Thinking outside of the box can reveal an array of music jobs and gig opportunities
Music is an art form that is very much embedded in practically every culture throughout the world, so musicians and music bands are a staple ingredient to this backdrop. Bands and solo music artists performing at concerts or local gigs are seen as the most obvious vehicles driving musician and band employment. But clear thinking and a determined approach can turn up unforeseen opportunities for musicians and bands to apply their musical talents in ways they can get compensated for.
Quite often it can be easier to get music and/or band gigs by searching outside of the traditional venue scene. There are always plenty of theatrical stage productions, community or charity events, store openings, and company parties that are looking for great live music. These markets can be much less saturated than traditional venues but might require a musician or band to perform in a more prescribed way to accommodate a themed event or occasion.
Music producers and record labels will also have a need for session players or backing musicians to take part in a recording session. A solo singer/songwriter may have a need to use musicians or bands who totally back their music showcase or studio recording session without being included as part of the collaboration to write the original music to be performed.
To find professional backing musicians, artists, producers, or managers can turn to use free classifieds like Craigslist, or websites like SoundBetter which is a directory of professionals you can hire. This webpage will focus on the musical artists' quest to line up work, as well as music band (or orchestra) bookings. Readers can also expect to come across opportunities for non-instrument playing music professionals, such as studio mixers or music producers.
With the expansion of the gig and freelance economy through the online web, numerous opportunities for session players or backing musicians to find musical gigs are possible through freelancer sites such as Upwork and Fiver which normally would be associated with administrative, legal, graphic design, technical, or skilled handyman work.
Musicians searching for a match for their skins should look at:
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Freelancer: Music Jobs
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Gig Salad: Solo musicians for hire
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Gig Salad: Bands and groups for hire
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Guru
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Thumbtack: Find a solo musician near you
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Thumbtack: Chicago solo musician for hire
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Thumbtack: Austin solo musician for hire
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Thumbtack: Los Angeles solo musician for hire
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Indeed jobs
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Last Minute Musicians: Solo musicians
This is a listing that is likely to expand and evolve in years to come.
Scan for solo and band jobs and opportunities from organizations in this Twitter feed
A Twitter List by actorschecklist
American Federation of Musicians
The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM/AFofM) is the largest organization in the world to represent professional musicians. They negotiate fair agreements, protect ownership of recorded music, secure benefits such as health care and pension, and lobby legislators. In the US, it is the American Federation of Musicians (AFM)—and in Canada, it is the Canadian Federation of Musicians/Fédération Canadienne des Musiciens (CFM/FCM).
In a similar way that the movie, television, and theatre industry have the SAG/AFTRA and Equity unions that provide their artist members with directories of "franchised" agents, the American Federation of Musicians offers its member musicians a directory of AFM-Franchised Booking Agents. AFM-Franchised Booking Agents are signatories to the AFM's Booking Agents Agreement.
They perform a marketing and placement role for AFM members in the US and Canada. Purchasers are provided with legitimate agreements, members are provided with protection of their earnings, and the booking agents earn commissions for their sales. These agreements are comprehensive contracts binding all parties to the terms of the agreement.
More news feeds that can contain vital job leads for solo musicians and bands
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Instrument Sale: Viola made by Tibor Semmelweis, 1994
musicalchairs - Viola News Mar 19, 2024 | 11:29 amThe copy of a Maggini viola, made in 1994 by the fine master now based in London, Tibor Semmelveis (check out https://www.makersday.org.uk/meet-the-makers-of-2024) has been used in professional..
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Job: Contrabassoon - Turku Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Mar 19, 2024 | 11:14 amTURKU PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA in Finland Chief Conductor from Fall 2024 John Storgårds Principal Guest Conductor Christian Kluxen Invites applications for the permanent position of CONTRABASSOON with..
