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: Pearl 9k Rose Gold Flute
musicalchairs - Flute News Jun 1, 2023 | 10:28 am9k Rose Gold Pearl Handmade Flute with Sterling Silver Mechanism, engraved keys and Lipplate. 14k Riser. Overhauled with Straubinger pads, new felts and corks and headcork in 2021. Pinless mechanism,..
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Renzo Rossellini to Be Honored With Locarno Lifetime Achievement Award
Variety Jun 1, 2023 | 10:15 amItalian producer, director, and film and TV industry pioneer Renzo Rossellini is being honored with the Locarno Film Festival’s lifetime achievement award. The Swiss fest dedicated to indie cinema will pay tribute to the consummate filmmaker and renaissance man –[…]
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‘Total Control,’ Australian Political Drama, Starts Third and Final Season
Variety Jun 1, 2023 | 10:08 amAustralian actors Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths have begun production on the final six-episode season of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s award-winning female-led political drama series “Total Control.” With screenplays by Stuart Page, Julia Moriarty, Pip Karmel and Meyne Wyatt, season[…]
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‘Chasing Chasing Amy’: Watch First Clip From Tribeca Title About Impact of Kevin Smith’s Cult Classic (EXCLUSIVE)
Variety Jun 1, 2023 | 08:29 amThe first clip has been unveiled for “Chasing Chasing Amy,” which will have its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival. In the feature documentary, Sav Rodgers takes a journey of self-discovery while making a documentary about Kevin Smith’s 1997 film[…]
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Neom, Telfaz11 Set Nine Project Partnership
Variety Jun 1, 2023 | 08:20 amNeom, the Saudi Arabian region that is aiming to become a major film and TV production hub, and prolific Middle East-focused studio Telfaz11, have revealed a partnership. The deal will see the creation of up to nine television and film[…]
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Instrument Sale: Boris Batalovic Kragujevac 2020
musicalchairs - Viola News Jun 1, 2023 | 07:47 amNice Viola made by Boris Batalovic in 2020, 41cm length of the back. Perfect condition and very good sounding Viola. With Certificate and original receipt.
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Course: Prof. Colin Metters in Berlin
musicalchairs - Conductor News Jun 1, 2023 | 06:16 amWelcome to IMB! Symphonic Journey Vol. X Haydn, Mozart and Mendelssohn Prof. Metters is Internationally recognized as one of today’s outstanding teachers of conducting. For over more than 12 years..
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Ballet-Witchcraft Tween Series ‘Spellbound’ Set for Season 2 for Cottonwood Media, ZDF, ZDF Studios (EXCLUSIVE)
Variety Jun 1, 2023 | 06:00 amIn a show of force, English-language “Spellbound,” the live-action tween series from “Find Me in Paris” creators and production partners will get a Season Two. Produced by Cottonwood Media, with ZDF, ZDF Studios and the Opéra national de Paris, the[…]
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National Music Council Honors Vivian Scott Chew and Ray Chew
Recent News – International Musician May 31, 2023 | 23:41 pmOn Sunday, June 25, during the gala celebration at the AFM Convention, the National Music Council will honor music visionaries Ray Chew of Local 802 (New York City) and Vivian Scott Chew with the 39th annual American Eagle Award. The[…]
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Course: Intensive Summer Academy 2024 in Brooklyn, NY
musicalchairs - Conductor News May 31, 2023 | 23:28 pmThe Fort Greene Conducting Workshop is in the process of organizing an intensive 8-week Summer Academy for 2024. This immersive program is projected to provide participants with over 700 minutes of..
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Industry Toasts To Carly Pearce’s Fourth No. 1 Hit ‘What He Didn’t Do’
MusicRow.com May 31, 2023 | 21:55 pmMusic industry members gathered at Starstruck Entertainment on Music Row Tuesday afternoon [...] The post Industry Toasts To Carly Pearce’s Fourth No. 1 Hit ‘What He Didn’t Do’ appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Chase Rice Earns Multiple Accolades For ‘Way Down Yonder’ Music Video
MusicRow.com May 31, 2023 | 20:19 pmChase Rice has received numerous awards for his recent "Way Down Yonder" music video, earning [...] The post Chase Rice Earns Multiple Accolades For ‘Way Down Yonder’ Music Video appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Bekah Digby Joins SiriusXM/Pandora
MusicRow.com May 31, 2023 | 19:48 pmBekah Digby has joined SiriusXM/Pandora as Associate Director of Talent & Industry Relations – Country [...] The post Bekah Digby Joins SiriusXM/Pandora appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Jenna Harris Promoted To Partner At Ritholz Levy Fields
MusicRow.com May 31, 2023 | 18:28 pmNashville-based attorney Jenna Harris has been promoted to Partner at boutique entertainment law [...] The post Jenna Harris Promoted To Partner At Ritholz Levy Fields appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Best of Fest: Local Spins’ picks for must-see acts at Grand Rapids’ 2023 Festival of the Arts
Local Spins May 31, 2023 | 17:20 pmWith 130-plus performances on six stages over three days, Local Spins makes the return of Festival of the Arts to downtown Grand Rapids an easier row to hoe for attendees with our writers' picks for sets to catch.
