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Music Composition Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Music Composition Professor information

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$49K

$57.5K

$64.5K

How much do music composition professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for music composition professor in the United States is $57,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Music Composition Professor, you need advanced knowledge of music theory, composition techniques, and a graduate degree (typically a Master's or Doctorate) in music or composition. Familiarity with notation software (such as Sibelius or Finale), digital audio workstations, and experience in academic publishing or performance is often required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student creativity and support academic growth. These skills ensure effective teaching, professional development, and innovation in a competitive academic environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Music Composition Professors when mentoring students with diverse musical backgrounds?

Music Composition Professors often work with students who have varying levels of technical skill, stylistic interests, and exposure to different musical genres. One common challenge is tailoring instruction to meet each student's unique needs while maintaining high academic standards. Additionally, professors must foster an inclusive environment that encourages creativity and constructive critique. Balancing administrative responsibilities, such as curriculum development and ensemble direction, with individualized mentorship can also be demanding but ultimately rewarding.

What does a Music Composition Professor do?

A Music Composition Professor teaches students the principles and techniques of composing music, covering areas such as music theory, orchestration, songwriting, and digital music production. They design course materials, mentor students on their creative projects, and often oversee student performances or recitals. Additionally, they may conduct their own research or creative work, contribute to academic publications, and participate in university committees. Their goal is to help students develop their unique musical voice and prepare for careers in composition or related fields.

What is the difference between Music Composition Professor vs Music Theory Professor?

AspectMusic Composition ProfessorMusic Theory Professor
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Music CompositionMaster's or Doctorate in Music Theory or related field
Work EnvironmentUniversities, conservatories, collegesUniversities, conservatories, colleges
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, arts organizationsHigher education institutions, arts organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for academic roles in musicOften compared for teaching and research in music theory

While both roles involve teaching at higher education institutions and require advanced degrees, a Music Composition Professor specializes in creating original music and guiding students in composition techniques. In contrast, a Music Theory Professor focuses on analyzing musical structures, harmony, and theoretical concepts. Both careers share similar credentials and work environments but differ in their core focus and expertise.

More about Music Composition Professor jobs
What states have the most Music Composition Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Music Composition Professor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Music Composition Professor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,500 per year, or $27.6 per hour.
Music Theory and Composition Assistant Professor

Music Theory and Composition Assistant Professor

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

524th of 530 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Position Title:
Music Theory and Composition Assistant Professor
Job Category:
Faculty
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Assistant Professor
Job Duties:
The Department of Music is seeking an Artist/Teacher of Music Theory and Composition appointed at the level of Assistant Professor (tenure-track). The successful candidate will join their colleagues in further advancing the reputation of the Composition/Technology and Theory Area; direct the Music Theory program; teach undergraduate and graduate music theory and composition courses including written and aural core theory, counterpoint, orchestration, graduate theory seminar, and other courses as their expertise warrants; and teach composition lessons as part of a studio/instructor rotation. They will contribute significantly to the development of upper-division and graduate-level composition/technology and theory courses.
The candidate will recruit for the Department of Music at the undergraduate and graduate levels and participate in service and faculty governance activities within the University, the College of the Arts and Architecture, the Peck School of the Arts, the Department of Music, and the Composition/Technology and Theory Area.
Specific Tasks and Duties:
  • Teach undergraduate and graduate theory courses and studio composition lessons
  • Maintain an active composition career
  • Serve as the head of the Music Theory program
  • Contribute to the vision and growth of an established Composition and Technology program
  • Participate in the Composition and Technology Area events and operations
  • Serve on University, College of the Arts and Architecture, Peck School of the Arts, and Music Department committees as assigned
  • Engage in recruiting and retention initiatives
  • Engage in professional development activities
  • Participate in faculty meetings, creative/scholarly activities, and service appropriate to a university faculty member

Key Job Responsibilities:
Department:
The Peck School of the Arts offers twenty undergraduate and graduate degree programs serving over 1,600 student majors, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive arts schools in the region. Spanning both the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's main campus and Milwaukee's East Side, PSOA presents more than 300 public events each year, and maintains a multitude of creative maker spaces, performance halls, innovative research centers, digital labs, and other facilities critical to the needs of 21st century artistic and performance teachings and practice.
The Peck School of the Arts is in the College of the Arts and Architecture, which enrolls nearly 2,400 students across more than 82 degree, certificate, and minor programs. Faculty expertise spans a wide array of disciplines, including Architecture; Art and Design; Dance; Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres; Music; Theatre; and Urban Planning.
Compensation:
The target hiring range is $60,000 - $65,000. Final salary offer is contingent upon skills, knowledge, and abilities as demonstrated throughout the selection process.
Required Qualifications:
  • Earned Doctorate in Music Composition by date of hire (ABD candidates with a clear expected date for completion will be considered) or a Master's degree with equivalent professional experience
  • Evidence of experience as a professional composer
  • Evidence of successful music theory and composition teaching
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Doctorate in Music Composition
  • Documented strong background in Music Theory, which may include intensive coursework, teaching experience, scholarship, earned credentials, and other relative experience
  • Documented record of high-quality creative output as a composer
  • Demonstrated record of leadership
  • Evidence of understanding the functional use of technology in the application of composition in multiple styles and mediums
  • Evidence of participation in professional organizations (i.e., conference/festival attendances and presentations, active memberships)
  • Documented record of successful university-level music theory teaching
  • Documented record of successful university-level composition teachin
How to Apply:
Interested candidates must upload the following documents:
  • A cover letter that addresses how their experience meets the qualifications of the position.
  • A Professional Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
  • 1-2 page Teaching Philosophy Statement
  • A document containing the names of three professional references, including contact information (email address, phone number, and mailing address).
  • Recordings (limit of three works, excerpts are acceptable) submitted electronically (online links) of composition performances (of different instrumental/vocal/computer electronic/film types, preferred)
  • Recent musical scores (limit 3)
  • Optional: Scholarly papers or articles in music theory

This is a continuous recruitment with an initial review date of 12/01/2025. To ensure consideration, applications must be submitted by 12/01/2025. Applications submitted after 12/01/2025 may not be reviewed.
In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate's application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.
Contact Information:
Questions about this position should be directed to Coua Xiong at xion2447@uwm.edu.
Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBC and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM's Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.
Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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