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Music Composition Teacher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ladgov Corporation

Music Therapist

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

Teach guitar skills and facilitate songwriting activities * Lead mindfulness and stress-reduction ... Songwriting or music composition * Knowledge of trauma-informed care and mindfulness practices ...

Grove Christian School

Music Teacher

Richmond, VA · On-site

Develop student understanding of reading music, composition, performance techniques, and ensemble ... Teaching experience with elementary and secondary students preferred. * Knowledge of music theory ...

Ladgov Corporation

Music Therapist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Teach guitar skills and facilitate songwriting activities * Lead mindfulness and stress-reduction ... Songwriting or music composition * Knowledge of trauma-informed care and mindfulness practices ...

Grove Christian School

Music Teacher K-12

Richmond, VA · On-site

Develop student understanding of reading music, composition, performance techniques, and ensemble ... Teaching experience with elementary and secondary students preferred. * Knowledge of music theory ...

Noble Schools

Music Teacher SY26-27

Chicago, IL

Teach students the fundamentals of playing instruments, vocal techniques, and/or the theory behind music composition. * Promote Musical Literacy: Provide instruction that helps students grow their ...

Noble Schools

Music Teacher SY26-27

Chicago, IL

Teach students the fundamentals of playing instruments, vocal techniques, and/or the theory behind music composition. * Promote Musical Literacy: Provide instruction that helps students grow their ...

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How much do music composition teacher jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for music composition teacher in the United States is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Music Composition Teacher do?

A Music Composition Teacher is responsible for instructing students on the principles and techniques of creating original music. They teach topics such as music theory, harmony, melody, instrumentation, and arranging, helping students develop their own compositional style. These educators often provide feedback on student works, guide creative projects, and may also cover music history and contemporary trends. Their goal is to nurture students' creativity and technical skill in composing music for various settings, such as concerts, films, or digital media.

What Is the Job of a Music Composition Teacher?

The responsibilities of a music composition teacher include instructing musical composition and music theory to students at the beginner through advanced level, most often in a college or university setting. Classes are held in a group or one-on-one, and you are expected to gauge the skill level of each student and modify your composition lessons accordingly. This ensures everyone learns the information in the best way possible. You assist students in developing a piece of music using one or a variety of instruments and teach about music structure. Other duties are dependent on your interest and musical style expertise including electronic music, improvisation, performance, and more. You are also expected to network and collaborate on music projects with coworkers when working at the university level.

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 teaching credentials such as a degree in music education or composition. Familiarity with music notation software (like Sibelius or Finale), digital audio workstations, and classroom management systems is typically required. Creativity, patience, and the ability to inspire and communicate complex ideas simply are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively guiding students in developing their compositional voice while fostering a positive and productive learning environment.

What is the difference between Music Composition Teacher vs Music Theory Instructor?

AspectMusic Composition TeacherMusic Theory Instructor
Required CredentialsMusic degree, composition certification, teaching credentialsMusic degree, music theory certification, teaching credentials
Work EnvironmentSchools, private studios, universitiesUniversities, colleges, online platforms
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, private lessonsAcademic institutions, online education
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Music Composition Teachers focus on teaching students how to create and arrange original music pieces, emphasizing practical composition skills. Music Theory Instructors concentrate on understanding the principles and structures behind music, often covering harmony, scales, and notation. Both roles require similar credentials and are often found in educational settings, but their focus areas differ, catering to different student needs.

How does a Music Composition Teacher typically collaborate with other faculty and departments within a school or university?

Music Composition Teachers often work closely with performance faculty, ensemble directors, and other academic staff to provide students with comprehensive musical experiences. Collaboration may involve organizing student recitals, coordinating interdisciplinary projects, and integrating composition assignments into performance classes. Regular meetings and joint curriculum planning help ensure that students receive well-rounded instruction and opportunities to showcase their original works. This collaborative environment fosters creativity, professional growth, and a supportive network for both teachers and students.
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Music Composition Teacher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Composition Teacher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,126 per year, or $21.7 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

Re-posted 27 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.

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