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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Job: Associate Principal Second Violin - Plzeňská filharmonie o.p.s
musicalchairs - Violin News Dec 5, 2023 | 13:35 pmDate and place of the audition: 22nd and 23rd January 2024 (exact time schedule is to be distributed to individual applicants) Czech radio Pilsen, Studio S1, address: náměstí Míru 10, 301 00..
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Job: Associate Principal Cello - Plzeňská filharmonie o.p.s
musicalchairs - Cello News Dec 5, 2023 | 13:20 pmDate and place of the audition: 22nd and 23rd January 2024 (exact time schedule is to be distributed to individual applicants) Czech radio Pilsen, Studio S1, address: náměstí Míru 10, 301 00..
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‘Succession’s’ Hiam Abbass to Star in Danielle Arbid’s Age-Gap Romance ‘Love Conquers All’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Variety Dec 5, 2023 | 13:12 pm“Succession” star Hiam Abbass will play a role that is the polar opposite of Marcia Roy in French-Lebanese director Danielle Arbid’s age-gap drama “Love Conquers All.” The Palestinian actor — who in the HBO series played the third and[…]
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Job: Violin - Assistant Concertmaster - Plzeňská filharmonie o.p.s
musicalchairs - Violin News Dec 5, 2023 | 13:00 pmDate and place of the audition: 22nd and 23rd January 2024 (exact time schedule is to be distributed to individual applicants) Czech radio Pilsen, Studio S1, address: náměstí Míru 10, 301 00..
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Job: viola di fila - Fondazione Teatro di San Carlo
musicalchairs - Viola News Dec 5, 2023 | 12:25 pmaudizione viola di fila
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Job: violino di fila - Fondazione Teatro di San Carlo
musicalchairs - Violin News Dec 5, 2023 | 12:24 pmaudizione violino di fila
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Job: 2nd Trombone with the obligation of the 1st Trombone - Plzeňská filharmonie o.p.s
musicalchairs - Trombone News Dec 5, 2023 | 12:21 pmDate and place of the audition: 22nd and 23rd January 2024 (exact time schedule is going to be distributed to individual applicants) Czech radio Pilsen, Studio S1, address: náměstí Míru 10, 301..
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Course: colluvio CHAMBER MUSIC Academy
musicalchairs - Violin News Dec 5, 2023 | 12:00 pmThe colluvio Chamber Music Academy is a unique programme offering students the opportunity of a European concert tour after residential masterclasses at Hornegg Castle in Austria. Between nine and..
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Course: colluvio CHAMBER MUSIC Academy
musicalchairs - Cello News Dec 5, 2023 | 12:00 pmThe colluvio Chamber Music Academy is a unique programme offering students the opportunity of a European concert tour after residential masterclasses at Hornegg Castle in Austria. Between nine and..
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Course: colluvio CHAMBER MUSIC Academy
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Dec 5, 2023 | 12:00 pmThe colluvio Chamber Music Academy is a unique programme offering students the opportunity of a European concert tour after residential masterclasses at Hornegg Castle in Austria. Between nine and..
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Penélope Cruz Is a ‘Big Defender’ of Every Film Getting a Theatrical Release: Watching at Home Is ‘Not Sacred’
Variety Dec 5, 2023 | 11:35 amFor Penélope Cruz, nothing can beat the experience of watching a film at the cinema. During a “BAFTA: A Life in Pictures” conversation in London on Monday night, Cruz reflected on her over three-decade career and how the industry has[…]
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Course: Maestro Mark Laycock & Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Conductor News Dec 5, 2023 | 11:25 amBeethoven: Symphony no. 4, Tchaikovsky. Symphony No. 5, Mozart: 'Don Giovanni' Overture, Brahms: Academic Festival Overture. Please, select 3 music works from this repertoire. Active participation:..
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Indian Broadcasting Bill Consultation Process Will Be ‘Fair and Independent,’ Says Country’s Top Regulator
Variety Dec 5, 2023 | 10:24 amThe consultation process for the upcoming Indian broadcasting bill that will regulate streaming will be “fair and independent,” the head of India’s media regulatory body says. In September, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) invited industry stakeholders for consultation on the formulation[…]
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Cannes Film Market Names Switzerland as Country of Honor for 2024 Edition
Variety Dec 5, 2023 | 10:02 amThe Cannes Film Market, which runs alongside the festival, has named Switzerland as Country of Honor for the 2024 edition that’s set to run May 14-22. As part of the tribute, Cannes will highlight Switzerland’s contributions to the audiovisual industry[…]
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Instrument Sale: Nagahara headjoint in 950 silver
musicalchairs - Flute News Dec 5, 2023 | 09:51 amHeadjoint style: Galway's cut Platinum reiser Lip plate- Sterling silver 0.16 tube Big sound in the lower register because of the platinum reiser and amazing articulation in all the octave's (because..
