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Music Theory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Winthrop University

Music Theory Tutor

Rock Hill, SC · On-site

Posting Details Position Information Winthrop Position Title Music Theory Tutor Job Purpose To help/tutor theory students who need extra help Duties and Responsibilities The music theory tutor will ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

SD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Chester, PA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Coral Gables, FL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Gainesville, FL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

WY · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Carrollton, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

KY · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Portland, OR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Minneapolis, MN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Brownsville, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Bryan, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Spanish Fork, UT · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Salem, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Paramus, NJ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Hempstead, NY · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Music Theory tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

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Music Theory information

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$20K

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How much do music theory jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for music theory in the United States is $54,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is music theory?

Music theory is the study of the fundamental elements of music, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and form. It provides a framework for understanding how music works, how pieces are constructed, and how musicians communicate ideas. Learning music theory helps musicians read, write, and analyze music more effectively, and enhances creativity in composing and performing. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced musician, understanding music theory can deepen your appreciation and mastery of music.

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

To thrive as a Music Theorist, you need a deep understanding of music analysis, composition, and a strong background in music theory, usually supported by a degree in music or music theory. Familiarity with notation software (such as Sibelius or Finale), digital audio workstations, and academic research tools is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for interpreting complex musical works and sharing findings. These skills enable music theorists to contribute valuable insights to the academic and performing arts communities, advancing both scholarship and practice.

What are some common challenges faced by music theory instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Music theory instructors often encounter challenges such as varying levels of student preparedness, differing learning styles, and engagement with complex concepts. To address these issues, successful instructors use a variety of teaching methods, offer supplemental resources, and encourage active participation through practical exercises like composition or analysis. Collaborating with performance faculty and adapting lesson plans to individual or group needs can also enhance student understanding and motivation.

What is the difference between Music Theory vs Music Composition?

AspectMusic TheoryMusic Composition
Required CredentialsMusic theory courses, music degrees, certifications in music analysisMusic composition degrees, portfolio, sometimes certifications in music technology
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, research, analysis, private lessonsStudio, recording environments, live performance settings
Industry UsageUsed by educators, analysts, performers for understanding music structureUsed by composers, songwriters, producers to create new music

Music Theory focuses on understanding the structure, harmony, and notation of music, while Music Composition involves creating original music pieces. Both fields often overlap but serve different roles in the music industry, with theory providing foundational knowledge and composition applying that knowledge creatively.

What can you do with a music theory degree?

A music theory degree prepares individuals for careers such as composer, music educator, music analyst, or arranger. It provides skills in musical analysis, composition, and understanding of musical structures, which are valuable in various roles within the music industry, education, and production environments.
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What cities are hiring for Music Theory jobs?

Cities with the most Music Theory job openings:

What states have the most Music Theory jobs?

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

The top searched job categories for Music Theory jobs are:

Music Theory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Theory 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 $54,498 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Theory, full-time

Society for Music Theory

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Theory – Full‑time GENERAL INFORMATION

The Department of Music at Emory University invites applications for a one‑year Visiting Assistant Professor position in Music Theory to begin August 2026. The successful candidate will be an outstanding teacher and scholar who is committed to and experienced in mentoring a diverse undergraduate student community.

Start Date: 1 August 2026

This is a full‑time position with health benefits.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will teach five courses during the academic year, two in Fall 2026 and three in Spring 2027. Both semesters will include the basic music theory and aural skills sequence designed for music majors, and in one semester, the candidate will teach a seminar in the area of their expertise.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications include a PhD in music theory by the time of appointment; demonstrated commitment to teaching undergraduates; evidence of significant scholarly contributions to the field; and an ability to articulate how the study of music contributes to a liberal arts education.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants should submit the following materials to Laura Emmery via email (laura.emmery@emory.edu): a letter of interest, a CV, and contact information for three professional references who are familiar with your teaching and scholarship.

PREFERRED APPLICATION DEADLINE

May 1, 2026

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Yes

OTHER INFORMATION

Emory University is located in Atlanta, a major metropolitan area and cultural center. The Department of Music serves more than 100 music majors across three tracks: performance, composition, and history/theory/culture. The department enjoys close relationships with notable Atlanta arts organizations, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Emory University is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

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