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Music Composition Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TrueShort

AI Music Composer & Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

This role sits at the intersection of music composition, music editing, and AI-native creative workflows. We're looking for musicians with strong storytelling instincts, excellent musical taste, and ...

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All JobsMusic Composition JobsMusic Composition Jobs in California

Music Composition information

See California salary details

$30.1K

$57K

$119.9K

How much do music composition jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for music composition in California is $56,975.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $63,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Music Composition vs Music Arrangement?

AspectMusic CompositionMusic Arrangement
DefinitionCreating original music and melodies from scratch.Adapting existing music for different instruments or ensembles.
Required SkillsCreative songwriting, melody development, harmony.Reharmonization, orchestration, adapting scores.
Work EnvironmentStudios, composers' offices, freelance projects.Studio, rehearsal spaces, live performance settings.
Common UsageFilm scores, video games, original songs.Cover arrangements, orchestral adaptations, band arrangements.

Music composition involves creating original music, while music arrangement focuses on adapting existing compositions for different instruments or ensembles. Both roles require musical creativity, but composition emphasizes original creation, whereas arrangement emphasizes adaptation and orchestration.

What are some common challenges faced by music composers when collaborating with directors or clients on projects?

Music composers often encounter challenges such as interpreting a director's or client's creative vision, adapting to changing feedback, and meeting tight deadlines. Effective communication is key to ensuring the music aligns with the project's emotional tone and narrative. Additionally, composers must balance their artistic expression with the practical needs of the production, often revising pieces several times based on input from collaborators. Building strong professional relationships and staying adaptable are essential for success in this collaborative environment.

How much do music composers get paid?

Music composers' salaries vary widely based on experience, project type, and industry. Entry-level composers may earn around $30,000 to $50,000 annually, while experienced professionals working on major film, TV, or video game projects can earn six-figure incomes or more. Many composers supplement income through freelance work, licensing, and royalties, and proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs) is often essential.

What is music composition?

Music composition is the process of creating original music by combining melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and other musical elements. Composers write music for various purposes such as performances, films, games, or personal expression, often using notation software or traditional sheet music. The field encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, and composers may work independently or as part of a larger creative team. Developing skills in music theory, instrumentation, and digital audio tools is common for those interested in music composition.

Is there a demand for music composers?

The demand for music composers varies across industries such as film, television, video games, and advertising, where original music is often required. While competition can be high, skills in digital audio workstations and a strong portfolio can improve job prospects, especially as media production continues to grow globally.

What can I do with a degree in music composition?

A degree in music composition prepares individuals to work as composers for film, television, video games, or concert music, creating original scores and arrangements. Graduates can also pursue careers in music production, arranging, or teaching, often utilizing software like Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and developing strong musical theory and technical skills.

What are the qualifications to get a job in music composition?

The qualifications that you need to start a career in music composition depend on your career goals and your composing skills. You may wish to pursue a degree in music theory, writing, or music performance, especially if you wish to teach at a college level. Composers often need to show their skills through a portfolio of previously-composed work. You can write and record pieces as part of a postsecondary degree program or on your own without any formal training. Most composers are also qualified as musical instrumentalists or performers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a music composer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Music Composer, you need a strong foundation in music theory, composition techniques, and proficiency with at least one instrument, often supported by a degree in music or related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), notation software like Sibelius or Finale, and audio editing tools is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and the ability to accept feedback are essential soft skills for producing unique works and working with clients or ensembles. These skills are crucial for creating professional-quality compositions that meet artistic or commercial needs in the music industry.
More about Music Composition jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Composition jobs in California? The most popular types of Music Composition jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Music Composition jobs in California? For Music Composition jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Music Composition jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Music Composition jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Music Composition jobs? Cities in California with the most Music Composition job openings:
Music Composition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Composition job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,975 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Music Theory & Composition Instructor