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Streaming Video No Longer an Existential Threat to Linear or Pay-TV, Says Omdia Analyst: ‘Perversely, Advertising Keeps Creeping Into TV’
Variety Dec 5, 2023 | 09:34 amThe direct-to-consumer SVOD model which is undergoing uncertain times was the subject of a presentation by Tony Gunnarsson, senior principal analyst, OTT video, media and entertainment at Omdia. Gunnarsson was speaking at Singapore’s Asia TV Forum and Market. The number[…]
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Job: Tutti Alto - Nationaal Orkest van België / Orchestre National de Belgique
musicalchairs - Viola News Dec 5, 2023 | 08:57 amThe candidate works closely with the colleagues within the section, the section leader and all other colleagues. He/she plays orchestral parts and solo’s in needed within the piece that is..
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Instrument Sale: Parmenon Auréis
musicalchairs - Flute News Dec 5, 2023 | 07:43 am2002 14 K rose gold body, sterling silver keys Soldered toneholes G# system (combines modern fingering without the addition of a G# tonehole) Overhauled in december 2023 at La mécanique des flûtes..
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Saxophonist Richard Howell Brings the Spirit to Mr. Tipple’s
Dec 5, 2023 | 05:42 amSaxophonist Richard Howell Brings the Spirit to Mr. Tipple’s Peter Feher December 4, 2023 - 9:42pm
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LACO Fellowship Program Aims to Help Diversify Classical Music
Dec 5, 2023 | 05:37 amLACO Fellowship Program Aims to Help Diversify Classical Music Peter Feher December 4, 2023 - 9:37pm
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In Tell, Black and White Dancers Hold Space for Racial Healing
Dec 5, 2023 | 05:32 amIn Tell, Black and White Dancers Hold Space for Racial Healing Peter Feher December 4, 2023 - 9:32pm
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Otis McDonald Leaves the Studio
Dec 5, 2023 | 05:26 amOtis McDonald Leaves the Studio Peter Feher December 4, 2023 - 9:26pm
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The Emerging Black Composers Project Is Turning Up a Lot of Diamonds
Dec 5, 2023 | 05:13 amThe Emerging Black Composers Project Is Turning Up a Lot of Diamonds Peter Feher December 4, 2023 - 9:13pm
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Job: Lecturer in Violin - The University of Queensland
musicalchairs - Violin News Dec 4, 2023 | 23:57 pmThis is an exciting opportunity to join a leading School of Music as a Lecturer in Violin. The position is designed for a violinist to build on their record of achievement in teaching, performance,..
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Florida Orchestra Association Executive Director | Florida Orchestra Association
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Dec 4, 2023 | 23:31 pmAny, Florida, Job Posting: Florida Orchestra Association Executive Director About Our Organization: The Florida Orchestra Association (FOA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a component of the Florida Music Education Association (FMEA). We provide our members and students[…]
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Chayce Beckham Maintains Top Five Position On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
MusicRow.com Dec 4, 2023 | 22:45 pmArtist-writer Chayce Beckham has remained at No. 5 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for three [...] The post Chayce Beckham Maintains Top Five Position On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Josh Del Joins Good Company Entertainment As Creative Director
MusicRow.com Dec 4, 2023 | 22:05 pmGood Company Entertainment, the management company co-founded by Keith Gale and Jake Owen, has [...] The post Josh Del Joins Good Company Entertainment As Creative Director appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Chris Fabiani To Exit Warner Music Nashville
MusicRow.com Dec 4, 2023 | 21:43 pmChris Fabiani will exit his position as National Director, Radio at Warner Music Nashville at the [...] The post Chris Fabiani To Exit Warner Music Nashville appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Job: Principal Clarinet - Philadelphia Ballet
musicalchairs - Clarinet News Dec 4, 2023 | 21:37 pmPHILADELPHIA BALLET ORCHESTRA Beatrice Jona Affron, Music Director Announces auditions for the following position: Principal Clarinet Audition Date: Monday, March 11, 2024 Academy of Music,..
