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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OK Go, the Band, Fights Back Against ‘OK GO!’, the Breakfast Cereal: ‘Just Pick a New Name’
Variety Feb 2, 2023 | 00:22 amOK Go has no problem with brands. Over the years, the band has worked with companies like State Farm, Chevrolet and Morton Salt to create elaborate music videos that reliably go viral, earning a slew of advertising awards along the[…]
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Colombian Director Ciro Guerra’s Injunction Against Sexual Misconduct Report Denied by Court
Variety Feb 2, 2023 | 00:04 amIn a new legal setback for Colombian director Ciro Guerra, best known for his Oscar-nominated film “Embrace of the Serpent,” a Bogota court has denied the injunction that he filed against the journalists behind an explosive 2020 report detailing anonymous accounts of[…]
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‘Kill Boksoon,’ Berlin-Bound Netflix Korean Film, Drops Trailer, Sets Release Date
Variety Feb 2, 2023 | 00:00 amNetflix has unveiled a trailer for Berlin-bound action drama “Kill Boksoon,” with Jeon Do-yeon, previous winner of the best actress prize at Cannes, in the starring role. The film sees Jeon as Gil, a single woman juggling the demanding and[…]
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Doja Cat’s Creative Director, Bret Alan Nelson, on Styling an Unpredictable Star
Variety Feb 1, 2023 | 23:58 pmThere that’s old maxim about how, behind every good woman, there’s a man who’s been holding onto a pair of giant robot arms for just the right photographic moment. Or urging her to shave all the hair off the head.[…]
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Dave Bautista Says He’ll Never Return to Drax Just to Collect a Marvel Paycheck: It Would ‘Tarnish’ a ‘Perfect’ Exit
Variety Feb 1, 2023 | 23:21 pmDave Bautista really, really means it when he says “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” will be his final outing as Drax the Destroyer. During a recent visit on “The Tonight Show,” the actor stuck to his guns about exiting[…]
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Endurance Music Group Announces Promotion, Staff Addition
MusicRow.com Feb 1, 2023 | 22:33 pmCourtney Kruckeberg has been promoted to Creative Director at Endurance Music Group. Kruckeberg previously [...] The post Endurance Music Group Announces Promotion, Staff Addition appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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CMA Announces 13th Triple Play Awards Recipients
MusicRow.com Feb 1, 2023 | 22:31 pmThe Country Music Association has announced the honorees for the 13th CMA Triple Play Awards, which [...] The post CMA Announces 13th Triple Play Awards Recipients appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Win tickets to see Kety Fusco at The Royal Albert Hall
Music News RSS feed Feb 1, 2023 | 21:39 pmOn 3rd March 2023, acclaimed Italian / Swiss harpist Kety Fusco will launch her fantastic new album ‘The Harp, Chapter I’ at London’s
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Russell Sutton, Tommy Karlas Ink With Sony Music Publishing & Droptine
MusicRow.com Feb 1, 2023 | 20:10 pmRussell Sutton and Tommy Karlas have both signed global deals with Sony Music Publishing Nashville [...] The post Russell Sutton, Tommy Karlas Ink With Sony Music Publishing & Droptine appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Leadership Music Now Accepting Applications For Class Of 2024
MusicRow.com Feb 1, 2023 | 20:00 pmLeadership Music is now accepting applications from established music industry leaders for the Class [...] The post Leadership Music Now Accepting Applications For Class Of 2024 appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Hit Songwriter Peter McCann Dies At Age 74
MusicRow.com Feb 1, 2023 | 19:30 pmMusic City hit tunesmith Peter McCann, a longtime activist in the Nashville Songwriters Association [...] The post Hit Songwriter Peter McCann Dies At Age 74 appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Job: Music Director - Philharmonia Northwest
musicalchairs - Conductor News Feb 1, 2023 | 18:50 pmPhilharmonia Northwest, a high-level community chamber orchestra in the greater Seattle area, is inviting highly qualified individuals to submit applications for the position of Music Director...
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Job: Assistant Principal Percussion - Toronto Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Feb 1, 2023 | 18:10 pmAssistant Principal Percussion Tenure track position International auditions are scheduled for June 12 and June 13, 2023. The 2023/2024 forty-three week season includes a weekly scale fee of..
