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: Viola (Tutti) - Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Viola News May 20, 2024 | 01:06 amScreening: (1) Document Screening (2) 1st round audition: Thursday, October 3, 2024. (3) 2nd round audition: Friday, October 4, 2024. (4)Aptitude evaluation for 5 months period.
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‘The Garfield Movie’ Review: Beloved Feline Loses His Sarcastic Growl in Product Placement-Heavy Origin Story
Variety May 20, 2024 | 01:00 amThe lasagna-obsessed feline with a near-pathological aversion to Mondays, who first came into popular consciousness in the late ‘70s as a comic strip, is a diluted version of himself in “The Garfield Movie.” Not only is his suave apathy mostly[…]
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Producer Frank Marshall on Resurrecting a Lost Album by Jazz Greats Chet Baker and Jack Sheldon, 52 Years After It Was Recorded
Variety May 20, 2024 | 00:07 amLost, completed studio albums by revered trumpet player and jazz vocalist Chet Baker don’t pop up every year. But “In Perfect Harmony: The Lost Album,” which was just released after sitting unheard for 52 years, has some even more novel[…]
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‘Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1’ Review: Sprawling Yet Thinly Spread, the First Part of Kevin Costner’s Western Epic Feels Like the Set-Up for a TV Miniseries
Variety May 19, 2024 | 23:40 pmIt feels like the seedbed for a miniseries. Much of what happens is wispy and not very forceful; the film doesn’t build in power, and it seldom seems to be aiming in a clear direction. Costner, as an actor, doesn’t[…]
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Cannes Goes Ape — for ‘The Substance,’ Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley’s Flesh-Shredding Body Horror, With 11-Minute Standing Ovation
Variety May 19, 2024 | 23:11 pmJaw-dropping, nauseating, defiant, hilarious “The Substance” — a body horror thriller from French director Coralie Forgeat starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley — rocked Cannes Film Festival on Sunday night with an 11-minute standing ovation. It’s the tale of a[…]
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Course: Open Bar International Festival Montenegro
musicalchairs - Viola News May 19, 2024 | 23:09 pmOrganised by Andre Navarra Music School in cooperation with Petar II Petrović Njegoš Music School, the festival will take place 20.06 – 30.06 in the city of Bar, Montenegro. The extensive..
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Course: Open Bar International Festival Montenegro
musicalchairs - Composer News May 19, 2024 | 23:09 pmOrganised by Andre Navarra Music School in cooperation with Petar II Petrović Njegoš Music School, the festival will take place 20.06 – 30.06 in the city of Bar, Montenegro. The extensive..
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‘The Substance’ Review: Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley in a Visionary Feminist Body-Horror Film That Takes Cosmetic Enhancement to Extremes
Variety May 19, 2024 | 21:50 pmShocking and resonant, disarmingly grotesque and also weirdly fun, "The Substance" is a feminist body-horror film that should be seen in movie theaters all over the world.
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Competition: Bach International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Viola News May 19, 2024 | 18:12 pm⭐FREE ADMISSION until 25th June BACH IMC invites: ⭐Composers ⭐Ensembles ⭐Soloist-performers of all ages, all instruments ⭐Conductors ⭐Music-videos We present a brand new competition,..
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Competition: Bach International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News May 19, 2024 | 18:12 pm⭐FREE ADMISSION until 25th June BACH IMC invites: ⭐Composers ⭐Ensembles ⭐Soloist-performers of all ages, all instruments ⭐Conductors ⭐Music-videos We present a brand new competition,..
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Competition: Bach International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Conductor News May 19, 2024 | 18:12 pm⭐FREE ADMISSION until 25th June BACH IMC invites: ⭐Composers ⭐Ensembles ⭐Soloist-performers of all ages, all instruments ⭐Conductors ⭐Music-videos We present a brand new competition,..
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Rodrigo y Gabriela, Ghost-Note uncork flashy, instrumental wizardry in West Michigan shows
Local Spins May 19, 2024 | 17:31 pmTwo highly touted touring phenoms from different parts of the musical spectrum lit up venues in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo this past week. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
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Course: National Strings - Senior Masterclass Academy (+Junior Course)
musicalchairs - Viola News May 19, 2024 | 17:21 pmSummer Courses 2024 - St Donat's Castle, Wales National Strings Senior Masterclass and Chamber Music Academy is for suitable for conservatoire students and recent graduates and younger students of an..