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Miranda Lambert Announces Final Dates For ‘Velvet Rodeo: The Las Vegas Residency’
MusicRow.com Dec 4, 2023 | 21:36 pmMiranda Lambert has announced the final nine dates for her "Velvet Rodeo: The Las Vegas [...] The post Miranda Lambert Announces Final Dates For ‘Velvet Rodeo: The Las Vegas Residency’ appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Job: Second Trombone - Detroit Opera
musicalchairs - Trombone News Dec 4, 2023 | 21:29 pmSecond Trombone Audition Date - February 20, 2024 Anticipated Start: Spring 2024, according to winning candidate's availability. PLEASE NOTE: Winning applicants must be legally eligible for..
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ACM Announces Voting Timeline & Category Changes For 2024 Awards
MusicRow.com Dec 4, 2023 | 21:13 pmThe Academy of Country Music has announced the submissions and professional membership voting [...] The post ACM Announces Voting Timeline & Category Changes For 2024 Awards appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Job: Peripatetic Saxophone and Clarinet Teacher - Whitgift School
musicalchairs - Clarinet News Dec 4, 2023 | 16:27 pmPeripatetic Saxophone and Clarinet Teacher
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Job: Peripatetic Saxophone and Clarinet Teacher - Whitgift School
musicalchairs - Saxophone News Dec 4, 2023 | 16:27 pmPeripatetic Saxophone and Clarinet Teacher
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Job: Section Leader Viola - National Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Viola News Dec 4, 2023 | 16:04 pmThe National Symphony Orchestra is seeking to appoint a Section Leader Viola. The successful candidate will lead the Viola section, providing the highest standard of orchestral playing and work in..
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Competition: Debussy International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Viola News Dec 4, 2023 | 15:44 pm⭐Debussy International Music Competition - 2024 Season 1 is now open to applications ⭐All instruments, Conducting, Composition, Voice & Chamber Music ⭐Multiple Categories ⭐Winners can order..
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Competition: Debussy International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Guitar News Dec 4, 2023 | 15:44 pm⭐Debussy International Music Competition - 2024 Season 1 is now open to applications ⭐All instruments, Conducting, Composition, Voice & Chamber Music ⭐Multiple Categories ⭐Winners can order..
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Competition: Debussy International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News Dec 4, 2023 | 15:44 pm⭐Debussy International Music Competition - 2024 Season 1 is now open to applications ⭐All instruments, Conducting, Composition, Voice & Chamber Music ⭐Multiple Categories ⭐Winners can order..
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Competition: Debussy International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News Dec 4, 2023 | 15:44 pm⭐Debussy International Music Competition - 2024 Season 1 is now open to applications ⭐All instruments, Conducting, Composition, Voice & Chamber Music ⭐Multiple Categories ⭐Winners can order..
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Competition: Debussy International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News Dec 4, 2023 | 15:44 pm⭐Debussy International Music Competition - 2024 Season 1 is now open to applications ⭐All instruments, Conducting, Composition, Voice & Chamber Music ⭐Multiple Categories ⭐Winners can order..
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Instrument Sale: Joël Mentec 5-string Lionhead 1977
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Dec 4, 2023 | 14:45 pmtypical Joël Mentec 5-string with lionhead, stringlengths 106 cm, upper bout 46 cm, ribs at upper bout 19.5 cm, at lower bout 22 cm. Very comfortable to play due to these measurements. Some marks of..
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Job: Cor solo et 3è cor / Solo horn and 3rd horn - March 7th and 8th 2024 - 2 positions - Orchestre de Paris
musicalchairs - French Horn News Dec 4, 2023 | 14:33 pmCor solo, catégorie 1 et 3è Cor (devant jouer le 1er), catégorie 2 2 postes Concours les 7 et 8 mars 2024, 1er tour commun le 7 mars Solo horn and 3rd horn - March 7th and 8th 2024 -[…]
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Job: Gstaad Festival Orchestra 2023 - Oboe - Gstaad Festival Orchestra
musicalchairs - Oboe News Dec 4, 2023 | 13:55 pmApply now for the Gstaad Festival Orchestra 2023! The Gstaad Conducting Academy is the lynchpin of the Gstaad Academy and offers rising conductors an opportunity of working with a professional..
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Meshuggah unfurls monolothic, oppressive and layered metal milieu in Grand Rapids tour stop
Local Spins Dec 4, 2023 | 13:37 pmThe Swedish 'djent' metal masters delivered "cold savagery balanced with brainy technicianship" at GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Sunday. The Local Spins review by John Serba with photos by Anthony Norkus
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Course: Gstaad Conducting Academy 2024
musicalchairs - Conductor News Dec 4, 2023 | 13:26 pmThe Gstaad Conducting Academy offers young and promising conductors the unique opportunity in Europe to work together with highly professional orchestras for several weeks, as well as with conductor..