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Course: Caledonian Chamber Orchestra Summer Course 2023
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Feb 1, 2023 | 17:22 pmAn exciting opportunity for students, young professional musicians and those looking for highest quality musical development. The Caledonian Chamber Orchestra brings together musicians from across..
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Course: Caledonian Chamber Orchestra Summer Course 2023
musicalchairs - Cello News Feb 1, 2023 | 17:22 pmAn exciting opportunity for students, young professional musicians and those looking for highest quality musical development. The Caledonian Chamber Orchestra brings together musicians from across..
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Assistant Director of Choral Music/Lecturer | Cornell University, Music
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Feb 1, 2023 | 17:05 pmIthaca, New York, The Department of Music at Cornell University invites applications for the position of Assistant Director of Choral Music. The full-time (with benefits), non-renewable appointment at the rank of Lecturer (non-tenure-track) will last three years, commencing on July[…]
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Course: Masterclass with Moritz Görg
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Feb 1, 2023 | 16:24 pmMasterclass for Trumpet & Natural Trumpet with Moritz Görg Course Content: trumpet single and groupe lessons, chamber music, specific preparation for auditions and entrance examinations, autogenous..
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Course: Masterclass with Moritz Görg
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Feb 1, 2023 | 16:24 pmMasterclass for Trumpet & Natural Trumpet with Moritz Görg Course Content: trumpet single and groupe lessons, chamber music, specific preparation for auditions and entrance examinations, autogenous..
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Kalamazoo Fretboard Fest back as in-person event; ‘Songwriter’s Night’ set to debut in GR
Local Spins Feb 1, 2023 | 15:44 pmWest Michigan music fans have a couple of fresh events to embrace this winter: Stovepipe hosts the first singer-songwriter show next week at The Pyramid Scheme and Kalamazoo Valley Museum returns with its Fretboard Fest in early March. Details at[…]
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Job: Co-Principal Viola - Liepāja Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Viola News Feb 1, 2023 | 14:35 pmMajor duties: - prepare and play the viola sections in high artistic quality; - comply with the work schedules and compositions, the code of conduct and other internal rules and regulations of the..
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Job: Assistant Principal Viola - Charleston Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Viola News Feb 1, 2023 | 14:23 pmfull-time resident core musician, tenure-track position, with chamber music & education/community engagement duties
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Job: Principal Cello - Charleston Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Cello News Feb 1, 2023 | 14:19 pmfull-time resident core musician, tenure-track position, with chamber music & education/community engagement duties
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Course: Carl Topilow's Conducting Workshop
musicalchairs - Conductor News Feb 1, 2023 | 14:04 pmConductor Carl Topilow, author of The Orchestral Conductor’s Career Handbook, is excited to be hosting a conducting seminar on May 5, 6, and 7 in Cleveland. Each of the 10 participants will receive..
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Job: visiting Harp Teacher - Roedean School
musicalchairs - Harp News Feb 1, 2023 | 13:25 pmRequired as soon as possible Visiting Harp Teacher (75 minutes per week)
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Course: 19. International Masterclass for Conductors
musicalchairs - Conductor News Feb 1, 2023 | 13:22 pmEnjoy 1450 minutes active-time incl. 140 minutes podium-time with Chamber Orchestra Belgrade, conducting technique, individual video analysis, evaluations, lectures and personal coaching. No age or..
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Job: Peripatetic Violin Teacher Part time ASAP - Kent College
musicalchairs - Violin News Feb 1, 2023 | 13:06 pmClosing date: Friday 3 February 2023 by Midday
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Job: Cello Teacher - Lingfield College
musicalchairs - Cello News Feb 1, 2023 | 13:01 pmClosing date for applications: 9am, 10 February 2023. Interviews to be held: w/c 20 February 2023.
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Job: Visiting Teacher of Voice - St Catherine's School
musicalchairs - Alto News Feb 1, 2023 | 12:40 pmVisiting Teacher of Voice | Part Time | Closes 12 noon, Wednesday 22 February 2023
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Job: Second Violin Tutti - Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest
musicalchairs - Violin News Feb 1, 2023 | 11:51 amAuditions will be held on 24 and 25 April 2023 in Amsterdam.
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Instrument Sale: Püchner bassoon Model 23, serial number 13xxx, from 2003
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Feb 1, 2023 | 11:22 amPüchner bassoon Model 23, serial number 13xxx, from 2003. The bassoon is in great condition. The bassoon has a “warm”, flexible and dark sound and the tuning is great and very stable. Very easy..