Jazz Hands For Autism

Culver City, CA • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Part-time

PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development

Position Title: Music Theory & Composition Instructor
Classification: Non-Exempt / Part-Time
About Us: Founded in May 2014 as a 501(c)(3) organization, Jazz Hands For Autism is a talent advocacy group that uses a strength-based approach to empower musicians with autism and amplify their voices by providing necessary resources and avenues that will assist them with forging a rewarding and career path as a working musician. 
Our Mission: Provide platforms and avenues where musically inclined individuals on the autism spectrum can express and explore their talents.
Our Vision: We are working towards a world where individuals on the autism spectrum are fully integrated members of society who are confident in their ability to make valued social, cultural and economic contributions in their communities.
Our Values:
  • Music First!: We believe that our staff, students, and performers are musicians first; autism comes second. At Jazz Hands For Autism, We are all about T.H.E. M.U.S.I.C.
  • Creative Growth: Harness the self and the talents within by exploring new abilities.
  • Confidence: We work to enable the realization of the power of expression, and freedom with that expression.
  • Unity: We work to create an atmosphere of unity and equality.
  • Support: We work to encourage the development of confidence in abilities and talents.
  • Inclusivity: We are a community that welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, and we want everyone we work with to know that their contributions are valued. 
  • Community: We work to create an atmosphere that fosters relationships, teamwork, and camaraderie across the spectrum and with individuals without autism.

We are seeking a highly motivated, reliable and creative individual to join our team. The ideal candidate is someone who truly loves working with teens and adults on the autism spectrum and is passionate about spreading the gift of musicianship. The ideal candidate is also someone with a high level of creativity and strong organizational skills.  
SUMMARY OF POSITION 
The Music Theory & Composition Instructor provides periods of education on the fundamentals of music in a variety of subjects including melody, harmony, rhythm, form, tonal systems, scales, tuning, intervals, and pitch. This education lays the foundation for JHFA students to progress in their specific area or instrument of discipline. 
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
  • Lead instructional sessions and coach students on the principles of music theory using Piano to guide lessons. 
  • Ensure student learning of music theory and composition fundamentals as applicable to the course
  • Identifying student goals and differentiating instructions to provide relevant learning opportunities for each student
  • Assess and provide positive and constructive feedback on individual levels of knowledge pertaining to music theory, identify learning obstacles, and work with students to overcome these obstacles.
  • Preparing and encouraging students to connect music theory knowledge to overall music career goals, as applicable
  • Communicate expectations to students
  • Prepare and deliver course materials
  • Evaluate student learning and assign progress reports
  • Involve and encourage students to set good learning habits. 
  • Use instructional aids and leverage resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (e.g. Blackboards/whiteboards, technology, make arrangements for guest speakers, etc.)
  • Develop sequenced lesson plan and curriculum in your field of practice
  • Design interactive and motivational activities to fully engage students and to reinforce student learning.
  • Respond to student needs and questions
  • Create a high-performance environment in which students of diverse backgrounds are motivated to succeed
  • Stay current and polished in the professional body of knowledge your field of practice
  • Communicate with appropriate levels of JHFA leadership on a timely basis
  • Maintain clean, organized, and personalized classroom space, or organized virtual classroom structure. 

REQUIREMENTS
  • BA, or equivalent relevant experience, or a combination thereof in Music Performance, Music Composition or related field.  
  • Must be proficient in piano. Expertise in other instruments is preferred but not required.
  • Must be available to teach classes at times scheduled by JHFA. 
  • Must have the following characteristics: 
    • Represent JHFA, maintaining a professional attitude at all times 
    • Have a willingness to learn
    • Be solutions oriented
    • Maintain open mindedness
    • Act with transparency
    • Act with initiative
  • Must be able to complete an Introduction to Autism Online Course within 30 days after the start date. 
  • Experience with working with people with disabilities/autism is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics for this position are typical of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
TRAVEL
This position is required to travel locally on occasion. 
WE VALUE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION!
Jazz Hands for Autism believes in creating long-term relationships by being responsive and relevant and by consistently delivering value to our employees, our students, and our community. Specifically with our employees, we focus on attracting, developing and retaining the best talent, challenging our people, demonstrating a “can-do” attitude and fostering a collaborative and mutually supportive environment.
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected age classification, ancestry, color, religious creed, marital status, military and veteran status, national origin, race, sex, gender, gender identity, and gender expression. Jazz Hands For Autism will make every reasonable effort to accommodate individuals based on their disability status.