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Music Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Music Department The Music Department at Cal Poly Pomona blends performance, creativity and technology to prepare you for diverse careers in music. With hands-on experiences, close faculty ...

College of Arts, Languages, and Letters, Department of Music Location: Manoa Date Posted: June 21, 2021 Closing Date: Continuous Salary Information: Minimum $2,053 per credit hour for classroom ...

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Music Department information

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$30.5K

$57.7K

$121.5K

How much do music department jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a music department role?

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 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 jobs can you do with the music department?

The music department offers various jobs such as music director, composer, sound engineer, music teacher, and production assistant. These roles often require skills in music theory, performance, audio editing, and familiarity with tools like digital audio workstations (DAWs). Many positions may also require relevant certifications or experience in the music industry.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,731 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Music (Cello)

St. Olaf College

Northfield, MN

$77K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Department of Music at St. Olaf College invites applications for a full-time, tenure track position in Cello at the rank of Assistant Professor, to begin August 2027. Responsibilities will include providing applied lessons in cello to music majors and non-majors; teaching string techniques; coaching chamber ensembles; teaching courses in the candidate's area of expertise; academic advising; and department- and college-wide service. Candidates with conducting experience may be considered to direct the St. Olaf Philharmonia Orchestra. 
Salary: $77,200 - $82,000 
Qualifications 
The successful candidate will be a teacher-artist with an emerging national presence and demonstrated ability to teach and perform violin across diverse musical styles. The candidate should be an active participant in the string community and should demonstrate a proven ability to recruit, retain, and foster an inclusive, vibrant undergraduate studio culture. A DMA degree or equivalent experience in cello performance and previous teaching experience at the collegiate level are preferred for this position.  
About the Department 
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Music Department at St. Olaf offers BA and BM degrees, and our graduates leave St. Olaf for the nation's finest graduate schools and further careers as performers (including with the Metropolitan Opera, the Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Indianapolis Symphonies). With 17 ensembles, three of which tour domestically and internationally, the Music Department serves approximately 900 students each year. Our faculty include nationally-recognized, award-winning teachers, performers, and composers. The Music Department is highly collaborative and is strongly committed to maintaining our traditions of inclusive excellence. For more information about the department, visit wp.stolaf.edu/music.

We strive to be a campus of welcome where students, faculty, and staff thrive by bringing their full humanity-gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic class, disability, religion, spirituality, and age-to St. Olaf each day. Our goal is to generate conversations and processes that over time create greater clarity, transparency, trust, cooperation, consensus, respect, and measurable outcomes. Practices that support this goal include listening, cultivating a growth mindset, respecting those with different views, being informed by data, and understanding that the work is ongoing, collaborative, organic, and ever evolving. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Community and Belonging website to learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts. 
How to Apply 
Throughout your materials, include how you would contribute to the development of a diverse and inclusive learning community at our college through your teaching, research, and/or service. A complete application includes the following: 
References: Provide contact information for three professional references who can speak to your abilities in teaching and scholarship. Letters will be solicited from references by the search committee for candidates who advance to the interview stage.  
Supporting Documents and URLS:

  1. Cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are interested in this particular position
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. Graduate transcripts (unofficial)
  4. Teaching Statement: A statement detailing your approach to teaching music performance in a liberal arts context that involves both music majors and talented non-majors, including your goals as a teacher and plans for continued pedagogical development and successful recruiting for the cello studio.  In this document please also include links to video recordings of up to three collegiate-level lessons with students at different proficiency levels. Each video should be no more than 30 minutes long.
  5. Professional Statement: A statement discussing your approach to professional work (performing, conducting, etc.) and how you see that work continuing to develop in a liberal arts college environment. This statement should include links to videos of you performing as a soloist, and if possible, as a chamber musician, demonstrating artistic and technical mastery in a variety of literature. Videos need not exceed 30 minutes in total length.

Review of applications will begin on October 19, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by that date will receive fullest consideration. Finalist interviews are expected in January, 2027. Questions about the position, department, or College may be directed to Marty Hodel, Search Committee Chair, at tt2027cello@stolaf.edu. 
 

Join Our Community - Work at St. Olaf!

Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College is a residential, coeducational liberal arts college with approximately 3,000 students and 800 faculty and staff. The college is located on a picturesque 300-acre campus in Northfield, Minnesota, a vibrant, historic river town of 20,000 located 45 minutes south of culturally rich and diverse Minneapolis and St. Paul. 

The college offers an academically rigorous, nationally ranked liberal arts education that fosters the development of the whole person in mind, body, and spirit and emphasizes learning in an inclusive and globally engaged community. We encourage applications from candidates committed to multicultural understanding and the enrichment of our diverse community.

The college offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 9% retirement match, contributions to eligible employees' health savings accounts, a significant tuition discount (up to a 90% reduction) at ACM, GLCA, and ELCA colleges and universities for employees' children, and generous paid time off. For a full review of the college's benefits, please see the summary of our benefits here: https://wp.stolaf.edu/hr/benefits/

To provide a safe and secure educational environment, St. Olaf College verifies the accuracy of all credentials presented by applicants and conducts a criminal background check on every new hire.

A summary of the Flexible Work Policy for staff: https://wp.stolaf.edu/hr/flexible-work-policy/

A link to our Community and Belonging page: https://wp.stolaf.edu/equity-inclusion/

A virtual campus tour: https://www.stolaf.edu/multimedia/play/?p=483

An overview of Northfield: https://wp.stolaf.edu/admissions/visit/northfield/

An overview of the Twin Cities: https://wp.stolaf.edu/admissions/visit/twincities/

For Staff Application Assistance:

hrstaff@stolaf.edu

507-786-3068

For Faculty Application Assistance:
facultysearch@stolaf.edu
507-786-3356

Nondiscrimination Policy

St. Olaf College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance.  St. Olaf College prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon these and any other legally protected status in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admissions and employment. 


Inquiries about this nondiscrimination policy may be referred to St. Olaf College's Director of Equal Opportunity, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, or both. St. Olaf's Director of Equal Opportunity (who serves as the College's Title IX, Title VI, and Section 504 Coordinator) is Pamela McDowell, Tomson Hall, mcdowell@stolaf.edu, (507) 786-3465.