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Music Composition Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Uses knowledge and experience of composition, Catholic choirs, instrumentalists and congregations to ensure the music we publish is successful in multiple settings: Parishes, Licensing/Sync, Label.

Music Theory Tutor

Portland, OR · 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:

Music Theory Tutor

Eugene, OR · 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:

Music Theory Tutor

OR · 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:

Piano Tutor

OR · 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 ...

Piano Tutor

Eugene, OR · 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 ...

Piano Tutor

Portland, OR · 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 ...

Personal Trainer

Salem, OR · On-site

$28 - $36/hr

... body composition, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. You'll demonstrate techniques ... You'll plan classes, choose music, and select movements that are appropriate for each muscle group ...

... body composition, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. You'll demonstrate techniques ... You'll plan classes, choose music, and select movements that are appropriate for each muscle group ...

... body composition, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. You'll demonstrate techniques ... You'll plan classes, choose music, and select movements that are appropriate for each muscle group ...

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Showing results 1-20

Music Composition information

See Oregon salary details

$32.2K

$61K

$128.5K

How much do music composition jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for music composition in Oregon is $61,039.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $67,700.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Composition jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Music Composition jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Music Composition jobs in Oregon? For Music Composition jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Music Composition jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Music Composition jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Music Composition jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Music Composition job openings:
Infographic showing various Music Composition job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,039 per year, or $29.3 per hour.
Pro Tempore Instructor of Music, Academic - Open Pool

Pro Tempore Instructor of Music, Academic - Open Pool

University Of Oregon

Eugene, OR

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


University Of Oregon rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

384th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Pro Tempore Instructor of Music, Academic - Open Pool

Apply now Job no: 536177
Work type: Faculty - Pro Tempore
Location: Eugene, OR
Categories: Music/Dance

Department: School of Music and Dance
Rank: Instructor
Annual Basis: 9 Month

Review of Applications Begins

Applications will be reviewed as needs arise

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure consideration, please include the following with your online application:
Current resume/curriculum vitae outlining your skills and desired teaching area.
You will also be asked to submit the names and contact information for three professional references.
Screening of applications will occur as positions become available and continue until positions are filled. This pool will remain active through December 31, 2026.

Department Summary

The Department of Academic Music is housed within the School of Music and Dance (SOMD). The school has an enrollment of more than 800 music and dance majors and minors, a faculty and staff of 85, and approximately 70 graduate employees. A wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered, from the baccalaureate through the doctorate, including programs in dance, music performance, collaborative piano, music education, composition, theory, musicology, jazz studies, piano and string pedagogy, conducting, music technology, and music with a liberal arts emphasis.
The school is known for being the only comprehensive school of music and dance in the state of Oregon. It is also home to the internationally recognized Oregon Bach Festival and ChamberMusic@Beall performance series.
SOMD hosts a World Music Series, Music Today, Musicking Conference, Summer Camp for Computer Music, and Jazz Camps. The comprehensive nature of the school's curriculum, program, and outreach is supported by a commitment to diversity in the recruitment of students, faculty, and staff.

Position Summary

The School of Music and Dance invites applications for Pro Tem Instructor positions in academic music. The pool is for part-time, temporary, limited-duration teaching appointments not to exceed one year, but with the possibility of renewal for up to three years.
Potential areas of expertise may include academic courses in general music history and literature including world music; music appreciation; film, jazz, rock, and popular music; music theory and musicianship courses including aural skills and keyboard skills; undergraduate music composition; music technology including data-driven instruments and audio production; and general music education courses including early childhood and elementary music education courses, and practicum field experience supervision.
Applications will be accepted on a continuing basis. Screening of applications will take place as positions become available and continue until positions are filled.

Minimum Requirements

Master's degree in music or related field. Significant professional experience can substitute for a degree.
University-level teaching experience.

Professional Competencies

Ability to work effectively with students, staff, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.

Advertised: December 11, 2025 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: December 31, 2026 Pacific Standard Time

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