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Music Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adjunct - Music Department (Evergreen) Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen Institute of Technology is a small college that offers undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science, Game Design ...

Music Office Assistant

Forest City, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

This position will report to the Music Department Chair in coordination with the Choral and Instrumental Directors. The successful candidate will be friendly and welcoming, highly organized and ...

Music Office Assistant

Forest City, IA

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

This position will report to the Music Department Chair in coordination with the Choral and Instrumental Directors. The successful candidate will be friendly and welcoming, highly organized and ...

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Music Department information

See salary details

$30.5K

$57.7K

$121.5K

How much do music department jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for music department 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 Department vs Music Producer?

AspectMusic DepartmentMusic Producer
CredentialsMusic degrees, certifications in music theory or educationMusic industry experience, sometimes formal music training
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, theaters, concert hallsRecording studios, production companies, music labels
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, universities, arts organizationsRecord labels, film/TV production, independent artists
Common Search/ComparisonEducational roles, curriculum developmentMusic production, recording, and project management

The Music Department typically involves educational, organizational, or institutional roles focused on music education, administration, or coordination. In contrast, a Music Producer is primarily involved in overseeing music recording projects, managing production processes, and shaping the sound of recordings. While both roles require musical knowledge, the Music Department leans toward education and administration, whereas the Music Producer focuses on the creative and technical aspects of music production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Music Department role, and why are they important?

To excel in a Music Department, you generally need a solid background in music theory, performance, and often a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with music production software, notation programs, and audio equipment is typically required. Strong collaboration, creativity, and communication skills help individuals work effectively with students, faculty, and performers. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality music education, productions, and fostering a vibrant musical community.

How does collaboration typically work within a Music Department in a professional setting?

Within a Music Department, collaboration is fundamental and often involves working closely with other musicians, composers, conductors, and technical staff. Team members regularly coordinate to prepare for performances, recordings, or educational events, ensuring that everyone is aligned on artistic direction and logistical details. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as schedules and creative input can change frequently. This collaborative environment fosters both personal growth and stronger collective results, making it ideal for those who thrive in team-oriented, creative settings.

What does the music department do?

The music department is responsible for organizing, teaching, and supporting music education and performance within a school, college, or other organization. It typically offers courses in music theory, history, performance, and composition, and may also oversee ensembles such as bands, choirs, and orchestras. Faculty and staff in the music department help students develop their musical skills and may also produce concerts and other musical events throughout the year.
More about Music Department jobs
What cities are hiring for Music Department jobs? Cities with the most Music Department job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Department jobs? The most popular types of Music Department jobs are:
What states have the most Music Department jobs? States with the most job openings for Music Department jobs include:
Infographic showing various Music Department job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,731 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
Production Manager - Music Department

Production Manager - Music Department

William Paterson University

Wayne, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.
William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community-designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution-committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes' Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award.
Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings-preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Chair of the Music Department with dotted line reporting to Managing Director, Shea Center for the Performing Arts, the Production Manager leads end-to-end production for Music Department events presented in Shea Center and Black Box Theatre spaces-including the Jazz Series and Summer Jazz Series, musical theatre, opera, major department concerts, smaller ensemble performances, student recitals in Shea 101, and midday series-ensuring that each engagement is advanced, staffed, and executed safely, on schedule, and within budget.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
  • Builds season production calendars and staffing plans.
  • Coordinates technical riders and venue needs and prepares preliminary parttime staffing budgets for leadership review.
  • Schedules rehearsals, load-ins, performances, and load-outs, in collaboration with UPA and the Music Chair.
  • Supervises student workers and overhire crews (with attention to limited student availability and work-study opportunities); and supports select University and Shea events as needed, consistent with Music Chair approval processes.
  • Provides technical oversight across lighting, sound, set builds, rigging, costumes/props, and special effects-maintaining safe operations, compliance with University policies and public assembly standards.
  • Presents clear documentation and communication among artists, faculty, designers, and vendors.
  • Mentors student technicians and stage managers, reinforcing professional practices in a learning environment.
  • Serves as Production Stage Manager for rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances, including those for curricular staged musical works, coordinates props and costumes from the University's collection, takes detailed blocking notes, conducts script analysis, and develops prompt books, maintaining consistency, communication, and safety across performances.
  • Other duties as necessary and appropriate for the position.

Education and Experience
  • A bachelor's degree in technical theatre, theatre production, production management, or a closely related field is required. A Master's degree/MFA in technical theatre or production management is preferred.
  • Three to five or more years substantial hands-on experience overseeing technical teams and productions in professional theatre or live performance.
  • Certificates or advanced coursework in areas such as audio engineering, lighting design, rigging, stage management, or Vectorworks/AutoCAD/QLab are highly valued, as is senior-level experience in arts/non-profit or university performing-arts centers.

Competencies/Skills Required
  • Strong command of venue safety and code compliance.
  • Expertise in budgeting and scheduling.
  • Communicates clearly under pressure to resolve issues, maintains meticulous documentation, and is proficient with industry tools such as Vectorworks or AutoCAD together with standard productivity software.
  • An ability to mentor and develop student technicians and early-career staff is central to the position's contribution to the University learning environment.
  • Must be reliable, punctual, and have theater experience.
  • The ability to read a musical score as needed for stage manager responsibilities.

Preferred qualifications
  • Advanced capability in lighting and sound system design and shop workflows.
  • Experience supervising mixed personnel groups that may include union crews.
  • Familiarity with current theatre technologies and rental-supported programming.
  • Experience within higher-education performing arts centers and successful collaboration across University arts units.

Other Information
This position requires the ability to move equipment weighing up to 30 pounds, prolonged standing during rehearsals and performances, and a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends. Consistent on-site presence is expected during major events, load-ins/outs, and critical production periods.
This description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees in the above job. It is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Starting Salary - AFT Range 21 - $66,067.40 - $75,985.55
This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans. To learn more, please visit: BENEFITS FOR PROFESSIONAL STAFF (AFT)
Invitation to apply
Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume/CV.
Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and all documents should be uploaded where prompted to upload your resume/cv.
General questions related to this application process, please contact humanresources@wpunj.edu.
Please include with your inquiry the Job Requisition number beginning with R as well as the job title and department.
Salary Range:
Please see posting.
Total Rewards and Benefits:
Click here to view the total rewards of working at WP
William Paterson University is committed to protecting your privacy and will not sell your personal information.
EEO Statement
William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit University Facts