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Course: National Strings - Senior Masterclass Academy (+Junior Course)
musicalchairs - Cello News May 19, 2024 | 17:21 pmSummer Courses 2024 - St Donat's Castle, Wales National Strings Senior Masterclass and Chamber Music Academy is for suitable for conservatoire students and recent graduates and younger students of an..
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Course: National Strings - Senior Masterclass Academy (+Junior Course)
musicalchairs - Double Bass News May 19, 2024 | 17:21 pmSummer Courses 2024 - St Donat's Castle, Wales National Strings Senior Masterclass and Chamber Music Academy is for suitable for conservatoire students and recent graduates and younger students of an..
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Course: MAKARSKA SUMMER SCHOOL
musicalchairs - Piano News May 19, 2024 | 13:11 pmFounded in 2005 by Ruben Dalibaltayan and Julia Gubajdullina in association with Gradska glazba Makarska and Music school of Makarska, the Makarska Summer School has quickly gained popularity and..
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Instrument Sale: Violino Massimo Simonelli
musicalchairs - Violin News May 19, 2024 | 11:57 amViolino costruito da Massimo Simonelli nel 2017 certificato dal liutaio. Suono forte e intenso
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Instrument Sale: English horn Bocals : Loree Etoile, Loree 1H, Lickman 7
musicalchairs - Oboe News May 19, 2024 | 11:12 am3 Bocals for sale: Loree Etoile 2, Gold-plated €480 Loree 1H, Silver €250 Lickman 7, Gold-plated €180 Shipping cost not included
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Competition: 7th “Vienna New Year's Concert” International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Violin News May 18, 2024 | 23:00 pm7th “VIENNA NEW YEAR’S CONCERT” INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION 2024 • Voice • Piano • Strings • Winds • Percussion • Conductor • Chamber Music *Winners' Concert at Musikverein..
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Competition: 7th “Vienna New Year's Concert” International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Cello News May 18, 2024 | 23:00 pm7th “VIENNA NEW YEAR’S CONCERT” INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION 2024 • Voice • Piano • Strings • Winds • Percussion • Conductor • Chamber Music *Winners' Concert at Musikverein..
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Competition: 7th “Vienna New Year's Concert” International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Oboe News May 18, 2024 | 23:00 pm7th “VIENNA NEW YEAR’S CONCERT” INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION 2024 • Voice • Piano • Strings • Winds • Percussion • Conductor • Chamber Music *Winners' Concert at Musikverein..
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Competition: 7th “Vienna New Year's Concert” International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Conductor News May 18, 2024 | 23:00 pm7th “VIENNA NEW YEAR’S CONCERT” INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION 2024 • Voice • Piano • Strings • Winds • Percussion • Conductor • Chamber Music *Winners' Concert at Musikverein..
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Job: Associate Principal | French Horn - Sun Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - French Horn News May 18, 2024 | 16:00 pmAuditions will be via online VIDEO SUBMISSIONS, OR via live auditions in Hanoi, depending upon the candidate's preferred method of audition. All applications must be submitted through Musical Chairs...
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Instrument Sale: Egdar Russ, Italian, 2014
musicalchairs - Cello News May 18, 2024 | 14:40 pmCello made in the workshop of Edgar Russ Good intermediate/ advanced level cello Based in Virginia/ Washington DC area Price negotiable Mechanical pegs Can provide more pictures Available to try in..
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Instrument Sale: Strual, Czech Republic, made in 2012
musicalchairs - Double Bass News May 18, 2024 | 14:29 pmCommerciallly made 3/4 size bass in excellent condition. Very good sound. Purchased in 2017 from The Contrabass Shoppe. Comes with cover. Double bass stool also available.
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Competition: Carlo Sanvitale International Composition Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News May 18, 2024 | 14:29 pmThe Carlo Sanvitale International Composition Competition is organised by “Amici Della Musica - Guido Albanese”, and its goals are 1) to give contemporary composers the possibility to present..
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Competition: Global Genius Music Competition
musicalchairs - Double Bass News May 18, 2024 | 12:13 pm⭐Global Genius Music Competition is an online music competition for all talented musicians around the world. ⭐Collect your posters, e-certificates & Order your winner medal and personal CDs!..
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Competition: Global Genius Music Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News May 18, 2024 | 12:13 pm⭐Global Genius Music Competition is an online music competition for all talented musicians around the world. ⭐Collect your posters, e-certificates & Order your winner medal and personal CDs!..
