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Music Theory Composition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

High Point University

Instructor, Music

High Point, NC · On-site

Master's degree in Percussion, Music Theory, Composition, or a related field * Experience teaching at the college/university level * Experience teaching Applied Percussion * Experience directing ...

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Carrollton, TX · Remote

$40/hr

Emphasizes connecting theoretical knowledge to practical musicianship and applies music theory to composition, arranging, and performance interpretation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

KY · Remote

$40/hr

Emphasizes connecting theoretical knowledge to practical musicianship and applies music theory to composition, arranging, and performance interpretation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$40/hr

Emphasizes connecting theoretical knowledge to practical musicianship and applies music theory to composition, arranging, and performance interpretation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

SD · Remote

$40/hr

Emphasizes connecting theoretical knowledge to practical musicianship and applies music theory to composition, arranging, and performance interpretation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

WY · Remote

$40/hr

Emphasizes connecting theoretical knowledge to practical musicianship and applies music theory to composition, arranging, and performance interpretation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

MI · Remote

$40/hr

Emphasizes connecting theoretical knowledge to practical musicianship and applies music theory to composition, arranging, and performance interpretation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Gainesville, FL · Remote

$40/hr

Emphasizes connecting theoretical knowledge to practical musicianship and applies music theory to composition, arranging, and performance interpretation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Chester, PA · Remote

$40/hr

Emphasizes connecting theoretical knowledge to practical musicianship and applies music theory to composition, arranging, and performance interpretation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Coral Gables, FL · Remote

$40/hr

Emphasizes connecting theoretical knowledge to practical musicianship and applies music theory to composition, arranging, and performance interpretation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Music Theory Tutor

Paramus, NJ · Remote

$40/hr

Emphasizes connecting theoretical knowledge to practical musicianship and applies music theory to composition, arranging, and performance interpretation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

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Music Theory Composition information

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$37.5K

$54.6K

$72.5K

How much do music theory composition jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for music theory composition in the United States is $54,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Music Theory Composition job?

A Music Theory Composition job involves creating, analyzing, and teaching music based on theoretical principles. Professionals in this field may compose original works, arrange pieces, or instruct students in harmony, counterpoint, and notation. They often work in academic settings, film scoring, game design, or live performance industries. Strong knowledge of musical structures, historical styles, and digital composition tools is essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Music Theory Composition position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Music Theory Composition, you need a deep understanding of music theory, proficiency in composition, and often a degree in music or a related field. Familiarity with notation software like Sibelius or Finale, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and sometimes certification in music theory or composition is important. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help composers excel in diverse settings from academic to commercial music production. These abilities ensure high-quality musical output, effective communication of ideas, and adaptability across different projects and teams.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in Music Theory Composition?

Daily responsibilities for professionals in Music Theory Composition often involve creating original musical pieces, arranging existing works, and developing scores for performances, film, or digital media. You may spend time collaborating with performers, conductors, or production teams to refine compositions and ensure they fit project requirements. Tasks also frequently include revising scores based on feedback, researching musical styles, and staying up to date on industry trends. This role requires a blend of independent creative work and teamwork, offering variety and the chance to contribute to a wide range of musical projects.

More about Music Theory Composition jobs
What cities are hiring for Music Theory Composition jobs? Cities with the most Music Theory Composition job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Theory Composition jobs? The most popular types of Music Theory Composition jobs are:
What states have the most Music Theory Composition jobs? States with the most job openings for Music Theory Composition jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Music Theory Composition jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Music Theory Composition jobs are:
Music Theory Composition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Theory Composition job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,560 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Music Theory & Composition Instructor