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Job: Co-Principal Oboe (EXTENDED DEADLINE) - KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Oboe News Feb 1, 2023 | 11:15 amEXTENDED DEALINE Position: Co-Principal Oboe INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS – DVD Application Deadline - 1st March 2023 SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS & RESIDENTS – CV for Live Audition Deadline - 21st..
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Instrument Sale: Viola 40,5cm - Luthier Bruno Dreux - Model Gasparo da Salo - 2001
musicalchairs - Viola News Feb 1, 2023 | 10:45 amViola 40.5cm Luthier Bruno Dreux Model Gasparo da Salo Value of 11000€ Year of construction 2001 with certificate If you are looking for a very affordable professional level Viola then this..
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Course: Masterclasses Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival
musicalchairs - Cello News Feb 1, 2023 | 09:52 amWithin the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival there will be held three Masterclasses in the Musikhochschule Lübeck: August 6-9: Steven Isserlis, Violoncello August 6-10: Matthias Racz, Bassoon August..
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Course: Masterclasses Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Feb 1, 2023 | 09:52 amWithin the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival there will be held three Masterclasses in the Musikhochschule Lübeck: August 6-9: Steven Isserlis, Violoncello August 6-10: Matthias Racz, Bassoon August..
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Course: Hartmut Rohde Masterclasses - Tartu Festival
musicalchairs - Viola News Jan 31, 2023 | 21:53 pmClassical Hugs in Tartu presents: Viola Masterclasses with Hartmut Rohde - Viola Professor at Berlin University of Arts and one of the most sought-after European violists. Course location: Heino..
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Instrument Sale: Yamaha YTR-8445S w/ Malone MC2 leadpipe
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Jan 31, 2023 | 20:35 pmYamaha 8445S gen. 3 m.y. 2001 C trumpet with Malone MC2 leadpipe, installed in 2015 at Yamaha Atelier Hamburg. Purchased in 2007, just overhauled at Yamaha Atelier Hamburg. Yamaha double case..
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Job: Second Oboe - Opera Philadelphia
musicalchairs - Oboe News Jan 31, 2023 | 20:23 pmOPERA PHILADELPHIA Corrado Rovaris, Music Director Announces auditions for the following openings: SECOND OBOE/MAY 4, 2023. Per-service rates for the 2022 – 2023 season: $196.87 per rehearsal &..
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Job: Concertmaster - Opera Philadelphia
musicalchairs - Violin News Jan 31, 2023 | 19:26 pmOPERA PHILADELPHIA Corrado Rovaris, Music Director Announces auditions for the following opening: CONCERTMASTER: MAY 1, 2023 (preliminary round) and MAY 2, 2023 (semifinals and finals) Per-service..
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Sumi Jo Stars in SF Symphony Lunar New Year Celebration
Jan 31, 2023 | 19:06 pmSumi Jo Stars in SF Symphony Lunar New Year Celebration Peter Feher January 31, 2023 - 11:06am
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SF Symphony Contract Talks Go Into High Gear
Jan 31, 2023 | 18:54 pmSF Symphony Contract Talks Go Into High Gear Peter Feher January 31, 2023 - 10:54am
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Opera Parallèle Scales Everest in New Immersive Production
Jan 31, 2023 | 18:47 pmOpera Parallèle Scales Everest in New Immersive Production Peter Feher January 31, 2023 - 10:47am
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The Passions of Stephen Rubin, Publisher and Music Lover
Jan 31, 2023 | 18:34 pmThe Passions of Stephen Rubin, Publisher and Music Lover Peter Feher January 31, 2023 - 10:34am
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Tenor Javier Camarena Does Signor Donizetti Proud
Jan 31, 2023 | 18:27 pmTenor Javier Camarena Does Signor Donizetti Proud Peter Feher January 31, 2023 - 10:27am
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Job: Principal Percussionist - Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Jan 31, 2023 | 17:47 pmTrondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera, with chief conductor Han-Na Chang, is seeking Principal Percussionist (one of two principal positions)
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Course: Conducting Masterclass | Johannes Schlaefli | AMYO Portugal
musicalchairs - Conductor News Jan 31, 2023 | 14:58 pmProf. Johannes Schlaefli, Zurich Alto Minho Youth Orchestra 18-22 July 2023 Podium time: ca. 130 minutes per participant Fee for active participants: 1.500 € / 2.000€ (including accommodation)..