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Competition: Global Genius Music Competition
musicalchairs - Conductor News May 18, 2024 | 12:13 pm⭐Global Genius Music Competition is an online music competition for all talented musicians around the world. ⭐Collect your posters, e-certificates & Order your winner medal and personal CDs!..
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Competition: Global Genius Music Competition
musicalchairs - Organ News May 18, 2024 | 12:13 pm⭐Global Genius Music Competition is an online music competition for all talented musicians around the world. ⭐Collect your posters, e-certificates & Order your winner medal and personal CDs!..
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Competition: Beethovinci Music Competition Online
musicalchairs - Composer News May 18, 2024 | 12:08 pmThe Beethovinci International Music Competition Online is now accepting applications! The competition welcomes all instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber music for multiple..
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Competition: Beethovinci Music Competition Online
musicalchairs - Conductor News May 18, 2024 | 12:08 pmThe Beethovinci International Music Competition Online is now accepting applications! The competition welcomes all instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber music for multiple..
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Competition: Beethovinci Music Competition Online
musicalchairs - Organ News May 18, 2024 | 12:08 pmThe Beethovinci International Music Competition Online is now accepting applications! The competition welcomes all instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber music for multiple..
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Instrument Sale: Heckel 12### for sale
musicalchairs - Bassoon News May 18, 2024 | 07:45 amGreat Heckel bassoon recently overhauled by Jiping Tan. It includes one Heckel Bocal and a Marcus Bonna case. For any further questions, contact me.
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Competition: Maurice Ravel Competition Paris 2024
musicalchairs - Alto News May 18, 2024 | 06:35 amJoin the MAURICE RAVEL COMPETITION PARIS 2024, an esteemed international online classical music competition welcoming talented young musicians worldwide. Our upcoming edition beckons participants to..
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Competition: Maurice Ravel Competition Paris 2024
musicalchairs - Organ News May 18, 2024 | 06:35 amJoin the MAURICE RAVEL COMPETITION PARIS 2024, an esteemed international online classical music competition welcoming talented young musicians worldwide. Our upcoming edition beckons participants to..
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Inna Faliks: Pianist, Writer, Voyager
May 17, 2024 | 21:28 pmInna Faliks: Pianist, Writer, Voyager Peter Feher May 17, 2024 - 2:28pm
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WSM Radio Adds Two New Shows
MusicRow.com May 17, 2024 | 18:46 pmWSM Radio has added two new shows to its lineup, On Air with Eryn, hosted by Eryn Cooper, and Late [...] The post WSM Radio Adds Two New Shows appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Ryman Auditorium’s Annual Community Day Set For May 26
MusicRow.com May 17, 2024 | 18:43 pmThe Ryman Auditorium will host its annual Community Day on May 26. Tennessee residents are [...] The post Ryman Auditorium’s Annual Community Day Set For May 26 appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Amazon Music Names Nate Smith As Next Breakthrough Artist During ACM Awards
MusicRow.com May 17, 2024 | 18:14 pmAmazon Music announced that Nate Smith would be the platform's newest Breakthrough artist during [...] The post Amazon Music Names Nate Smith As Next Breakthrough Artist During ACM Awards appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Industry Ink: Musicians Hall Of Fame, MuttNation, PLA, More
MusicRow.com May 17, 2024 | 17:43 pmThe Musicians Hall Of Fame has launched their new Music Icons guitar exhibit. The exhibit features [...] The post Industry Ink: Musicians Hall Of Fame, MuttNation, PLA, More appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Music Business Association Concludes Music Biz 2024
MusicRow.com May 17, 2024 | 17:11 pmThe Music Business Association wrapped the Music Biz 2024 Conference yesterday (May 16) at the JW [...] The post Music Business Association Concludes Music Biz 2024 appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Full Time HS Band Director | West Valley School District #208
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) May 16, 2024 | 14:40 pmYakima, Washington, This position is responsible for three (3) concert bands, one (1) percussion ensemble, one (1) of two (2) jazz bands, marching band, and pep band. The West Valley School district in Yakima, WA has seen continued success in[…]
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Job: Euphonium - U.S. Marine Corps
musicalchairs - Euphonium News May 15, 2024 | 23:00 pmAs a Marine Corps Musician, you’ll have the opportunity to serve with one of the 10 renowned Marine Corps bands performing throughout the United States and internationally—from New York to Sydney..