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Opera Parallèle Is “Shining” While Planning a New Season
May 31, 2023 | 17:10 pmOpera Parallèle Is “Shining” While Planning a New Season Peter Feher May 31, 2023 - 10:10am
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SF Opera Honors Its Italian Founders of a Century Ago
May 31, 2023 | 17:06 pmSF Opera Honors Its Italian Founders of a Century Ago Peter Feher May 31, 2023 - 10:06am
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Two Hector Berlioz Scores Get the Love They Deserve
May 31, 2023 | 17:02 pmTwo Hector Berlioz Scores Get the Love They Deserve Peter Feher May 31, 2023 - 10:02am
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Evocations of the Natural World at the LA Phil
May 31, 2023 | 16:58 pmEvocations of the Natural World at the LA Phil Peter Feher May 31, 2023 - 9:58am
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After 17 Years, Kaija Saariaho’s Adriana Mater Comes to San Francisco
May 31, 2023 | 16:52 pmAfter 17 Years, Kaija Saariaho’s Adriana Mater Comes to San Francisco Peter Feher May 31, 2023 - 9:52am
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‘Growin’ Up Country Vol. 1′ Features Brett Young, Mickey Guyton, More
MusicRow.com May 31, 2023 | 16:29 pmBrett Young, Mickey Guyton, RaeLynn and other artists are making some music just for the little ones on [...] The post ‘Growin’ Up Country Vol. 1′ Features Brett Young, Mickey Guyton, More appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Job: Practice Assistant - Chetham's School of Music
musicalchairs - Trumpet News May 31, 2023 | 14:36 pmChetham’s School of Music seeks experienced musicians to assist the students during practice whilst helping to reinforce the aims of the teacher. The job Anticipated hours - 12 hours a week We..
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Job: Lecturer in Popular Music Production - Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
musicalchairs - Alto News May 31, 2023 | 13:47 pmTrinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is a forward-thinking world-class Higher Education Institution with a vision to redefine the Conservatoire for the 21st century. We are looking to..
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Job: Clarinete Solista - Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife
musicalchairs - Clarinet News May 31, 2023 | 11:20 amDesempeñar las funciones de Clarinete Solista en la Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife
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Course: OSPA Conducting Masterclass with Prof. Johannes Schlaefli
musicalchairs - Conductor News May 31, 2023 | 10:54 amThe Orquesta Sinfónica del Principado de Asturias is very happy to announce the first conducting masterclass with Prof. Johannes Schlaefli for professional conductors and advanced conducting..
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Job: Junior Guildhall at Brentwood School: Piano Teacher - Guildhall School of Music & Drama
musicalchairs - Piano News May 31, 2023 | 08:49 amHourly Paid: £45.57 per hour (including holiday pay) Permanent, Part Time (Saturdays) Junior Guildhall has a vacancy for a Piano teacher from September 2023 on the String Training Programme (ages 6..
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Instrument Sale: Fine french violin labeled "Chanot Jeune a Paris"
musicalchairs - Violin News May 30, 2023 | 19:53 pmFrench violin labeled "Chanot Jeune a Paris 1867".Very old instrument with a nice, warm, projecting sound. Fully restored and well kept. For audio, video files and information, please contact me on..
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Competition: 2nd Singapore International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Violin News May 30, 2023 | 18:24 pm2ND SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION 2023 [ PIANO & VIOLIN EDITION ] Deadline: 30 September 2023 ✦ No Travelling Required ✦ Free Repertoire ✦ Multiple Award Winners per Category ✦..
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Win ASIA Phoenix 2LP Vinyl Set
Music News RSS feed May 30, 2023 | 18:12 pmASIA are a multi-platinum selling, English Rock band who formed in 1981 and celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2021.
