio Lecturer

Temporary appointments may be either full- or part-time. Appointments from the part-time pool are often made just prior to the start of the academic term, so applicants must be available on very short notice. The Fall term begins mid-August and end late-December; the Spring term begins mid-January and ends mid-May. Opportunities for teaching during the Summer Sessions may also be available. Initial appointments are typically one semester or one academic year, to be renewed contingent on satisfactory evaluations and continuing availability of work. Applications will remain in our applicant pool during the academic year you apply.
Qualifications
Criteria
  • Graduate degree in music or dance and/or commensurate professional experience (terminal degree preferred)
  • University teaching experience
  • Excellent Communication Skills
  • Demonstrated currency in subject matter
  • Professional activity in the field

  • Audio Lecturer: Audio lecturer applicants should: have extensive professional experience in audio engineering, live sound reinforcement, and music production; be proficient in industry-standard software and hardware used in audio production, such as ProTools, Ableton Live, etc.; possess a strong understanding of acoustics, signal flow, digital signal processing, and audio equipment operation; be familiar with emerging trends and technologies in the audio industry, such as immersive audio, virtual reality, and interactive audio; have the ability to design and deliver curricula that cover a wide range of audio topics, including sound recording, mixing, mastering, and live sound techniques; possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to students with varying levels of expertise; have a demonstrated ability to mentor and support students in their academic and professional development and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that values diversity and encourages creative expression.

Application Instructions
Prospective temporary faculty who would like their applications on file are invited to send the following items:
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Contact information for three (3) professional references (new employees only)
  • Cover letter summarizing qualifications and teaching interests (new employees only)
  • Unofficial transcripts and/or links to examples of professional work and/or evidence of teaching work/student evaluations (new employees only)

Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new appointees are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank and placed at the beginning of the range.
As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:
Lecturer A: $5,507 - $6,677
Lecturer B: $6,221 - $13,224
Lecturer C: $6,825 - $14,523
Lecturer D: $8,593 - $15,211
Inquiries: For application inquiries, please email area program coordinators or School director Dr. Kevin Delgado at delgado@sdsu.edu
Pursuant to Education Code 89521, the California State University requires that employment applicants disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision issued within the last seven years determining that the applicant committed sexual harassment. This requirement applies specifically to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the Academic or Administrative position they are applying to. Disclosures shall be provided to the San Diego State University Center for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for further adjudication. Please contact cphd@sdsu.edu.
As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable "OneSDSU" community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered.
The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
Advertised: Apr 06 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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Long Beach, CA, US