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Job: Clarinet I with obligation of Clarinet III - Croatian National Theatre ' Ivan pl. Zajc' Rijeka
musicalchairs - Clarinet News Jan 31, 2023 | 14:19 pmJob description: Full-time position with the Rijeka Symphony Orchestra of the Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc in Rijeka, Croatia. The musician will perform in all Theatre performances and..
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Job: Violin II - Tutti - Croatian National Theatre ' Ivan pl. Zajc' Rijeka
musicalchairs - Violin News Jan 31, 2023 | 14:13 pmJob description: Full-time position with the Rijeka Symphony Orchestra of the Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc in Rijeka, Croatia. The musician will perform in all Theatre performances and..
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Course: Prof Jiri Hlinka Piano Academy - Masterclasses
musicalchairs - Piano News Jan 31, 2023 | 12:52 pmProf JIri Hlinka Piano Academy - Masterclasses 27 May - 2 June, 2023 Prof. Jiri Hlinka Piano Academy, in collaboration with the Bergen International Festival, has the pleasure of inviting to..
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Job: Senior Musician/Teacher or Musician/Teacher, Lower Strings Big Noise Torry (Aberdeen) - Sistema Scotland
musicalchairs - Cello News Jan 31, 2023 | 11:48 amWe are looking for either a Senior Musician (Lower Strings) who will work between 4 and 5 days per week all year round or, a Musician/Teacher (Lower Strings) who will work between 2 and 4.5 days a..
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Job: Senior Musician/Teacher or Musician/Teacher, Lower Strings Big Noise Torry (Aberdeen) - Sistema Scotland
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Jan 31, 2023 | 11:48 amWe are looking for either a Senior Musician (Lower Strings) who will work between 4 and 5 days per week all year round or, a Musician/Teacher (Lower Strings) who will work between 2 and 4.5 days a..
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Job: Sub-principal bassoon with duty to play contrabassoon - Wermland Opera
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Jan 31, 2023 | 08:35 amAudition date may 30 2023. We offer varied work as a musician in Wermland Opera’s Orchestra, which, with its 34 full-time employed members offers both orchestral concerts and opera/musical..
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Lower School Music Teacher | St. Mary's Academy
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Jan 30, 2023 | 23:21 pmEnglewood, Colorado, St. Mary’s Academy is seeking an engaging and dynamic teacher that is qualified to lead the General Music program. This is a full-time position. Candidates should have experience in developing and implementing purposeful instruction that leads to musically[…]
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Middle School/Upper School Music Teacher '23-'24 | Germantown Friends School
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Jan 30, 2023 | 20:41 pmPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, The Music Department of Germantown Friends School is seeking an experienced teaching musician to provide instruction in our middle school and upper school music programs. Students at Germantown Friends School have required instruction in general music as well[…]
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Leland B. Sateren (’35) Endowed Professor and Chair of Music | Augsburg University
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Jan 30, 2023 | 18:19 pmMinneapolis, Minnesota, AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY invites Applications and Nominations for the Leland B. Sateren (’35) Endowed Professor and Chair of Music position Start Date: August 2023 The Leland B. Sateren Professorship was established in 2022 by Augsburg alumnus and Regent John[…]
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Job: Kontrabass Praktikum - Sinfonieorchester Basel
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Jan 30, 2023 | 16:02 pmAugust 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
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Job: Schlagzeug Praktikum - Sinfonieorchester Basel
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Jan 30, 2023 | 16:01 pmAugust 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
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Job: Trompete Praktikum - Sinfonieorchester Basel
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Jan 30, 2023 | 16:00 pmAugust 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
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Job: Piano Tutor - Leicestershire Music
musicalchairs - Piano News Jan 30, 2023 | 15:03 pm -
Job: Principal Oboe 75% - Philharmonie Zuidnederland
musicalchairs - Oboe News Jan 30, 2023 | 14:37 pmBased in Eindhoven/Maastricht (NL) is looking for: Principal Oboe 75% Audition on 25 April 2023
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Job: Music Peripatetic Teacher of Clarinet and Saxophone - St Augustine's Priory
musicalchairs - Clarinet News Jan 30, 2023 | 14:18 pmThank you for the interest you have shown in the post of Music Peripatetic Teacher at St Augustine’s Priory and welcome to our inspirational school! Our priorities are to deliver excellence in all..
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