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Director, Voices of the Green & White | Delta State University
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) May 15, 2024 | 18:56 pmCleveland, Mississippi, The Director position is crucial to the success and vibrancy of The Voices of the Green & White. The director plays a pivotal role in maintaining the high standards of performance at various university and community events. Their[…]
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Director, Spirit of the Delta | Delta State University
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) May 15, 2024 | 18:49 pmCleveland, Mississippi, The Director position is crucial to the success and vibrancy of The Spirit of the Delta. The director plays a pivotal role in maintaining the high standards of performance at various university and community events. Their efforts in[…]
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Competition: 4th Classical Stars International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Conductor News May 15, 2024 | 18:39 pm⭐CLASSICAL STARS International Music Competition invites all the talented musicians: soloists and ensembles, composers and conductors. ⭐Application deadline: 15th June 2024⭐ Talents of all ages..
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Competition: 4th Classical Stars International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Recorder News May 15, 2024 | 18:39 pm⭐CLASSICAL STARS International Music Competition invites all the talented musicians: soloists and ensembles, composers and conductors. ⭐Application deadline: 15th June 2024⭐ Talents of all ages..
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Mission Chamber Orchestra Collaborates With Students
May 14, 2024 | 20:33 pmMission Chamber Orchestra Collaborates With Students Peter Feher May 14, 2024 - 1:33pm
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Competition: Premio Amici della Musica di Verona
musicalchairs - Recorder News May 14, 2024 | 20:31 pm4th edition of the Premio Amici della Musica di Verona, an international music competition open to soloists and chamber music groups of up to five members under the age of 35 (for ensembles the..
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Changing of the Guard at Peninsula Youth Orchestra
May 14, 2024 | 20:25 pmChanging of the Guard at Peninsula Youth Orchestra Peter Feher May 14, 2024 - 1:25pm
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A Mother and Child Connect to the Past Through Dance
May 14, 2024 | 20:20 pmA Mother and Child Connect to the Past Through Dance Peter Feher May 14, 2024 - 1:20pm
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Kwangchul Youn Is Settling in San Francisco for a Bit
May 14, 2024 | 20:10 pmKwangchul Youn Is Settling in San Francisco for a Bit Peter Feher May 14, 2024 - 1:10pm
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6-12 Band Teacher | Public School
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) May 14, 2024 | 19:47 pmWheatland, Wyoming, Platte County School District #1 will be accepting applications to fill the position of a 6-12 grade Band Teacher at Wheatland Middle School and Wheatland High School for the 2024-25 school year, starting August 14th, 2024. Our well[…]
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Director of Strings | Ethos School of Music
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) May 14, 2024 | 19:16 pmTexas, Ethos School of Music is seeking a Director of Strings to join our Magnolia, TX office to lead our string music instruments program and develop the Viola and Violin program curriculum. The Director will work individually with students, including[…]
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IEB Endorses Joe Biden for President
Recent News – International Musician May 1, 2024 | 05:25 am“Stand faithfully by your friends and elect them. Oppose your enemies and defeat them.” That is the political policy of the AFL-CIO, and one that the AFM has subscribed to for decades. The unquestionable truth of it motivated the AFM[…]
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Music Performance Trust Fund Student Scholarships
Recent News – International Musician Apr 30, 2024 | 01:58 amApplications for 2024 Music Performance Trust Fund scholarships are being accepted through May 31. The MPTF Scholarship initiative supports the children of musicians through Music Family Scholarships, and helps future musicians through Music’s Future Scholarships. A minimum of $150,000 will[…]
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Free .MUSIC Domain Name Registration until May 24
Recent News – International Musician Apr 30, 2024 | 01:55 amThe official provider for .MUSIC domains is now offering priority registration to AFM members to secure .MUSIC domain name(s) linked to their songwriter, artist, or brand name free for one year. .MUSIC provides a recognized, trusted, and verified music-centric internet[…]
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Saying Goodbye to an AFM Colleague and Friend: AFM Vice President from Canada Alan Willaert
Recent News – International Musician Apr 21, 2024 | 14:10 pmIt is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alan Willaert, American Federation of Musicians Vice President from Canada and Director of Canadian Affairs, on April 18, 2024. Alan was a passionate and tenacious advocate[…]
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Remembering Longtime AFM Leader Victor Fuentealba
Recent News – International Musician Apr 21, 2024 | 14:02 pmAFM President Emeritus Victor W. “Vic” Fuentealba passed away April 17 at age 101. A proud AFM member for more than 80 years, he first joined the union in 1941, when he was performing with the Pete Santora Big Band at[…]
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