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Songwriting Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oakwood Creative Care

Music Instructor

Chandler, AZ · On-site

We welcome instructors who want to build programming around their unique talents and interests ... Songwriting and lyric creation * Music appreciation and history * Rhythm and movement classes

Kids Orbit Inc

Music Instructor

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

Requirements Candidates should... * be an accomplished instrumentalist who can lead musical games and activities and introduce songwriting to young children. We do not offer music lessons. * have ...

Kids Orbit Inc

Music Instructor

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

Requirements Candidates should... * be an accomplished instrumentalist who can lead musical games and activities and introduce songwriting to young children. We do not offer music lessons. * have ...

Riff Music School

Music Teacher

Westminster, CO · On-site

$21.50 - $27/hr

As a Riff teacher, you'll be more than an instructor - you'll be a mentor, motivator, and ... songwriting, audio engineering, music production, and band management. * Inspire students by ...

Riff Music School

Music Teacher

Westminster, CO

$21.50 - $27/hr

As a Riff teacher, you'll be more than an instructor - you'll be a mentor, motivator, and ... songwriting, audio engineering, music production, and band management. * Inspire students by ...

Riff Music School

Music Teacher

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$21.50 - $27/hr

As a Riff teacher, you'll be more than an instructor -- you'll be a mentor, motivator, and ... songwriting, audio engineering, music production, and band management. * Inspire students by ...

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Songwriting Instructor information

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How much do songwriting instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for songwriting instructor in the United States is $21.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a songwriting instructor do?

A Songwriting Instructor teaches students how to write songs, including developing lyrics, melodies, chord progressions, and song structures. They guide students through creative processes, provide feedback, and help them understand music theory relevant to songwriting. Instructors may work with individuals or groups, tailoring lessons to different skill levels and musical genres. Their goal is to empower students to express themselves musically and create original compositions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a songwriting instructor?

To thrive as a Songwriting Instructor, you need a strong background in music theory, composition, and lyric writing, often demonstrated by a degree in music or extensive professional experience. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), notation software, and possibly teaching certifications is typically required. Excellent communication, creativity, and mentorship abilities help engage and inspire students of varying skill levels. These skills ensure that instructors can effectively teach songwriting techniques, foster creative growth, and adapt to diverse learning needs.

What are some common challenges a songwriting instructor faces when teaching students with varying musical backgrounds?

Songwriting Instructors often encounter students with diverse levels of musical theory knowledge, instrument proficiency, and songwriting experience. Balancing lesson plans to address these differences while keeping everyone engaged can be challenging. Instructors typically tailor their approach by providing foundational exercises for beginners and more advanced creative assignments for experienced students, ensuring each student feels supported and challenged. Open communication and adaptive teaching methods are essential for creating an inclusive and productive learning environment.

What is the difference between Songwriting Instructor vs Music Teacher?

AspectSongwriting InstructorMusic Teacher
CredentialsMusic background, songwriting experience, teaching skillsMusic education degree, teaching certification
Work EnvironmentPrivate lessons, workshops, music schoolsSchools, community centers, private lessons
Industry UsageFocuses on songwriting techniques and creative developmentTeaches various instruments or general music theory

While both roles involve teaching music, a Songwriting Instructor specializes in guiding students through the craft of writing songs, focusing on lyrics, melody, and structure. A Music Teacher may cover broader topics like instrument skills or music theory. The choice depends on whether the learner wants to develop songwriting skills specifically or pursue general music education.

What jobs can you get with a songwriting instructor degree?

A songwriting instructor degree can qualify you for roles such as music teacher, songwriting coach, or music workshop facilitator. These positions often involve teaching songwriting techniques, mentoring students, and working in educational or studio environments, sometimes requiring knowledge of music theory and recording tools.
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What job categories do people searching Songwriting Instructor jobs look for?

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Songwriting Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Songwriting Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,102 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Music Program Instructor - Learn & Earn Program

Chicago, IL • On-site

After School Matters
201 - 500 employees

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 223 rated education and training

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about After School Mattersexternal

$20 - $27/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Summary of Position: This is a part-time position scheduled for approximately 18 hours per week for 6 weeks. The program runs from June 22, 2026 through July 31, 2026.
The Music Program Instructor will be responsible for teaching teens foundational and advanced skills in music recording, songwriting, production, chorus performance, and music artist development. The instructor will guide teens through the creative process, support their artistic growth, and prepare them for a culminating showcase performance at the end of the session.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Plan and facilitate a 6-week curriculum, including field trips (e.g., recording studios, music venues) and recruiting guest speakers from various music disciplines to enhance training.
  • Create structure and support for teens, including agenda setting, group norms, and adherence to ASM's supportive behavior management plan and incident reporting procedures.
  • Teach participants the fundamentals of songwriting, music production, vocal performance, and collaborative music-making.
  • Lead teens in planning and executing a final showcase performance, demonstrating their learning and original creative work.
  • Conduct teen interviews, select participants by roster deadlines, and complete all required data entry (interview outcomes, attendance, checklists, program reports, surveys).
  • Prepare and manage program budgets in accordance with ASM guidelines.
  • Guide teens through hands-on creative projects, including recording sessions, songwriting workshops, chorus rehearsals, and production labs.
  • Supervise teens at an average 10:1 teen-to-instructor ratio.
  • Intentionally expose participants to a wide range of music careers, including performing, producing, engineering, songwriting, and artist management.
  • Maintain a complete program curriculum plan following ASM's Program Planner expectations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstrated practical knowledge of music performance, production, or songwriting.
  • Classroom or group management experience preferred.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with teens, parents, ASM staff, guest artists, and community partners.
  • Intermediate computer skills, including familiarity with Google Suite and basic music software.
  • Cultural competence and the ability to support teens from diverse backgrounds.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field preferred; high school diploma or GED required.
  • Experience working in the music industry or a related creative field is highly preferred.
  • Experience teaching or mentoring teens is highly preferred.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and youth development is required.

Program Schedule:
Summer programs run June 22, 2026 - July 31, 2026, Monday through Thursday. Additional hours are allotted for planning, professional development, and meetings. Program hours: 10:00 am - 2:15 pm.
Compensation: $20-27 per hour, depending on experience and education.
About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.
Thirty-five years later, now known as After School Matters, our program has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation's largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens. No other organization offers programs to high school students at the scale and quality that we do.
We offer paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including four ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and Orleans, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters' annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization. For more information, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org.
EEO: After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.

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