ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Music Composition Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Cincinnati, OH · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting theoretical knowledge to practical musicianship and applies music theory to composition, arranging, and performance interpretation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Akron, OH · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting theoretical knowledge to practical musicianship and applies music theory to composition, arranging, and performance interpretation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Columbus, OH · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting theoretical knowledge to practical musicianship and applies music theory to composition, arranging, and performance interpretation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Cleveland, OH · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting theoretical knowledge to practical musicianship and applies music theory to composition, arranging, and performance interpretation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Piano Tutor

Columbus, OH · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building musicianship alongside technical skill and connects piano study to music theory, composition, and ensemble participation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Varsity Tutors

Piano Tutor

Akron, OH · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building musicianship alongside technical skill and connects piano study to music theory, composition, and ensemble participation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Varsity Tutors

Piano Tutor

Cleveland, OH · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building musicianship alongside technical skill and connects piano study to music theory, composition, and ensemble participation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Varsity Tutors

Piano Tutor

Cincinnati, OH · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building musicianship alongside technical skill and connects piano study to music theory, composition, and ensemble participation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMusic Composition JobsMusic Composition Jobs in Ohio

Music Composition information

See Ohio salary details

$29K

$54.9K

$115.5K

How much do music composition jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for music composition in Ohio is $54,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $60,800.00 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 Ohio? The most popular types of Music Composition jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Music Composition jobs in Ohio? For Music Composition jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Music Composition jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Music Composition jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Music Composition jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Music Composition job openings:
Music Composition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Composition job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,885 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Visiting Assistant Professor (Two-Year), Music-Composition and Music Theory

The College of Wooster

Wooster, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description
The Music Department of The College of Wooster invites applications for a two-year Visiting Assistant Professor in Composition and Music Theory, to begin this August. The successful candidate will teach studio composition lessons and courses in music theory including Counterpoint and Orchestration, mentor junior and senior Composition majors in capstone Independent Study projects, and maintain a record of strong scholarly/artistic activity. Teaching in additional areas might be possible, based on areas of interest and expertise.
The College of Wooster is an independent college of the liberal arts and sciences with a commitment to excellence in undergraduate education. We enroll a racially, socioeconomically, and culturally diverse student population of approximately 2,000 undergraduate students, of which 6% identify as Latinx; 9% as Black/African American; 4% as Asian; 4% as multiracial; and 61% as white. Fifteen percent (15%) of our students are studying on international visas. Twenty-five percent (25%) are Pell-eligible and 11% are first-generation college students. We are interested in hiring faculty who can contribute to the intellectual vibrancy of the community through culturally relevant pedagogy, curricular diversity, intercultural fluency, and a commitment to ensuring equitable outcomes for racially and ethnically minoritized and marginalized student groups.
Qualifications
Experience in composition and completed doctorate or ABD in Composition or Music Theory required. Prior college-level teaching experience is strongly preferred.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit through Interfolio: a letter of application, curriculum vitae, unofficial graduate transcripts, scores and recordings of three recently composed works (PDF with embedded audio or video link), three letters of recommendation, a teaching statement and/or evidence of effective teaching (e.g., syllabi, summaries of student evaluations), a research/creative activity statement, and a statement indicating their track record with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and how they envision this will impact their teaching at the College of Wooster. Position will remain open until filled; applications received by July 1, 2022, will receive full consideration. Please contact Peter Mowrey (pmowrey@wooster.edu), chair of the search committee, with any questions.

Apply