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Instrument Sale: Wolfgang Schiele, Germany, 2008
musicalchairs - Viola News Mar 19, 2024 | 11:09 amBeautiful Viola made in 2008 by renowned German violin maker Wolfgang Shiele. ( https://www.schiele-geigenbau.de ) Beautiful, rich, big and round sound. Completed with new strings and sold with an..
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Job: Junior Composer in Association - The Purcell School
musicalchairs - Composer News Mar 19, 2024 | 10:27 amThe Purcell School created this special scheme in 2022, thanks to the generous funding of the Sue Knussen Composers’ Fund. This role is approaching its third year and has been developed in exciting..
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U.K.’s National Film and TV School Launches New Intimacy Coordinator Course
Variety Mar 19, 2024 | 10:00 amThe U.K.’s foremost film college has launched a new intimacy coordinator certificate to help meet the rising demands of the industry. With shows such as “Normal People” and “I May Destroy You” having helped bring the work of intimacy coordinators[…]
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Course: Composition, bachelor's programme
musicalchairs - Composer News Mar 19, 2024 | 09:12 amYour individual development as a composer is the focus, while instruction and supervision often occur in group seminars. In these seminars, you can test your ideas and receive feedback and..
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Course: 3rd university level and advanced Opera Singing courses in Italy
musicalchairs - Alto News Mar 19, 2024 | 09:04 amCOURSES IN OPERA SINGING FROM 3RD UNIVERSITY LEVEL TO POSTGRADUATE COURSES Recognised as one of the most prestigious schools of advanced music training in Italy, the Accademia di Musica has been..
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Course: Interpretation in Opera 1 (MA level)
musicalchairs - Alto News Mar 19, 2024 | 09:03 amThis course is aimed at deepening your skills in opera, regarding singing, musical interpretation and characterization. You will have individual singing lessons and musical interpretation for your..
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Swiss Documentary Festival Visions du Réel Unveils Selection of 165 Films, Including 88 World Premieres
Variety Mar 19, 2024 | 09:00 amSwiss documentary film festival Visions du Réel has unveiled the program for its 55th edition, which includes 10 first films out of 15 in the main international competition, cementing its reputation as a springboard for emerging talent. The official selection[…]
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Course: Interpretation for Orchestra Instrument/Piano/Organ 1 (MA level)
musicalchairs - Viola News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:59 amThis course is intended for students who have completed an artistic bachelor’s degree programme in music and want to develop their ability as an orchestra musician, pianist or organist. You will..
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Course: Interpretation for Orchestra Instrument/Piano/Organ 1 (MA level)
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:59 amThis course is intended for students who have completed an artistic bachelor’s degree programme in music and want to develop their ability as an orchestra musician, pianist or organist. You will..
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Course: Interpretation for Orchestra Instrument/Piano/Organ 1 (MA level)
musicalchairs - Cello News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:59 amThis course is intended for students who have completed an artistic bachelor’s degree programme in music and want to develop their ability as an orchestra musician, pianist or organist. You will..
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Course: Interpretation for Orchestra Instrument/Piano/Organ 1 (BA level)
musicalchairs - Viola News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:56 amIn this course you practice your artistic interpretive ability, and develop the perception of the role of your main instrument as part of an orchestra. You participate both in individual lessons, in..
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Course: Interpretation for Orchestra Instrument/Piano/Organ 1 (BA level)
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:56 amIn this course you practice your artistic interpretive ability, and develop the perception of the role of your main instrument as part of an orchestra. You participate both in individual lessons, in..
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Course: Interpretation for Orchestra Instrument/Piano/Organ 1 (BA level)
musicalchairs - Cello News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:56 amIn this course you practice your artistic interpretive ability, and develop the perception of the role of your main instrument as part of an orchestra. You participate both in individual lessons, in..