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Assistant Director of Children's Choruses | The Cleveland Orchestra
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) May 30, 2023 | 17:17 pmCleveland, Ohio, The Cleveland Orchestra is currently seeking an Assistant Director of the Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus who will assist in preparing the Children’s Chorus for all performances, both with and without The Cleveland Orchestra. This individual will also serve[…]
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Instrument Sale: Jacques Boquay, Paris 1726
musicalchairs - Cello News May 30, 2023 | 15:50 pmVery fine Jacques BOQUAY cello made in Paris, 1726 Original scroll and size. 76 cm Dendro 1714-1717 made by email by Peter Ratcliff Certificat from Jean-Jacques Rampal Cello visible at Pierre Barthel..
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Competition: Vienna International Classic Strings Competition & Festival
musicalchairs - Violin News May 30, 2023 | 15:44 pmVienna International Classic Strings Competition & Festival International classic strings competition for: VIOLIN VIOLA CELLO DOUBLE BASS HARP GUITAR CHAMBER ENSEMBLE Three main prizes (1st, 2nd and..
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Competition: Vienna International Classic Strings Competition & Festival
musicalchairs - Cello News May 30, 2023 | 15:44 pmVienna International Classic Strings Competition & Festival International classic strings competition for: VIOLIN VIOLA CELLO DOUBLE BASS HARP GUITAR CHAMBER ENSEMBLE Three main prizes (1st, 2nd and..
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Competition: Vienna International Classic Strings Competition & Festival
musicalchairs - Guitar News May 30, 2023 | 15:44 pmVienna International Classic Strings Competition & Festival International classic strings competition for: VIOLIN VIOLA CELLO DOUBLE BASS HARP GUITAR CHAMBER ENSEMBLE Three main prizes (1st, 2nd and..
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Instrument Sale: selmer privilege Evolution system
musicalchairs - Clarinet News May 30, 2023 | 10:15 amI am a former clarinet student in Nürnberg, Germany, and I am currently selling two clarinets in excellent condition due to personal reasons that have led me to stop pursuing professional studies...
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Job: Visiting Music Teacher – Violin and Viola - Cheltenham Ladies' College
musicalchairs - Violin News May 30, 2023 | 09:36 amAn inspiring and enthusiastic individual is required to join our highly successful and thriving Music department as Visiting Music Teacher – Violin and Viola. The successful candidate will be..
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Job: Visiting Music Teacher – Violin and Viola - Cheltenham Ladies' College
musicalchairs - Viola News May 30, 2023 | 09:36 amAn inspiring and enthusiastic individual is required to join our highly successful and thriving Music department as Visiting Music Teacher – Violin and Viola. The successful candidate will be..
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Course: Purcell: The Fairy Queen
musicalchairs - Violin News May 30, 2023 | 09:26 amWelcome to our 2023 Music Palace Festival! Opera Summer Programme with performances and masterclasses. There will be more than 30 concerts and masterclasses from the 12th to the 22nd of August 2023..
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Course: Purcell: The Fairy Queen
musicalchairs - Cello News May 30, 2023 | 09:26 amWelcome to our 2023 Music Palace Festival! Opera Summer Programme with performances and masterclasses. There will be more than 30 concerts and masterclasses from the 12th to the 22nd of August 2023..
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Course: Purcell: The Fairy Queen
musicalchairs - Cello News May 30, 2023 | 09:26 amWelcome to our 2023 Music Palace Festival! Opera Summer Programme with performances and masterclasses. There will be more than 30 concerts and masterclasses from the 12th to the 22nd of August 2023..
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Course: Purcell: The Fairy Queen
musicalchairs - Alto News May 30, 2023 | 09:26 amWelcome to our 2023 Music Palace Festival! Opera Summer Programme with performances and masterclasses. There will be more than 30 concerts and masterclasses from the 12th to the 22nd of August 2023..
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Course: Purcell: The Fairy Queen
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News May 30, 2023 | 09:26 amWelcome to our 2023 Music Palace Festival! Opera Summer Programme with performances and masterclasses. There will be more than 30 concerts and masterclasses from the 12th to the 22nd of August 2023..
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Instrument Sale: Romanian, 2011
musicalchairs - Double Bass News May 30, 2023 | 08:24 amA lovely Romanian Bass, big powerful sound and easy to play. This bass has been very well looked after and played all over the UK and Europe. Included (if wanted) are a well padded case and a Double..
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Win AC/DC For Those About To Rock
Music News RSS feed May 29, 2023 | 23:04 pm -
Instrument Sale: Lafin 15/85, 14K lip plate
musicalchairs - Flute News May 29, 2023 | 20:39 pmI'm selling a beautiful Lafin, with 14K - 15 percent gold, 85 silver -14K lip plate, riser and Adler wings. Outstanding range of dynamic, super resonance and sound. Can be tried in Frankfurt or..
