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Music History Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Music History Professor information

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$11K

$54.6K

$85.5K

How much do music history professor jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for music history professor in the United States is $54,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27,500.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Music History Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Music History Professor, you need deep expertise in musicology, historical research, and teaching, typically demonstrated by a Ph.D. in music history or a related field. Familiarity with academic research databases, notation software, and learning management systems is commonly required. Outstanding communication, critical thinking, and mentorship abilities help engage students and foster a collaborative academic environment. These skills ensure effective teaching, meaningful scholarship, and the ability to inspire the next generation of musicians and scholars.

What are some common challenges faced by Music History Professors, and how can they be addressed?

Music History Professors often face the challenge of engaging students with diverse musical backgrounds and interests, especially when covering less familiar genres or periods. To address this, professors can incorporate multimedia resources, live demonstrations, and interactive discussions to make the material more accessible and relatable. Balancing research obligations with teaching responsibilities is another common challenge, which can be managed through effective time management and collaboration with colleagues. Staying updated with current scholarship and integrating contemporary perspectives also helps maintain course relevance and student interest.

What does a Music History Professor do?

A Music History Professor teaches courses about the development, context, and significance of music across different periods and cultures. They conduct research, publish scholarly articles, and guide students in understanding musical works within historical, social, and cultural frameworks. Professors may also curate lectures, organize performances, and mentor students pursuing music-related careers. Their work often involves analyzing musical scores, studying composers, and exploring the role of music in society.

What is the difference between Music History Professor vs Musicologist?

AspectMusic History ProfessorMusicologist
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Musicology or related field, teaching credentialsAdvanced degree in Musicology, research experience
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, academic settingsResearch institutions, archives, universities
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, academiaResearch organizations, museums, academia
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for teaching rolesFocuses on research and scholarly work

While both roles require advanced degrees in musicology, a Music History Professor primarily teaches at academic institutions, focusing on education and curriculum development. A Musicologist conducts research, analyzes musical works, and contributes to scholarly publications. The roles overlap in credentials and industry but differ in daily responsibilities and focus areas.

More about Music History Professor jobs
What cities are hiring for Music History Professor jobs? Cities with the most Music History Professor job openings:
What states have the most Music History Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Music History Professor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Music History Professor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 17% Full Time, 73% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,611 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Assistant /Associate Professor of Music History/Ethnomusicology (53764)

Assistant /Associate Professor of Music History/Ethnomusicology (53764)

Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Rank and Salary: Full-time, tenure track. Rank and salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY founded in 1869, is becoming recognized as one of the leading institutions of higher education in the southeast. With rigorous student-focused academic programs and a faculty comprised of world-class scholars, theses attributes have contributed to the U.S. News and World Report ranking Claflin thirteenth in its 2025 list of the nation's top historically black colleges/universities (HBCUs).
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC: The Claflin University Department of Music is an institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The department is also accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). As a degree-granting department, we offer two major programs of study: BA in Music Education and BA in Music and a jazz studies concentration.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The candidate will teach the western music history sequence and world music. Additional teaching responsibilities may include other courses within the candidate's areas of expertise. Oversee general education courses in Music Appreciation, Black Music and Jazz History. Develop and teach online courses. The candidate is expected to participate fully in departmental recruitment activities, promoting the department within the state, regionally, and nationally, committee service, grantsmanship and research obligations consistent with all faculty appointments.
A graduate degree in Music History/Ethnomusicology or related field is required. A competed doctorate is required for a tenure track appointment and the rank of Assistant Professor. ABD will be considered. The successful candidate will be expected to continue a research agenda and participate in service activities. Administrative experience and or knowledge about AI or modern technologies in music. The successful candidate will have: 1) a demonstrated record of excellence of teaching in higher education; 2) a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and music; 3) a strong knowledge and command of current technology with skills to teach in multiple learning modalities.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
  • Please send a letter of application addressing your qualifications including a statement of research/scholarship/creative practice
  • Statement of teaching philosophy and your motivation to teach at Claflin University
  • a current curriculum vita,
  • Sample of completed or in-progress research/creative activity
  • unofficial copies of transcripts of all graduate work.
  • Three current letters of recommendation and the addresses, telephone numbers and emails of at least five references will be requested at a later date.