Jazz Hands For Autism

Culver City, CA

$25 - $28/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development

Position Title: Music Theory & Composition Instructor
Classification: Non-Exempt / Part-Time
About Us: Founded in May 2014 as a 501(c)(3) organization, Jazz Hands For Autism is a talent advocacy group that uses a strength-based approach to empower musicians with autism and amplify their voices by providing necessary resources and avenues that will assist them with forging a rewarding and career path as a working musician.
Our Mission: Provide platforms and avenues where musically inclined individuals on the autism spectrum can express and explore their talents.
Our Vision: We are working towards a world where individuals on the autism spectrum are fully integrated members of society who are confident in their ability to make valued social, cultural and economic contributions in their communities.
Our Values:
  • Music First!: We believe that our staff, students, and performers are musicians first; autism comes second. At Jazz Hands For Autism, We are all about T.H.E. M.U.S.I.C.
  • Creative Growth: Harness the self and the talents within by exploring new abilities.
  • Confidence: We work to enable the realization of the power of expression, and freedom with that expression.
  • Unity: We work to create an atmosphere of unity and equality.
  • Support: We work to encourage the development of confidence in abilities and talents.
  • Inclusivity: We are a community that welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, and we want everyone we work with to know that their contributions are valued.
  • Community: We work to create an atmosphere that fosters relationships, teamwork, and camaraderie across the spectrum and with individuals without autism.

We are seeking a highly motivated, reliable and creative individual to join our team. The ideal candidate is someone who truly loves working with teens and adults on the autism spectrum and is passionate about spreading the gift of musicianship. The ideal candidate is also someone with a high level of creativity and strong organizational skills.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Music Theory & Composition Instructor provides periods of education on the fundamentals of music in a variety of subjects including melody, harmony, rhythm, form, tonal systems, scales, tuning, intervals, and pitch. This education lays the foundation for JHFA students to progress in their specific area or instrument of discipline.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
  • Lead instructional sessions and coach students on the principles of music theory using Piano to guide lessons.
  • Ensure student learning of music theory and composition fundamentals as applicable to the course
  • Identifying student goals and differentiating instructions to provide relevant learning opportunities for each student
  • Assess and provide positive and constructive feedback on individual levels of knowledge pertaining to music theory, identify learning obstacles, and work with students to overcome these obstacles.
  • Preparing and encouraging students to connect music theory knowledge to overall music career goals, as applicable
  • Communicate expectations to students
  • Prepare and deliver course materials
  • Evaluate student learning and assign progress reports
  • Involve and encourage students to set good learning habits.
  • Use instructional aids and leverage resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (e.g. Blackboards/whiteboards, technology, make arrangements for guest speakers, etc.)
  • Develop sequenced lesson plan and curriculum in your field of practice
  • Design interactive and motivational activities to fully engage students and to reinforce student learning.
  • Respond to student needs and questions
  • Create a high-performance environment in which students of diverse backgrounds are motivated to succeed
  • Stay current and polished in the professional body of knowledge your field of practice
  • Communicate with appropriate levels of JHFA leadership on a timely basis
  • Maintain clean, organized, and personalized classroom space, or organized virtual classroom structure.

REQUIREMENTS
  • BA, or equivalent relevant experience, or a combination thereof in Music Performance, Music Composition or related field.
  • Must be proficient in piano. Expertise in other instruments is preferred but not required.
  • Must be available to teach classes at times scheduled by JHFA.
  • Must have the following characteristics:
    • Represent JHFA, maintaining a professional attitude at all times
    • Have a willingness to learn
    • Be solutions oriented
    • Maintain open mindedness
    • Act with transparency
    • Act with initiative
  • Must be able to complete an Introduction to Autism Online Course within 30 days after the start date.
  • Experience with working with people with disabilities/autism is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics for this position are typical of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
TRAVEL
This position is required to travel locally on occasion.
WE VALUE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION!
Jazz Hands for Autism believes in creating long-term relationships by being responsive and relevant and by consistently delivering value to our employees, our students, and our community. Specifically with our employees, we focus on attracting, developing and retaining the best talent, challenging our people, demonstrating a can-do attitude and fostering a collaborative and mutually supportive environment.
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected age classification, ancestry, color, religious creed, marital status, military and veteran status, national origin, race, sex, gender, gender identity, and gender expression. Jazz Hands For Autism will make every reasonable effort to accommodate individuals based on their disability status.