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Varun Dhawan, Samatha Ruth Prabhu’s Indian Version of Russo Brothers Prime Video ‘Citadel’ Series Sets Title, Reveals Cast (EXCLUSIVE)
Variety Mar 19, 2024 | 08:52 amPrime Video has revealed a title and the extended cast for the Indian instalment of “Citadel,” the espionage action series created by the Russo brothers. The Indian series within the “Citadel” universe will be called “Citadel: Honey Bunny.” As previously announced, Varun Dhawan[…]
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Course: Teacher Education in Music
musicalchairs - Viola News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:44 amThe Academy of Music and Drama trains and educates music teachers for high school and elementary school. Here, educations from many different artistic fields meet in one department. All teacher..
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Course: Teacher Education in Music
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:44 amThe Academy of Music and Drama trains and educates music teachers for high school and elementary school. Here, educations from many different artistic fields meet in one department. All teacher..
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Course: Teacher Education in Music
musicalchairs - Alto News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:44 amThe Academy of Music and Drama trains and educates music teachers for high school and elementary school. Here, educations from many different artistic fields meet in one department. All teacher..
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Canneseries Adds ‘Maxima,’ the Dutch Royal Drama From Beta Film, Millstreet Films
Variety Mar 19, 2024 | 08:40 amGermany’s Beta Film (“Babylon Berlin”) sets its sights on the Croisette for the world premiere of Dutch Royal drama “Máxima,” selected to screen out-of-competition at Canneseries on April 9. In tow, Delfina Chaves (“The Secret of the Greco Family”), who[…]
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Course: Symphonic Orchestra Performance, master's programme
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:37 amThe programme is dedicated to the artistic, personal, and professional development of outstanding instrumentalists focusing on becoming professional orchestra musicians. We also offer a unique..
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Course: Symphonic Orchestra Performance, master's programme
musicalchairs - Cello News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:37 amThe programme is dedicated to the artistic, personal, and professional development of outstanding instrumentalists focusing on becoming professional orchestra musicians. We also offer a unique..
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Course: Symphonic Orchestra Performance, master's programme
musicalchairs - Harpsichord News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:37 amThe programme is dedicated to the artistic, personal, and professional development of outstanding instrumentalists focusing on becoming professional orchestra musicians. We also offer a unique..
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Course: Classical Performance, bachelor's programme
musicalchairs - Cello News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:34 amThe programme focuses on instrumental studies, chamber music and ensemble, and orchestra. As a student of the programme, you will be a part of an international environment characterized by dialogue..
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Course: Classical Performance, bachelor's programme
musicalchairs - Harpsichord News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:34 amThe programme focuses on instrumental studies, chamber music and ensemble, and orchestra. As a student of the programme, you will be a part of an international environment characterized by dialogue..
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Course: Organ and Related Keyboard Instruments, master's programme
musicalchairs - Harpsichord News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:28 amThe master’s programme in Music specializing in organ and related keyboard instruments gives you the opportunity to continue your organ studies at an advanced level, including solo repertoire,..
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Course: Organ and Related Keyboard Instruments, master's programme
musicalchairs - Organ News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:28 amThe master’s programme in Music specializing in organ and related keyboard instruments gives you the opportunity to continue your organ studies at an advanced level, including solo repertoire,..
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Course: Choral Conducting, one year master's programme
musicalchairs - Alto News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:25 amThe programme will prepare you to lead choral singing in diverse contexts for both children and young people and for adult singers. The programme provides the opportunity to develop and deepen your..
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Course: Choral Conducting, one year master's programme
musicalchairs - Conductor News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:25 amThe programme will prepare you to lead choral singing in diverse contexts for both children and young people and for adult singers. The programme provides the opportunity to develop and deepen your..
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Course: Church Music, bachelor's programme
musicalchairs - Alto News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:17 amThe church music programme offers a unique environment with both master’s and doctoral studies, dedicated teachers and prominent researchers closely associated with your instruction. Each year you..
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Course: Church Music, bachelor's programme
musicalchairs - Organ News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:17 amThe church music programme offers a unique environment with both master’s and doctoral studies, dedicated teachers and prominent researchers closely associated with your instruction. Each year you..