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Competition: Schubert International Music Competition (Online)
musicalchairs - Cello News May 29, 2023 | 16:51 pm⭐The Schubert International Music Competition's 2023 Season is now accepting applications! ⭐This competition welcomes all instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber music for..
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Competition: Schubert International Music Competition (Online)
musicalchairs - Conductor News May 29, 2023 | 16:51 pm⭐The Schubert International Music Competition's 2023 Season is now accepting applications! ⭐This competition welcomes all instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber music for..
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Competition: Schubert International Music Competition (Online)
musicalchairs - Alto News May 29, 2023 | 16:51 pm⭐The Schubert International Music Competition's 2023 Season is now accepting applications! ⭐This competition welcomes all instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber music for..
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Competition: Schubert International Music Competition (Online)
musicalchairs - Composer News May 29, 2023 | 16:51 pm⭐The Schubert International Music Competition's 2023 Season is now accepting applications! ⭐This competition welcomes all instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber music for..
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Competition: Schubert International Music Competition (Online)
musicalchairs - Composer News May 29, 2023 | 16:51 pm⭐The Schubert International Music Competition's 2023 Season is now accepting applications! ⭐This competition welcomes all instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber music for..
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Course: Introduction to Baroque - Workshop, Lectures 2023
musicalchairs - Double Bass News May 29, 2023 | 12:25 pmIntroduction to Baroque: Through The Lens Of Historically Informed Performance Practice - Online on ZOOM - Workshop, Lectures 2023 with Taya König-Tarasevich. The masterclass is divided into two..
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Course: Introduction to Baroque - Workshop, Lectures 2023
musicalchairs - Harpsichord News May 29, 2023 | 12:25 pmIntroduction to Baroque: Through The Lens Of Historically Informed Performance Practice - Online on ZOOM - Workshop, Lectures 2023 with Taya König-Tarasevich. The masterclass is divided into two..
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Job: Trumpet I/II VOICE - Gorzów Philharmonic
musicalchairs - Trumpet News May 29, 2023 | 11:35 amTHE GORZÓW PHILHARMONIC ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR THE POSITION OF AN ORCHESTRAL MUSICIAN TRUMPET I / II VOICE Orchestral musician, chamber musician
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Instrument Sale: Bocals on sale
musicalchairs - Bassoon News May 29, 2023 | 10:25 amI am selling 6 of mine beloved silver plated bocals: -Heckel CC1R -Heckel CC2 -Heckel CD0 -Heckel CDV0 -Heckel CCEV0 -Püchner BC1 I am asking for 650€ for the Heckels and 550€ for the Püchner...
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Competition: Nouvelles Étoiles International Music Compétition
musicalchairs - Harpsichord News May 28, 2023 | 21:58 pmDear all, International Cultural Association Artima, based in Paris is thrilled to extend an invitation for you or your students to take part in the 8th edition of Nouvelles Etoiles Compétition ...
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Competition: Nouvelles Étoiles International Music Compétition
musicalchairs - Alto News May 28, 2023 | 21:58 pmDear all, International Cultural Association Artima, based in Paris is thrilled to extend an invitation for you or your students to take part in the 8th edition of Nouvelles Etoiles Compétition ...
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Competition: Nouvelles Étoiles International Music Compétition
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News May 28, 2023 | 21:58 pmDear all, International Cultural Association Artima, based in Paris is thrilled to extend an invitation for you or your students to take part in the 8th edition of Nouvelles Etoiles Compétition ...
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Competition: Nouvelles Étoiles International Music Compétition
musicalchairs - Organ News May 28, 2023 | 21:58 pmDear all, International Cultural Association Artima, based in Paris is thrilled to extend an invitation for you or your students to take part in the 8th edition of Nouvelles Etoiles Compétition ...
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Course: XXV Maresme Organ Course 2023
musicalchairs - Organ News May 28, 2023 | 00:58 amOrgan course in Cabrera de Mar(BARCELONA) From 28th to 2nd September 2023 Organ Professors: Wolfgang ZERER, Montserrat TORRENT, Guido IOTTI Coach body/postural Professor: Jordi GODALL
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Instrument Sale: Shapers Rieger 3 + Engl. Horn with Handle
musicalchairs - Oboe News May 27, 2023 | 18:19 pmShapers Rieger 3 + Engl. Horn with Handle in very good state, bought 3 months ago. It is possible to buy each element separately. 62 euro (chf) each shapers 72 euro (chf) for handle
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