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Music Composition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grove Christian School

Music Teacher

Richmond, VA · On-site

Develop student understanding of reading music, composition, performance techniques, and ensemble participation. * Encourage musical excellence while creating opportunities for student leadership and ...

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Board Ceritfied Music Therapist

Merrillville, IN

$56K/yr

Some techniques utilized to achieve this goal are singing, listening, instrumental music composition, creative movement, guided imagery and other methods as appropriate. In this role your tasks will ...

tmn

Board Ceritfied Music Therapist

Merrillville, IN

$56K/yr

Some techniques utilized to achieve this goal are singing, listening, instrumental music composition, creative movement, guided imagery and other methods as appropriate. In this role your tasks will ...

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You'll draw on your hands-on experience with beat-making, music composition, or electronic music production to evaluate AI-generated content and provide feedback that helps AI better understand music ...

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Music Composition information

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$30.5K

$57.7K

$121.5K

How much do music composition jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for music composition in the United States is $57,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $64,000.00 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.

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.

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 cities are hiring for Music Composition jobs? Cities with the most Music Composition job openings:
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Music Composition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Composition job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,731 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
Asst. Professor Game Scoring and Adaptive Music

Asst. Professor Game Scoring and Adaptive Music

Strayer University

Chamblee, GA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 hours ago

Job description

Media Design School at Strayer, a part of Strayer University and Strategic Education, Inc., is a globally recognized provider of creative and technology-focused education. Originally established in New Zealand and now integrated within Strayer's academic portfolio, Media Design School combines industry-driven curriculum with an emphasis on innovation, preparing students for careers in fields such as game development, animation, and digital design. As part of Strayer's broader mission to deliver flexible, career-relevant education and expand access to future-focused learning opportunities, Media Design School leverages global resources, industry partnerships, and a collaborative academic environment.
The Assistant Professor of Game Scoring and Adaptive Music will lead the development and delivery of curriculum focused on adaptive music for interactive media within both the Master of Fine Arts in Screen Scoring & Music Design and the corresponding Online Graduate Certificate program. This role serves as a key liaison to game arts programs at Media Design School, fostering collaboration among faculty and students across disciplines. The position reports directly to the Executive Dean.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Serve as the lead instructor for MFA521 (Screen Scoring III: Adaptive) and MFA524 (Music Design Technology Lab), as well as related courses within the Online Graduate Certificate program
  • Recruit, mentor, and supervise adjunct faculty within the areas of game scoring, adaptive music, and music design technology
  • Conduct ongoing research to ensure coursework and student projects remain aligned with current industry practices and emerging trends
  • Engage in active outreach and relationship-building with game studios and independent game developers
  • Foster and maintain collaborative partnerships with Media Design School and other game design programs
Technical Skills:
  • Advanced proficiency with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) for game music composition, including tools such as Logic Pro, Cubase, Reaper, and Pro Tools
  • Advanced experience utilizing game audio implementation middleware, such as Wwise and FMOD
  • Demonstrated expertise in game development platforms, including Unity and Unreal Engine
Professional Experience:
  • 2-3 years of experience in an on-staff or active freelance capacity with a game development studio (e.g., Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft) or comparable organizations; experience with independent (indie) game developers will also be considered
  • Demonstrated professional experience in the composition of adaptive music for games and interactive media

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree (e.g., B.A., B.F.A., B.Mus., or B.M.) in Music Composition or a related field with a focus on music for screen or interactive media; alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in a related game design discipline will be considered

  • A Master's degree (e.g., M.A. or M.F.A.) in a relevant field is preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree

Other:

  • Must be able to travel occasionally should a business need arise. For most roles travel would not be common. Travel may involve plane, car or metro. In accordance with ADA policies, reasonable accommodations regarding travel limitations can be provided. Travel will be more common for roles such as Account Executives (25 - 50%), senior leaders (10 - 20%) or Capella Core Faculty (5 - 10%).
  • Ability to work onsite in Corporate or Campus location (in a typical office environment) may be required based on role. If so, this would include being mobile within the office, including movement from floor-to-floor using elevators or stairs.
  • If offsite or hybrid role, must have access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
  • Faculty and Federal Work Study roles require access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including computer, privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
  • This role may require lifting, however reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with our ADA policies.
  • Must be able to meet critical thinking and problem solving aspects aligned to job duties, as well as effectively communicating with co-workers.
  • Must be able to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant. Accommodations related to schedule may be considered.
  • Able to access information using a computer.
  • Other essential functions and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

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SEI offers a comprehensive package of benefits to employees scheduled 30 hours or more per week. In addition to medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, SEI employees may take advantage of well-being incentives, parental leave, paid time off, certain paid holidays, tax saving accounts (FSA, HSA), 401(k) retirement benefit, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, tuition assistance as well as entertainment and retail discounts. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay, if applicable.

Careers - Our Benefits, Strategic Education, Inc


SEI is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture where individuals can grow their careers and contribute fully. We strive to attract talent with broad experiences, skills and perspectives. We welcome applications from all. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the pay range at SEI, we offer a competitive salary. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate may vary depending on multiple factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay equity. Our Talent Acquisition Team is ready to discuss your interest in joining SEI. The expected salary range for this position is below.

$67,700.00 - $101,500.00 - Salary


If you require reasonable accommodations to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at Careers@strategiced.com.

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