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Songwriting Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Guitar Tutor

Virginia Beach, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting technique to musical goals and teaches practice strategies, connecting guitar to music theory, songwriting, and ensemble performance. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Varsity Tutors

Guitar Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting technique to musical goals and teaches practice strategies, connecting guitar to music theory, songwriting, and ensemble performance. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Varsity Tutors

Guitar Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting technique to musical goals and teaches practice strategies, connecting guitar to music theory, songwriting, and ensemble performance. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Varsity Tutors

Guitar Tutor

Richmond, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting technique to musical goals and teaches practice strategies, connecting guitar to music theory, songwriting, and ensemble performance. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Varsity Tutors

Guitar Tutor

Charlottesville, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting technique to musical goals and teaches practice strategies, connecting guitar to music theory, songwriting, and ensemble performance. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Varsity Tutors

Guitar Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting technique to musical goals and teaches practice strategies, connecting guitar to music theory, songwriting, and ensemble performance. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Varsity Tutors

Guitar Tutor

Salem, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting technique to musical goals and teaches practice strategies, connecting guitar to music theory, songwriting, and ensemble performance. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Varsity Tutors

Guitar Tutor

Norfolk, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting technique to musical goals and teaches practice strategies, connecting guitar to music theory, songwriting, and ensemble performance. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Varsity Tutors

Guitar Tutor

Blacksburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting technique to musical goals and teaches practice strategies, connecting guitar to music theory, songwriting, and ensemble performance. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Liberty

Eventand Studio Technician

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$12.77/hr

Troubleshoot and provide general care for the Recording Studio and Songwriting Labs * Track studio equipment and supply needs * Complete studio related tasks as assigned * Maintain a level of ...

All JobsSongwriting JobsSongwriting Jobs in Virginia

Songwriting information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$25

$43

How much do songwriting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for songwriting in Virginia is $25.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is songwriting?

A songwriting job involves creating lyrics and melodies for songs, often for artists, bands, or commercial projects. Songwriters may work independently, for a record label, or collaborate with musicians and producers. They craft songs based on themes, emotions, and storytelling techniques to engage listeners. Some songwriters focus on specific genres, while others write across multiple styles. Success in this field requires creativity, a strong grasp of music composition, and an understanding of industry trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in songwriting, and why are they important?

To thrive as a songwriter, you need creativity, a strong grasp of music theory, lyrical composition, and a portfolio showcasing original work. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), music notation software, and sometimes formal education in music or related certifications is beneficial. Collaboration, networking ability, and resilience to feedback are standout soft skills for this career. These qualities enable songwriters to consistently produce compelling material, adapt to industry demands, and build essential connections within the music business.

What does a typical workday look like for a professional songwriter?

A typical workday for a songwriter often involves brainstorming ideas, drafting and revising lyrics, composing melodies, and collaborating with other musicians or producers. Songwriters may participate in writing sessions, record demo tracks, and respond to feedback from clients, publishers, or fellow artists. Some days may be spent working independently, while others are more collaborative, especially when co-writing or attending meetings with artists or record labels. Flexibility in work hours is common, as inspiration or deadlines may require working evenings or weekends. The role can be highly dynamic and rewarding, especially as written works progress toward recording or commercial release.

How much do songwriters make?

Songwriters' earnings vary widely based on experience, reputation, and the success of their songs. On average, professional songwriters in the industry earn from a few thousand to several hundred thousand dollars annually, with top-tier writers earning significantly more through royalties, licensing, and publishing deals. Many songwriters supplement income through live performances, collaborations, and songwriting for multiple projects.

How to become a songwriter as a career?

To become a songwriter, develop strong musical and lyrical skills through practice and education, such as taking music theory or songwriting courses. Build a portfolio of original songs, collaborate with other musicians, and seek opportunities to showcase your work through performances or online platforms. Networking within the industry and understanding copyright laws can also support a successful career in songwriting.

What jobs can you get as a songwriter?

As a songwriter, you can work as a professional songwriter creating original music for artists, films, commercials, or TV shows. Other related roles include music composer, lyricist, music producer, or staff songwriter for publishing companies, often requiring strong musical skills and industry connections.

What are popular job titles related to Songwriting jobs in Virginia?

For Songwriting jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Songwriting jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Songwriting jobs in Virginia are:

Songwriting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Songwriting job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 54% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,180 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Adjunct Applied Composition and Music Technology

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

126th of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts
Classification: Adjunct Faculty (matrix)
Job Category: Adjunct Faculty
Job Type: Part-Time
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: On Site Required
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
The Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music's mission is to enable every student to find his or her best musical voice; prepare each student to fulfill society's need for artistic and innovative musicians, scholars, music educators, and ambassadors for the arts; and graduate with hope, confidence, and distinction.
About the Position:
The Adjunct Applied Composition and Music Technology Professor will teach individualized lessons starting August 24, 2026
Responsibilities:
  • Teach Applied Composition and Music Technology;
  • Participate in recitals and juries for the composition and music technology areas; and
  • Participate in composition and music technology area initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
  • Doctorate in Music Composition or equivalent professional experience required;
  • Established reputation as a composer with a documented portfolio of scores, live performances and recordings;
  • Successful pedagogical experience in composition and music technology; and
  • Demonstrated ability to work with colleagues and students from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Successful experience teaching at the University level; and
  • Interest and skills in teaching Music Technology, Orchestration, Arranging, Songwriting, and chamber music coaching.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Adjunct Applied Composition and Music Technology at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent, CV and links to original Compositions for review.
Posting Open Date: July 16, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: August 5, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

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