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Music Degree Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vocal Teacher

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$42 - $50/hr

Our ideal candidate has a degree in music with an emphasis in vocal pedagogy or performance and at least two years of teaching experience. Ideally they are also able to teach piano through level 2 or ...

Showing results 21-40

Music Degree information

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$30.5K

$57.7K

$121.5K

How much do music degree jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for music degree 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 types of career paths can someone with a music degree pursue beyond performance?

A music degree opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities outside of performing, such as music education, arts administration, music therapy, audio engineering, and music publishing. Many graduates find fulfilling roles as teachers, program coordinators, or music directors in schools, community organizations, or non-profit arts groups. Others may work in recording studios, manage artists, or handle music licensing. The skills developed in a music degree, such as collaboration, creativity, and discipline, are highly valued across these diverse fields.

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

To thrive as a professional musician, you need strong musical proficiency, a solid understanding of music theory, and typically a formal music degree or equivalent training. Mastery of instruments or vocals, familiarity with music production software (such as Logic Pro or Pro Tools), and knowledge of recording techniques are commonly required. Creativity, discipline, and collaboration are vital soft skills that enhance performance and adaptability in various musical settings. These skills are essential for artistic expression, professional growth, and sustained success in a competitive industry.

What is the difference between Music Degree vs Music Teacher?

AspectMusic DegreeMusic Teacher
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in music or related fieldOften requires a degree in music and teaching certification
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, private studios, online platformsSchools, community centers, private lessons, online teaching
Industry UsageAcademic institutions, music programs, private sectorEducational settings, music schools, private clients
Common Search IntentUnderstanding educational background for music careersFinding qualified music instructors or teaching opportunities

While a Music Degree provides foundational knowledge and credentials in music, a Music Teacher applies that expertise to instruct students. Both roles often overlap in credentials and work environments, but their primary focus differs: one on education and study, the other on teaching and mentorship.

Is a music degree career worth it?

A music degree can lead to careers such as performer, educator, or composer, often requiring strong technical skills and networking. Job prospects vary based on specialization, experience, and location, with income potential influenced by reputation and opportunities for freelance or contract work.

Is it worth doing a music degree?

A music degree can provide foundational skills in performance, theory, and music technology, which are valuable for careers such as performer, composer, or music educator. However, job prospects often depend on additional experience, networking, and industry demand, making practical skills and internships important for success.

What can you do with a music degree?

A music degree prepares individuals for careers such as performer, music educator, composer, conductor, music therapist, or sound engineer. It often involves developing skills in performance, music theory, and audio technology, and may require certifications or experience in specific instruments or software. Graduates can work in schools, concert venues, recording studios, or private studios.

What careers in music pay the most?

High-paying careers in music include roles such as music directors, composers for film and television, and audio engineers working in recording studios or live sound. These positions often require advanced skills, industry experience, and sometimes specialized certifications, with salaries varying based on location and level of expertise.
More about Music Degree jobs

What cities are hiring for Music Degree jobs?

Cities with the most Music Degree job openings:

What states have the most Music Degree jobs?

States with the most job openings for Music Degree jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Music Degree jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Music Degree jobs are:

Infographic showing various Music Degree job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,731 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Music Education Instructor (Evergreen)

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$46K - $48K/mo

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Colorado State University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

466th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description


Position Summary
The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance may seek full time or part time, temporary Music Instructors to teach Music Education courses in the music division, and in administrative roles coordinating special programs.
Applicants are added to the pool list throughout the calendar year. Hiring decisions are made during the late spring and early summer for fall semester, during the early fall semester for spring and during the spring semester for the summer term.
Full Consideration Date
December 31, 2026
Brief Work Unit Description
The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (SMTD) at Colorado State University empowers students to create, collaborate, innovate, and inspire. Through teaching, creative artistry, research, advocacy, and service, we elevate arts education. SMTD has 46 tenured and tenure-track faculty as well as 55 contract, continuing and adjunct faculty. There are currently over 550 students in SMTD, with 375 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in residential and online music degree programs. SMTD is housed in the University Center for the Arts, a nationally recognized state of the art 350,000 square foot facility, that includes a 550-seat concert hall, a 275-seat organ and chamber music recital hall, a 320-seat thrust theatre, a 100-seat black box theatre, a 200-seat dance theatre, dedicated rehearsal, production and research spaces, along with classrooms, labs and practice rooms.
Salary Range
$46,000-$48,000 9-month base salary (prorated for part-time work).
Essential Job Duties
  • Teaching assignment in Music Education, Methods and/or related topics based on department needs.
  • Service to the Music program.
  • Office Hours are required.

Conditions of Employment
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
Supervision
Does not have any direct reports.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Music or Music Education.
  • Experience working in public schools.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Documented teaching experience at the college or university level.

Application Instructions
Submit a cover letter, and updated CV/Resume.
This pool expires on December 31, 2026. Individuals wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
  • Review our detailed benefits information here.
  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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About Colorado State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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