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Course: Church Music, bachelor's programme
musicalchairs - Conductor News Mar 19, 2024 | 08:17 amThe church music programme offers a unique environment with both master’s and doctoral studies, dedicated teachers and prominent researchers closely associated with your instruction. Each year you..
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More Discoveries From James Conlon’s Recovered Voices Series
Mar 19, 2024 | 04:59 amMore Discoveries From James Conlon’s Recovered Voices Series Peter Feher March 18, 2024 - 9:59pm
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Sibelius, and a Sea Change, at the SF Symphony
Mar 19, 2024 | 04:55 amSibelius, and a Sea Change, at the SF Symphony Peter Feher March 18, 2024 - 9:55pm
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“Financial Challenges” Shut Down American Youth Symphony
Mar 19, 2024 | 04:48 am“Financial Challenges” Shut Down American Youth Symphony Peter Feher March 18, 2024 - 9:48pm
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James Conlon to Bow Out as LA Opera Music Director
Mar 19, 2024 | 04:37 amJames Conlon to Bow Out as LA Opera Music Director Peter Feher March 18, 2024 - 9:37pm
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Two Sides of Timo Andres
Mar 19, 2024 | 04:24 amTwo Sides of Timo Andres Peter Feher March 18, 2024 - 9:24pm
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Billy Strings Adds Summer Tour Dates
MusicRow.com Mar 18, 2024 | 21:41 pmBilly Strings has added summer dates in July and August to his headline tour, which kicks off [...] The post Billy Strings Adds Summer Tour Dates appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Big Machine Music Signs George Birge
MusicRow.com Mar 18, 2024 | 21:37 pmBig Machine Music has signed singer-songwriter George Birge to an exclusive co-publishing [...] The post Big Machine Music Signs George Birge appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Specials Unveiled For CMT Music Awards Weekend
MusicRow.com Mar 18, 2024 | 20:57 pmCMT has unveiled the slate of upcoming music specials for CMT Music Awards Weekend, starting [...] The post Specials Unveiled For CMT Music Awards Weekend appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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My Music Row Story: Big Loud’s Candice Watkins
MusicRow.com Mar 18, 2024 | 19:28 pmAs SVP, Marketing at Big Loud Records, Candice Watkins brings proven leadership and across [...] The post My Music Row Story: Big Loud’s Candice Watkins appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Jessie Jo Dillon Enters Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
MusicRow.com Mar 18, 2024 | 18:44 pmGrammy-nominated songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon rises to No. 5 this week on the MusicRow Top [...] The post Jessie Jo Dillon Enters Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Course: The Art of Conducting with Maestro Michael Palmer
musicalchairs - Conductor News Mar 18, 2024 | 14:33 pm*Qualified participants will receive rehearsal and performance time with a 41 piece orchestra of high-level professional musicians. All applicants will receive feedback on submitted materials.*..
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Course: 3rd Conducting Masterclass with Jorma Panula in Kecskemét
musicalchairs - Conductor News Mar 18, 2024 | 11:29 amInternational Masterclass with legendary Jorma Panula. Conductors can apply for the master course without any age limit. Based on the submitted videos, Maestro Panula will select up to 9 active..
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Billy Strings ignites hardcore metal mayhem in ‘surprise’ appearance at Grand Rapids club
Local Spins Mar 18, 2024 | 11:18 amThe Grammy Award-winning bluegrass guitarist turned into a hair-tossing, metalcore shredder with the band Flesh and Blood Robot during the sold-out Sunday show. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
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Job: Professor of Conducting (Education Focused) - The University of Sydney
musicalchairs - Conductor News Mar 18, 2024 | 02:18 amThe Professor of Conducting (Education Focused) will be involved in the artistic leadership of the Conservatorium focusing on our large ensembles program and conducting pedagogy. Recognised with an..
