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Music Theory Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Music Theory Tutor

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$12.77/hr

... by Music Theory professor. 6. Minimum GPA: 3.0. Preferred Qualifications: 1. Preferred GPA: 3.5 or above. 2. Excellent level of responsibility, trustworthiness, reliability, and organization. Work ...

Music Theory Tutor

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$12.77/hr

... by Music Theory professor. 6. Minimum GPA: 3.0. Preferred Qualifications: 1. Preferred GPA: 3.5 or above. 2. Excellent level of responsibility, trustworthiness, reliability, and organization. Work ...

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Music Theory Professor information

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$11K

$54.6K

$85.5K

How much do music theory professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for music theory 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 in the Music Theory Professor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Music Theory Professor, you need an advanced degree in music theory or a closely related field, strong analytical skills, and expertise in both classical and contemporary music theory. Facility with music notation software (such as Sibelius or Finale), digital audio workstations, and familiarity with learning management systems are often required. Exceptional communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and effective classroom management. These abilities are vital for inspiring students, designing challenging curricula, and maintaining high academic standards.

What are the typical teaching responsibilities and expectations for a Music Theory Professor during an academic year?

Music Theory Professors are generally expected to teach multiple undergraduate and, in some cases, graduate courses each semester, ranging from introductory fundamentals to advanced analysis and composition. In addition to classroom instruction, they prepare course materials, design assessments, and provide individual feedback to students. Outside of teaching, they may advise students, collaborate with faculty on curriculum development, participate in departmental meetings, and contribute to scholarly or performance activities. The balance between teaching, service, and research duties can vary by institution, but dedication to student learning and academic growth is a constant expectation.

How to get a job as a music professor?

To become a music theory professor, candidates typically need a master's or doctoral degree in music or a related field, along with strong performance and teaching skills. Gaining experience through teaching assistantships, internships, or adjunct positions, and building a professional network are also important steps. Certification or credentials may be required for certain institutions or regions.

What does a Music Theory Professor do?

A Music Theory Professor teaches students about the structure and principles of music, including harmony, melody, rhythm, and composition. They develop course materials, conduct lectures, and guide students in analyzing musical works. Additionally, they may conduct research, publish scholarly papers, and contribute to the academic community. Some also mentor students in composition and performance. Their goal is to deepen students' understanding of how music functions and is created.

What kind of jobs can I get with a music theory degree?

A music theory degree can lead to careers such as university professor, music analyst, composer, arranger, or music educator. These roles often require strong analytical skills, knowledge of music notation software, and sometimes additional certifications or teaching credentials.

What jobs can I get with a PhD in music?

A PhD in music qualifies individuals for academic positions such as university music professors, researchers, and curriculum developers. It can also lead to roles in musicology, ethnomusicology, composition, and music theory research, often requiring strong analytical, teaching, and research skills, as well as familiarity with music software and scholarly publishing.

Are music professors in demand?

Music professors are employed primarily in colleges, universities, and conservatories, with demand influenced by enrollment trends and funding for arts programs. While competition can be high, positions are available for those with advanced degrees, strong teaching skills, and expertise in music theory or performance. Job growth is generally steady but varies by region and institution type.
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Infographic showing various Music Theory Professor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,611 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Music Theory Grader/Tutor - School of Music

Music Theory Grader/Tutor - School of Music

Liberty

Lynchburg, VA

$12.77/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

School of Music student workers support the administrative and production needs of the School of Music. Daily functions include supporting the practice rooms, classes, ensembles, concerts, and recitals throughout each semester.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Grade student assignments for music theory and musicianship courses under faculty direction and provide tutoring services for students in music theory and musicianship courses.

Basic Functions:

  • Grade music theory and musicianship assignments
  • Tutor at 1-2 tutoring sessions each week
  • Other administrative tasks as assigned
  • Provides excellent customer service to the professors and students of the School of Music.
  • Communicates effectively through both written and spoken means with supervisor, professors, and students.
  • Represents and serves the School of Music in a professional, kind, and humble manner.
  • Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.
  • Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU's Christian model and Mission - Training Champions for Christ.

Additional information may be found here

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Minimum:
  • Self-motivated and organized
  • Able to work independently
  • Must be a School of Music major
  • Willingness to maintain confidentiality of student information
  • Hire is based on recommendation by Music Theory professor
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0

Preferred:

  • Preferred GPA: 3.5 or above
  • Excellent level of responsibility, trustworthiness, reliability, and organization

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension
  • Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
  • Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
  • Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Computer skills - Microsoft Suite
Problem Solving
  • Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
Physical and Sensory Abilities
  • Rarely required to travel across campus
  • Regularly required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
  • Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
  • Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus.
  • Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
  • Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate.

Driving Requirements

If the employee is required to travel in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the use of one's personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel. Proof of a valid driver's license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee's position.

Time Type

Part time

Location

Onsite

Pay Rate

Starting at $12.77


Student employees are paid at least the current Virginia minimum wage per hour. Pay may vary by position and department based on job responsibilities, required skills, available funding, and market conditions.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.