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Job: Orchestra Academy - Violin Viola Violoncello Trumpet with rotary valves - Wiener Philharmoniker
musicalchairs - Cello News Dec 4, 2023 | 11:33 amApplication until January 5, 2024: Violin Viola Violoncello Trumpet with rotary valves
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Job: Orchestra Academy - Violin Viola Violoncello Trumpet with rotary valves - Wiener Philharmoniker
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Dec 4, 2023 | 11:33 amApplication until January 5, 2024: Violin Viola Violoncello Trumpet with rotary valves
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Course: European Music Academy in Teplice 2024
musicalchairs - Conductor News Dec 4, 2023 | 10:47 amThe programme is designed for advanced conducting students or professional conductors without age limit. Participants will have an opportunity to work with the full North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra..
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Job: Section Leader Trumpet - National Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Dec 4, 2023 | 10:35 amThe National Symphony Orchestra is seeking to appoint a Section Leader Trumpet. The successful candidate will lead the Trumpet section, providing the highest standard of orchestral playing and work..
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Job: Head of Cello Faculty (Full-time) - Wolfgang Violin Studio
musicalchairs - Cello News Dec 4, 2023 | 10:17 amJOB VACANCIES FOR HEAD OF CELLO FACULTY (FULL-TIME) Location: Singapore Responsibilities The successful applicant will be the stronghold of the faculty of Cello educators and lead the Cello program..
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Instrument Sale: Heckel Bassoon 12.000
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Dec 4, 2023 | 09:06 amVery beautiful unique black Heckel Bassoon 12.000 Grate sound, good intonation.
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Instrument Sale: Amati ABN36
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Dec 3, 2023 | 20:07 pmThis instrument has a wonderful, flexible sound. It was purchased new in 2022 and had all the set up work done at that time. It comes with two Amati bocals and an Amati hard case. Available for trial..
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Instrument Sale: Heckel 10XXX
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Dec 3, 2023 | 19:52 pmThis instrument has a wonderful sound. Played professionally in the Boston area. A good high register and full low register. An excellent instrument for both orchestral and chamber music playing...
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Instrument Sale: 1950s Czechoslovakian Swellback 3/4
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Dec 3, 2023 | 12:45 pmWonderful laminated 3/4 Swellback double bass,made in Czechoslovakia, And imported by Footes London around 1954.She is in very good order for Age with no repairs,and totally original.Rosewood..
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Instrument Sale: 2 Alto Saxophone hard-cases (Selmer and high protective custom travel case)
musicalchairs - Saxophone News Dec 3, 2023 | 07:07 amI am selling 2 Alto Saxophone cases in great condition. -One case has been part of my Selmer Super Action Purchase (I changed to a soft-case soon after). This case (no Selmer logo) is very classy and..
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Instrument Sale: Heckel #6399
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Dec 3, 2023 | 02:28 amI am selling this gorgeous 6000 series Heckel Bassoon. It was completely overhauled by Paul Nordby in 2018, and prior to that was personally played on by Paul for years. The instrument is in pristine..
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Job: Horn IV - Palm Beach Opera
musicalchairs - French Horn News Dec 2, 2023 | 20:36 pmPalm Beach Opera Orchestra David Stern, Chief Conductor Announces a tenure-track vacancy for: Horn IV Auditions: January 29, 2024 Please email a single-page resume by January 15, 2024 to..
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Course: Masterclass with Prof. Johannes Schlaefli & Kammerorchester Basel
musicalchairs - Conductor News Dec 2, 2023 | 20:32 pmThis masterclass is designed for professional conductors and advanced conducting students, without age limit. Works by Haydn: Symphony No. 90 C Major; Mozart: Symphony No. 36 (Linz); Mahler: Symphony..
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Instrument Sale: 20th century French copy(handcarved luthier made)
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Dec 2, 2023 | 14:52 pmA superb handcarved instrument,made from an unknown luthier,from the Hungarian,Czechoslovakian region.She has a big lower bout of 71cm,and looks to be built on a french design.The back is completely..
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Competition: Paris International Music Competition - 2023
musicalchairs - Guitar News Dec 2, 2023 | 12:58 pmWe give all candidates the jury's comments. ✅ Jury feedback ✅ Diplomas ✅ Teacher certificates ✅ Win up to 450€! ✅ Win up to 9 registrations! * Please note that our competition takes place..
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