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Music Composition Teacher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Maple Grove

Private Piano Instructor

Osseo, MN

$27.50 - $30.50/hr

... sheet music composition Ability to: Ability to play the piano or other musical instruments Ability to teach others how to play & read music Reliable interpersonal skills for one-on-one music ...

Lee College

Adjunct - Organ Instructor

Baytown, TX · On-site

$34.03 - $51.04/hr

Teach freshman and sophomore-level Organ courses. * Qualified applicants must be committed to ... Music Theory, Music Composition and five (5) years of exceptional documented professional ...

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How much do music composition teacher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,126 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Music Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Audio and Music

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL

$5.6K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

In addition to its regular, full-time faculty, Columbia College Chicago hires scholars, creative professionals, and other industry-experienced Adjunct Faculty to teach courses on a part-time basis. These positions are not available every semester and are contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding.

To be qualified to teach at the college, candidates must possess a degree at least one level above the level at which they teach, with a terminal degree in the relevant discipline as the preferred credential. In terminal degree programs, faculty members will possess the same level of degree. In occasional cases, demonstrated currency in a specialized discipline and a sustained history of distinguished professional work, compelling creative achievements, or other significant experience in the relevant field may be considered as an alternative to the required degree. 

The School of Audio and Music offers courses in disciplines including Audio Arts (Recording, Live Sound, and A-V System Design); Music Performance and Songwriting; Music Production; Music Composition for Media; Music Technology (Hardware and Software Design); and Sound Design for Media and Stage. 

Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references. Further materials, such as official transcripts sent from the degree-granting institution, may be requested at a later date.

Entry level compensation rate for teaching one 3-credit course as of Fall 2026 is $5,635.00. Compensation for courses that carry fewer or more than three credits will be prorated down or up accordingly.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information. 

Columbia College Chicago actively promotes, access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college's mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty. 

We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission. For more information, please visit: colum.edu/academic-access-and-excellence.

Additional information

  • Position subject to a background screening.
  • This is a union position.
  • This position is overtime ineligible.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

 

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