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Music Composition Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Nocturne & La Vie en Rose

Line Cook

Denver, CO

$19.30 - $21/hr

A line position focused on the final composition and plating of hors d'oeuvres at La Vie En Rose ... Appreciation for live music and the performing arts * Culinary degree * Servsafe certification ...

All JobsMusic Composition JobsMusic Composition Jobs in Colorado

Music Composition information

See Colorado salary details

$32.1K

$60.7K

$127.8K

How much do music composition jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for music composition in Colorado is $60,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,100.00 and $67,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in music?

The highest paying jobs in music often include roles such as music director, composer for film and television, or successful recording artist, with top executives in the industry also earning high salaries. These positions typically require advanced skills, industry experience, and sometimes significant networking or reputation to reach top earnings.

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.

What jobs are there in a music studio?

In a music studio, common jobs include music producer, sound engineer, recording technician, mixing engineer, mastering engineer, and session musician. These roles involve operating recording equipment, editing audio, and collaborating with artists to produce finished recordings. Skills in audio software and knowledge of acoustics are essential for many studio positions.

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 by industry, with opportunities in film, television, video games, advertising, and live performance. As technology advances, composers who are skilled in digital audio workstations and adaptable to different media tend to have better job prospects, though competition can be strong in certain sectors.

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
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What job categories do people searching Music Composition jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Music Composition jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Music Composition jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Music Composition job openings:
Music Composition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Composition job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,706 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Recording Engineering (Music Technology)

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO • Hybrid

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on May 27, 2026.

Position Summary:

The School ofMusic at the University of Northern Colorado invites applications for acontract-renewable position as instructor and Recording/MixingEngineer (Music Technology), beginning August 2026.

This facultyposition combines teaching, creative activity, and service with an active roleas a recording engineer supporting School of Music projects involving bothfaculty and students. The successful candidate will contribute to the MusicTechnology area within a professional hybrid recording environment.

UNC's facilities include a Pro Tools HDX-based studio withanalog/digital integration. The candidate will help leverage these resources toprovide students with industry-relevant recording and mixing experiences acrossa range of musical styles. 

Job Duties:

TheUniversity of Northern Colorado School of Music invites applications for a contractrenewable, full-time appointment as Assistant Professor of RecordingEngineering. The successful candidate will record, edit, and mix audio projectsacross a wide range of musical genres and ensemble configurations whileteaching undergraduate and graduate courses in recording and hybrid mixing.Responsibilities include mentoring students in studio workflow, sessionmanagement, critical listening, and hybrid analog/digital productiontechniques. The position also involves operating, maintaining, and furtherdeveloping recording facilities, including Pro Tools HDX systems, analog mixers,and outboard processing. The faculty member will collaborate with facultycolleagues and university ensembles on recording projects and will maintain anactive agenda of creative and/or scholarly activity. Additionalresponsibilities include contributing to student recruitment, curriculumdevelopment, and the continued growth of the program, as well as supportingUNC's mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution through inclusive teaching,mentorship, and engagement.      
Witha history of excellence and leadership in arts and education, the School ofMusic is a community of students, teachers, artists, scholars, and musicindustry professionals. Our 40 full-time and 30 adjunct faculty teach andsupport over 350 music majors pursuing undergraduate, masters, and doctoraldegrees in programs including performance, music education, jazz studies, musicbusiness, composition, theory, and history & literature; and certificateprograms in Music Technology and Arts Entrepreneurship. Primarily housed inhistoric Frasier Hall, our facilities include a fully equipped andprofessionally managed recording studio and the new Campus Commons PerformanceHall. We adhere to the values of College of Performing and Visual Arts:Creative Thinking, Belonging & Justice, Integrity, SustainingRelationships, and Tradition & Transformation.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Audio Engineering, Music Technology, Recording Arts, or a related field
  • Professional experience in high-level, large-scale recording studio environments at a level that would qualify the candidate for graduate-level teaching
  • Demonstrated expertise recording/mixing multiple styles
  • Advanced proficiency with Avid Pro Tools Ultimate (HDX-based systems)
  • Strong knowledge of microphone techniques for acoustic and amplified ensembles
  • Experience with hybrid workflows and outboard integration
  • Portfolio demonstrating high-quality professional work
  • Evidence of potential for effective collegiate teaching
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills

PreferredQualifications:

  • Terminal degree (DMA, Ph.D., or equivalent)
  • Three years of collegiate teaching experience
  • Experience teaching hybrid mixing, signal flow, and production workflows
  • Experience with large-format consoles (e.g., SSL) and complex ensemble recording
  • Demonstrated commitment todiversity, equity, and inclusion

Application Materials to Include:

  •  Cover Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Portfolio of Recordings (links to representative audio/video work)
  • Statement of Teaching Philosophy
  • List of at least three professional references

Apply