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Music Composition Lessons Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Maple Grove

Private Piano Instructor

Osseo, MN

$27.50 - $30.50/hr

... lessons. As a Private Music Instructor, you will be responsible for developing lesson plans that ... composition Ability to: Ability to play the piano or other musical instruments Ability to teach ...

Cobb School Montessori

Music Teacher

West Simsbury, CT · On-site

Plan and teach engaging, developmentally appropriate music lessons for elementary students in ... Support students with the reading music and composition. * Create a classroom environment that is ...

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How much do music composition lessons jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for music composition lessons in the United States is $27.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Music Composition Teacher, you need a strong background in music theory, composition techniques, and often a degree in music or related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), notation software like Sibelius or Finale, and possibly teaching certifications are typically required. Creativity, patience, and effective communication are essential soft skills for inspiring students and adapting to diverse learning styles. These skills ensure that students receive high-quality instruction, develop their musical voice, and build confidence in their compositional abilities.

What can I expect from a typical week when teaching music composition lessons?

A typical week teaching music composition lessons involves preparing personalized lesson plans, guiding students through compositional techniques, and providing constructive feedback on their work. You'll spend time one-on-one or in small group settings, helping students develop their creative ideas, understand music theory, and use notation software. Collaboration with other music instructors or departments is common, especially when organizing recitals or student showcases. Staying adaptable and fostering a supportive learning environment are key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Music Composition Lessons vs Music Theory Tutoring?

AspectMusic Composition LessonsMusic Theory Tutoring
FocusCreating original music, developing composition skillsUnderstanding musical structures, notation, and theoretical concepts
CredentialsOften requires music degrees or composition experienceTypically requires music theory knowledge, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentPrivate lessons, music schools, online platformsPrivate tutoring, online sessions, educational institutions
Industry UsageComposers, performers, music studentsStudents, musicians, educators seeking theoretical knowledge

Music Composition Lessons focus on creating and developing original music pieces, while Music Theory Tutoring emphasizes understanding the foundational principles of music. Both roles often require music education credentials and are used in similar environments, but they serve different learning objectives within the music industry.

What are music composition lessons?

Music composition lessons are structured sessions designed to teach students how to create original music. These lessons typically cover topics such as music theory, harmony, melody, rhythm, notation, and arranging. Students may learn how to compose for different instruments and styles, and receive feedback on their work from an experienced instructor. Lessons can be one-on-one or in group settings, and may use both traditional and digital tools. The goal is to help students develop their creative voice and technical skills as composers.
More about Music Composition Lessons jobs
What job categories do people searching Music Composition Lessons jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Music Composition Lessons jobs are:
Infographic showing various Music Composition Lessons job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,120 per year, or $27.9 per hour.
Assistant Professor - Composition Studies

Assistant Professor - Composition Studies

University of North Texas System

Denton, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Title: Assistant Professor - Composition Studies

Employee Classification: Asst Professor

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Music

Department: UNT-Composition Studies-134300

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.

FTE: 1.00

Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
 
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
 
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
 

Department Summary

The University of North Texas (UNT) College of Music is America's largest public-university music program and one of its most respected. UNT offers fully accredited degrees from the bachelor to doctoral levels and is home to the world’s first jazz studies degree program. Faculty include internationally acclaimed artists and scholars in commercial music, composition, conducting, ethnomusicology, music business, music education, music history, music theory, and performance. The college presents more than 1,000 concerts and recitals annually. UNT music alumni can be found around the globe in impressive, award-winning careers across a wide range of music professions. For more information about the UNT College of Music, please see https://music.unt.edu/.
UNT has a highly diverse campus with a wide range of languages spoken in addition to English. We welcome candidates who have experience with HSI/MSIs and/or who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and other variations), Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, French, or/and Yoruba.

Position Overview

The composition faculty at the University of North Texas College of Music is a highly collaborative, forward thinking, student-focused team that collectively represents a wide range of musical practices. We seek a colleague who will add complementary perspectives to our engaged academic and artistic community.
We are looking for an open-minded and innovative composer with demonstrated success in composition instruction who will recruit, retain, mentor, and teach students in the Division of Composition Studies. Teaching responsibilities include courses, seminars, and applied lessons in composition at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, with an interest in developing courses that strengthen UNT's composition profile and goals. Course assignments vary by semester and rotate among the composition faculty, but may include both traditional and digital orchestration, as well as topics related to new and emerging creative musical technologies.
The successful candidate will be expected to establish and maintain a national/international profile as a composer by producing and disseminating original works and engaging in research activities within the discipline.
Candidates are expected to participate fully in academic and professional activities, including service assignments in the division, the college, and across the campus, as well as within the profession.
The candidate will be expected to build and maintain relationships with colleagues at UNT and with the profession at-large.

Minimum Qualifications

Earned doctorate in composition by the time of appointment. Demonstrated successful teaching experience at the college/university level, including both courses and private lesson instruction. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in research and creative activity, with a developing or established professional profile as a composer.

Preferred Qualifications

National profile in both acoustic music (e.g., orchestral, chamber, vocal) and music technology (e.g., spatial/3D audio, digital signal processing, real-time interactive systems, AI in music, physical computing) strongly preferred.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

varies based on assignment

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Please upload the following materials and links to the media files section of the application:
• List of compositions and performances of original works.
• Link to professional website.
• Links to documentation (scores, audio recordings, videos, websites, etc.) of three representative works.
• One-page statement on teaching philosophy and recruitment.
• Cover Letter that aligns the candidate’s qualifications with the minimum and preferred qualifications of the position as described above.
Please upload the listing of teaching and performance links in the media files section of the application.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.

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