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Music Historian information

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$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do music historian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for music historian in the United States is $86,335.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a music historian?

A Music Historian researches, analyzes, and interprets the history of music, including its cultural, social, and technological influences. They study various musical periods, genres, and composers, often working in museums, universities, or archives. Their work may involve writing books, curating exhibits, teaching, or preserving historical recordings and documents. Music Historians help deepen our understanding of how music has evolved and its impact on society.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a music historian?

A Music Historian typically needs a deep knowledge of music history, strong research abilities, and an advanced degree (often a master's or Ph.D. in musicology or a related field). Familiarity with academic databases, music analysis software, archival research methods, and sometimes language proficiency or specialized certifications is common. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication skills set top professionals apart. These skills enable music historians to accurately interpret, preserve, and communicate the significance of musical works and trends across eras.

What are the typical career paths and advancement opportunities for a music historian?

Music Historians often begin their careers in academia, museums, or archival institutions, conducting research and teaching or curating musical collections. With experience, they may advance to senior researcher positions, direct museum or library programs, consult for media and publishing companies, or serve as subject matter experts for documentaries and educational content. Networking through conferences and publishing influential research can open doors to higher-level academic, curatorial, or administrative roles. Career growth in this field often depends on continued scholarship, contributions to the field, and the ability to secure research grants or institutional leadership positions.

How much do music historians make?

Music historians typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary widely based on whether they work in academia, museums, archives, or media, and advanced degrees or specialized knowledge can influence earning potential.

Is musicology a good career?

Musicology is a specialized field within music history that involves research, analysis, and interpretation of musical works and their cultural contexts. Careers often include academia, research institutions, museums, and archives, requiring strong analytical skills and knowledge of music theory and history. Job prospects can be competitive and typically require advanced degrees such as a master's or doctorate.

What does a music historian do?

A music historian researches and analyzes the history and development of music, including genres, composers, and cultural impacts. They often work with archival materials, write scholarly articles, and may teach or present findings at conferences. Strong research skills and knowledge of music theory are essential for this role.

What jobs can you get with a music historian degree?

A music historian can pursue careers such as music archivist, researcher, music librarian, or educator, often working in museums, archives, universities, or cultural institutions. These roles typically require strong research, writing, and analytical skills, and may involve working with historical recordings, manuscripts, or educational programs.
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Music Historian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Historian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Historian/Destination Speaker

American Cruise Lines

Charleston, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Historian/Destination Speaker
American Cruise Lines, the world's leading small ship cruise line, is adding to its team of onboard Historians and Destination Speakers and is looking for passionate individuals to enhance the onboard experience. Discover the best of America and the country's most beautiful waterways while visiting the unique cities and towns along the way. American Cruise Lines' guests are well-traveled individuals looking for a destination-focused adventure, where they will have the opportunity to explore the history, culture and natural scenery of each unique port visited. Our Historian and Destination Speakers play an integral role in the guest experience through educational presentations, underway commentary, port overviews, casual talks and group discussions.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
General Qualifications:
  • Extremely polished public speaking skills required.
  • Excellent and polished presentation skills.
  • Extraordinarily knowledgeable of the history, geography, ecology, ports of call, and other points of interest within the cruise itinerary.
  • Strong interpersonal and social skills required.
  • Must possess a strong sense of production and presentation.
  • Must be enthusiastic, outgoing, confident, friendly, sociable, service-minded, and always have a can-do attitude.
  • Excellent time management and attention to detail.

Region-specific Minimum Requirements Include:
West Coast Itineraries (with extensive knowledge of either)
  • Puget Sound & Alaska - Topics should include Marine Wildlife, Glaciers & Ice Fields, Native American & Alaskan Native Cultures, Geology, Forests & Ecosystems, Exploration & Settlement, and The Fishing & Seafood Industry.
  • The Columbia & Snake Rivers - Topics should include Lewis & Clark, Native American Culture, Geology, Wildlife & Ecology, Wine & Agriculture, and Hydropower & Dams, Mt. St. Helens, the Oregon Trail and River Navigation.

Mississippi River (& Tributaries) Itineraries
  • Extensive knowledge of the Upper or Lower Mississippi, Ohio, or Tennessee & Cumberland Rivers.
  • Topics should include The Civil War & Historic Battles, The Louisiana Purchase, Agriculture & Industry, River Navigation, Music & Cultural Contributions, Culinary Traditions, Native American Cultures, Mark Twain & Literature, Floods & River Management, and Architecture & Historic Homes.

East Coast Itineraries (with extensive knowledge of either)
  • New England - Topics should include Colonial History, Maritime Heritage, The Revolutionary War, Lighthouses & Navigation, Literary & Artistic Contributions, Lobstering & Fishing Industry, Architectural Styles, Whaling, and Culinary Traditions.
  • Chesapeake Bay - Topics should include Jamestown, Williamsburg & Early American History, Native American Cultures, Maritime Heritage, The Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, The Civil War and Crabbing & Oystering.
  • The Historic South - Topics should include Colonial & Antebellum History, The Civil War, The Revolutionary War, Gullah Culture & Heritage, Architectural Styles & Historic Homes, Southern Literature, the Civil Rights Movement, Maritime History, Southern Culinary Traditions and Southern Gardens & Horticulture.
  • Florida - Topics should include the Spanish Exploration, Native American History, The Everglades & Ecosystems, Pirates & Maritime History, Marine Wildlife, Hemingway & Literature, Architectural Styles, and Hurricanes & Weather Patterns.

Great Lakes Itineraries
  • Topics should include Native American Cultures, French & British Exploration, The War of 1812, Maritime Heritage & Shipwrecks, Lighthouses & Navigation, Immigration & Industry, Architecture & Historic Cities, Music & Artistic Contributions, Culinary Traditions and Wildlife & Ecology.

Responsibilities:
  • Provide daily formal presentations (45-60 mins each).
  • All presentations should be supported by PowerPoint visuals.
  • Provide narration/commentary while the ship is underway from port to port during daylight hours, broadcast over the ship's PA system to public lounges, outer decks and into guest staterooms.
  • Present daily 15-20 min Port Previews and Q&A for all ports of call included on the cruise.
  • Participate in daily hosting of Shore Excursions providing coach commentary when needed.
  • Dine with guests each evening.
  • Be available to guests throughout the day and evening for one-on-one chats and socialization.

Work Schedule:
  • 7 Days per week while onboard the ship.
  • Weeks working and living onboard the ship range depending on candidate availability and regional needs.
  • Covered Expenses - American Cruise Lines provides travel to and from your assigned vessel, along with room and board.

Attributes for Success:
  • Passion for building relationships and speaking about American history.
  • Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise.
  • Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests.
  • Positive attitude and receptive to continuous performance feedback.
  • Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment.

*Job sites across the nation*

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