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Competition: 1st Tapiola International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News Mar 17, 2024 | 23:46 pm1st Tapiola International Music Competition with maximum application date of March,23 2024 is open to musicians over the world in the classical and traditional music fields without age limit and for..
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Competition: 1st Tapiola International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News Mar 17, 2024 | 23:46 pm1st Tapiola International Music Competition with maximum application date of March,23 2024 is open to musicians over the world in the classical and traditional music fields without age limit and for..
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Competition: 1st Tapiola International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News Mar 17, 2024 | 23:46 pm1st Tapiola International Music Competition with maximum application date of March,23 2024 is open to musicians over the world in the classical and traditional music fields without age limit and for..
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Competition: 1st Tapiola International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Recorder News Mar 17, 2024 | 23:46 pm1st Tapiola International Music Competition with maximum application date of March,23 2024 is open to musicians over the world in the classical and traditional music fields without age limit and for..
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Competition: 3rd Classical Stars International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Recorder News Mar 17, 2024 | 21:53 pm⭐CLASSICAL STARS International Music Competition invites all the talented musicians: soloists and ensembles, composers and conductors. ⭐Application deadline: 15th April 2024⭐ Talents of all..
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Competition: Erik Satie International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Recorder News Mar 15, 2024 | 12:23 pm⭐The Erik Satie International Music Competition 2024 is now accepting applications. ⭐Unlock your exclusive rewards now! If becoming a prize winner, you're entitled to an array of cool,..
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Competition: Nan Lian Music Competition
musicalchairs - Recorder News Mar 14, 2024 | 23:55 pmNan Lian International Music Competition with maximum application date of March,21 2024 is open to musicians over the world in the classical and traditional music fields without age limit and for all..
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Music Teacher | EDUCATION THROUGH MUSIC INC
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Mar 12, 2024 | 13:18 pmNew York, Description: Become a Music Teacher with Education Through Music... Job responsibilities include: Serving as school music faculty Coordinating and developing the in-school music program with program staff Producing two school-wide concerts each year Each music teacher's program is[…]
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Competition: American Virtuoso International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Recorder News Mar 10, 2024 | 02:34 amThe 2024 American Virtuoso International Music Competition (AVIMC) is OPEN to accept entries from singers and instrumentalists (piano, strings, guitar, woodwinds & brass, chamber music) of any..
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Director of Development at Hawaii Youth Symphony | Hawaii Youth Symphony
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Mar 8, 2024 | 18:30 pmHonolulu, Hawaii, KEES has been exclusively retained by Hawaii Youth Symphony in its search for a Director of Development . Hawaii Youth Symphony seeks a development leader who is energized by the opportunity to enhance and lead the organization’s fundraising[…]
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Director, Office of the Arts | Harvard University
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Mar 2, 2024 | 23:37 pmCambridge, Massachusetts, Job Summary The mission of the Office for the Arts (OFA) at Harvard is to support student engagement in the arts and integrate the arts into University life. By supporting the development of students as artists and cultural[…]
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Clinical Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice, Jazz Bands | Purdue University Bands & Orchestras
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Mar 1, 2024 | 17:00 pmWest Lafayette, Indiana, Principal Duties Purdue University’s Department of Bands and Orchestras is seeking a band director for an academic year appointment at the clinical assistant/associate professor level. The successful candidate will serve as the head of the Purdue jazz band[…]
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Tax Filing Tips – 2024 (US)
Recent News – International Musician Mar 1, 2024 | 07:35 amIt’s Tax Time: Make It Easy on Yourself To help streamline your 2023 returns, here are some of the new and enhanced programs issued by the IRS in 2024. Taxes can be complicated for musicians. Which form? What can I[…]
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Music Teacher | Geneva City School District
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Feb 22, 2024 | 17:27 pmGeneva, New York, Music/Vocal Classroom Teacher positions open for the 2024/2025 school year (1) North Street School, grades 3-5 (1) Middle School, grades 6-8 Current NYS Music certification required Salary is dependent on education and experience
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