ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Music Composition Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMusic Composition Professor Jobs

Music Composition Professor information

See salary details

$49K

$57.5K

$64.5K

How much do music composition professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 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 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 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.

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 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.
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:
What job categories do people searching Music Composition Professor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Music Composition Professor jobs are:
Music Composition Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Composition Professor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,500 per year, or $27.6 per hour.
Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor in Music Composition

Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor in Music Composition

University of Maryland Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description
The Department of Music at UMBC seeks a well-qualified Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor (Full-time) in Music Composition, to begin August 17, 2026. This position is for one year with a possibility of a one year extension. This position will be responsible for all composition introductory courses (MUSC 311 and 312), Instrumentation (MUSC 224), private lessons for music composition majors, senior projects for composition majors (senior recital), and other courses based on the candidate's expertise and interest (the equivalent of 8 total courses per academic year). This individual will provide oversight of ancillary curricular experiences for the composition majors, including studio classes, reading sessions and professional performances of student works; will arrange technical assistance for composer performances and coordinate collaborations with student ensembles and soloists; attend auditions and recruit for the composition major. Applicants who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion by way of teaching, performing, publishing, or volunteer experiences are urged to submit an application.
Located in the heart of the culturally rich Baltimore-Washington corridor, the Department of Music is a growing, diverse, and supportive community enrolling 160 undergraduate majors. Housed in the University's striking new Performing Arts and Humanities Building, the music wing includes a 350-seat performance space with superior acoustics, 9-foot Steinway grand pianos, and fully equipped recording and keyboard labs. All tenure-track faculty maintain robust careers in performance, conducting, or composing on the regional and national level, with many having a research focus in contemporary art-music and some with creative activities that include music as a vehicle for civic engagement and social justice. In addition to its undergraduate degrees, the Department offers a post-baccalaureate Certificate in American Contemporary Music. See https://music.umbc.edu/ for more details.
UMBC, an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, is especially proud of the diversity of its student body and we seek to attract an equally diverse applicant pool for this position. We have a strong commitment to increasing faculty diversity and are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals who are members of groups that historically have been underrepresented in the professoriate. We encourage applications from women, minority group members, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Qualifications
A master's degree or higher in music is required, along with evidence of teaching experience at the college level and administrative experience.
Application Instructions
The complete application package must include: a letter of interest including a detailed statement of qualifications and teaching philosophy, a current CV, dated links to scores and recordings (audio or video; no midi, please) for 3 works, a separate statement with examples addressing the capacity to respond in pedagogically productive ways to the learning needs of students from diverse backgrounds, and three reference contacts. Additional materials may be requested later. Those with experience employing culturally responsive approaches or integrating musical, social-emotional, or social justice learning goals are encouraged to highlight that in their materials.
For best consideration, please submit all application materials through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/186951) by June 8, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For questions, please contact Dr. Lisa Cella, Chair, Department of Music: cella@umbc.edu.

Apply