Music Jobs - Academic Jobs

Discover the Harmony of Academia: Music Careers That Resonate!

Music faculty jobs blend artistic passion with academic rigor, offering roles from performance instructors to music theory professors across universities worldwide. Aspiring musicians and educators find tenure-track positions, adjunct gigs, and specialized directorships in choirs, orchestras, and ensembles. Recent trends show growth in music therapy programs and digital composition, with the Modern Language Association noting steady demand despite enrollment fluctuations in classical performance.

For students, start with a BM in performance, theory, or education, advancing to MM or DMA/PhD for faculty eligibility. Career paths include K-12 teaching via higher ed career advice, or academia. Use Rate My Professor to evaluate music faculty and choose programs. Parents and job seekers, discover scholarships and paths at top schools.

Professors enjoy prestige at institutions like Indiana University's Jacobs School, averaging competitive pay. Explore faculty jobs, lecturer jobs, and professor jobs. Salaries vary by location—check professor salaries. Find Music Faculty Jobs

Educational Paths and Student Opportunities

Students targeting music faculty jobs should pursue rigorous training. A bachelor's in music opens doors to graduate study, where 70% of tenure-track hires hold doctorates per American Musicological Society data. Focus areas: performance, composition, ethnomusicology, or jazz studies.

Key Degree Milestones

BM/BA: Foundation in theory and performance.
MM/MMus: Advanced skills, often with recitals.
DMA/PhD: Research and teaching prep, essential for full-time roles.

Read student reviews on Rate My Professor for programs like Berklee College of Music in Boston. Transition to jobs via internships listed in research assistant jobs.

Music Professor Job Market and Trends

The market favors versatile candidates amid rising interest in popular music and technology. Fringe quirk: MIT's music department integrates AI composition, hiring interdisciplinary faculty. In the UK, positions abound at Royal Academy via jobs.ac.uk. U.S. adjunct roles grew 20% post-2020, per Chronicle of Higher Ed.

Job seekers, target adjunct professor jobs or remote higher ed jobs. Research departments using Rate My Professor before applying.

Music Faculty Salaries and Compensation

Earnings reflect institution prestige and locale. AAUP 2023 data shows median $79,180 for music teachers, with full professors at $112,000+. Top 10% exceed $140,000.

Rank	Average US Salary	Example Location
Assistant Professor	$65,000-$85,000	New York City
Associate Professor	$80,000-$105,000	Bloomington
Full Professor	$110,000-$150,000+	Ivy League

View breakdowns at professor salaries or university salaries. Nashville's Belmont University offers commercial music roles around $75,000 median.

Anecdote: Yo-Yo Ma's Harvard affiliation highlights prestige perks. Follow career advice for negotiations.

Top Music Programs and Unique Niches

Prestige Leaders

Juilliard School (NYC): Elite performance faculty.

Curtis Institute (Philadelphia): Full-tuition scholarships, unique model.

Fringe: Purdue's 400-member marching band creates specialized directing jobs. Ethnomusicology thrives at Wesleyan with gamelan ensembles. Check faculty ratings on Rate My Professor.

Ivy League music roles emphasize interdisciplinary work. Download free resume template for applications.

Associations for Music

International Society for Music Education
An international organization dedicated to advancing music education through global collaboration and research.
National Association for Music Education
A U.S.-based association that promotes music education and provides resources for music educators across the country.
Incorporated Society of Musicians
A professional body supporting musicians and music educators in the UK through advocacy, resources, and networking.
European Music Council
An organization that fosters musical diversity and promotes music policy across Europe.
Australian Music Centre
A national organization representing and promoting Australian composers, sound artists, and musicians.
Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Associations
A federation that supports music teachers and promotes high standards in music education throughout Canada.
Society for Music Theory
An international society focused on advancing research, teaching, and scholarship in music theory.

Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What degrees are required for music faculty jobs? 🎓

Most tenure-track music faculty hold a DMA, PhD, or MM with extensive experience. Performance roles prioritize recitals. Students, start with BM and use scholarships for grad school.