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$57.5K

$64.5K

How much do music composition professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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
Asst. Professor Game Scoring and Adaptive Music

Asst. Professor Game Scoring and Adaptive Music

Strayer University

Chamblee, GA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Media Design School at Strayer, a part of Strayer University and Strategic Education, Inc., is a globally recognized provider of creative and technology-focused education. Originally established in New Zealand and now integrated within Strayer's academic portfolio, Media Design School combines industry-driven curriculum with an emphasis on innovation, preparing students for careers in fields such as game development, animation, and digital design. As part of Strayer's broader mission to deliver flexible, career-relevant education and expand access to future-focused learning opportunities, Media Design School leverages global resources, industry partnerships, and a collaborative academic environment.
The Assistant Professor of Game Scoring and Adaptive Music will lead the development and delivery of curriculum focused on adaptive music for interactive media within both the Master of Fine Arts in Screen Scoring & Music Design and the corresponding Online Graduate Certificate program. This role serves as a key liaison to game arts programs at Media Design School, fostering collaboration among faculty and students across disciplines. The position reports directly to the Executive Dean.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Serve as the lead instructor for MFA521 (Screen Scoring III: Adaptive) and MFA524 (Music Design Technology Lab), as well as related courses within the Online Graduate Certificate program
  • Recruit, mentor, and supervise adjunct faculty within the areas of game scoring, adaptive music, and music design technology
  • Conduct ongoing research to ensure coursework and student projects remain aligned with current industry practices and emerging trends
  • Engage in active outreach and relationship-building with game studios and independent game developers
  • Foster and maintain collaborative partnerships with Media Design School and other game design programs
Technical Skills:
  • Advanced proficiency with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) for game music composition, including tools such as Logic Pro, Cubase, Reaper, and Pro Tools
  • Advanced experience utilizing game audio implementation middleware, such as Wwise and FMOD
  • Demonstrated expertise in game development platforms, including Unity and Unreal Engine
Professional Experience:
  • 2-3 years of experience in an on-staff or active freelance capacity with a game development studio (e.g., Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft) or comparable organizations; experience with independent (indie) game developers will also be considered
  • Demonstrated professional experience in the composition of adaptive music for games and interactive media

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree (e.g., B.A., B.F.A., B.Mus., or B.M.) in Music Composition or a related field with a focus on music for screen or interactive media; alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in a related game design discipline will be considered

  • A Master's degree (e.g., M.A. or M.F.A.) in a relevant field is preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree

Other:

  • Must be able to travel occasionally should a business need arise. For most roles travel would not be common. Travel may involve plane, car or metro. In accordance with ADA policies, reasonable accommodations regarding travel limitations can be provided. Travel will be more common for roles such as Account Executives (25 - 50%), senior leaders (10 - 20%) or Capella Core Faculty (5 - 10%).
  • Ability to work onsite in Corporate or Campus location (in a typical office environment) may be required based on role. If so, this would include being mobile within the office, including movement from floor-to-floor using elevators or stairs.
  • If offsite or hybrid role, must have access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
  • Faculty and Federal Work Study roles require access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including computer, privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
  • This role may require lifting, however reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with our ADA policies.
  • Must be able to meet critical thinking and problem solving aspects aligned to job duties, as well as effectively communicating with co-workers.
  • Must be able to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant. Accommodations related to schedule may be considered.
  • Able to access information using a computer.
  • Other essential functions and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

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SEI offers a comprehensive package of benefits to employees scheduled 30 hours or more per week. In addition to medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, SEI employees may take advantage of well-being incentives, parental leave, paid time off, certain paid holidays, tax saving accounts (FSA, HSA), 401(k) retirement benefit, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, tuition assistance as well as entertainment and retail discounts. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay, if applicable.

Careers - Our Benefits, Strategic Education, Inc


SEI is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture where individuals can grow their careers and contribute fully. We strive to attract talent with broad experiences, skills and perspectives. We welcome applications from all. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the pay range at SEI, we offer a competitive salary. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate may vary depending on multiple factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay equity. Our Talent Acquisition Team is ready to discuss your interest in joining SEI. The expected salary range for this position is below.

$67,700.00 - $101,500.00 - Salary


If you require reasonable accommodations to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at Careers@strategiced.com.

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