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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Peso Pluma Welcomes Anitta, Eslabon Armado and More as Coachella Guests for Weekend 2
Variety Apr 20, 2024 | 05:31 amPeso Pluma welcomed Anitta, Eslabon Armado and more for a performance of their global hits, “Bellakeo” and “Ella Baila Sola,” during weekend two of the Coachella music festival on Friday night. Peso welcomed rising artists Jasiel Nuñez and Ryan Castro[…]
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Drake Uses A.I. Tupac and Snoop Dogg Vocals on ‘Taylor Made Freestyle,’ References Taylor Swift’s New Album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’
Variety Apr 20, 2024 | 05:10 amThe beef between Drake and what continues to be a strong sect of the hip-hop community grows deeper. On Friday night (April 19), the rapper released a song on his social media entitled “Taylor Made Freestyle,” which uses A.I. vocals[…]
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‘Stereophonic’ Review: Behind the Music, There’s Theatrical Solid Gold in This New Broadway Play
Variety Apr 20, 2024 | 03:59 amThere’s a moment in David Adjmi’s play “Stereophonic” when a discordant, mid-’70s band-on-the rise hears one of its songs played back to them in the recording studio for the first time, with all its multiple tracks layered together into an[…]
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‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Crowns Season 16’s Winner
Variety Apr 20, 2024 | 02:59 amSPOILER ALERT: This contains major spoilers for the finale of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Banana fever reigns supreme after “RuPaul’s Drag Race” crowned America’s next drag superstar. Season 16 winner Nymphia Wind snatched the crown from fellow finalists Plane Jane and Sapphira Cristál.[…]
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Job: Principal Viola: One Position - Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa
musicalchairs - Viola News Apr 20, 2024 | 01:22 amFull-time Principal Viola player of the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa, one of the most active chamber orchestra in Japan.
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Job: Violin(1st Violin Tutti), Violin (2nd Violin Tutti): One or More Positions - Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa
musicalchairs - Violin News Apr 20, 2024 | 01:19 amFull-time violin player of the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa, one of the most active chamber orchestra in Japan. Your part may be changed after joining.
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‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ Sequel in the Works With Original Stars and Director Stephan Elliott
Variety Apr 20, 2024 | 00:23 am30 years after the release of “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” the cult classic from director Stephan Elliott is getting a sequel. Original trio of stars Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving will return to their[…]
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Competition: Mozart Clavierland Piano Competition
musicalchairs - Piano News Apr 19, 2024 | 21:40 pmMozart CLAVIERLAND Piano Competition Three main prizes (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place), as well as special prizes ''Wiener Klassik'' Prize & Jury Special Prize, and Honorable Mentions Prizes, will be..
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In Pictures: Inaugural Cattle Country Music Festival Takes Place Under Texas Sky
MusicRow.com Apr 19, 2024 | 21:13 pmThe inaugural Cattle Country Music Festival took place in Gonzales, Texas this past weekend [...] The post In Pictures: Inaugural Cattle Country Music Festival Takes Place Under Texas Sky appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Elvie Shane Forges Stories Together To Create Sophomore Album [Interview]
MusicRow.com Apr 19, 2024 | 20:39 pmAfter first breaking onto the music scene in 2021 with Platinum single "My Boy," country [...] The post Elvie Shane Forges Stories Together To Create Sophomore Album [Interview] appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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CMHOFM Adds To Taylor Swift Education Center Display
MusicRow.com Apr 19, 2024 | 20:05 pmThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (CMHOFM) have added several new artifacts to the Taylor [...] The post CMHOFM Adds To Taylor Swift Education Center Display appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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‘Glen Campbell Duets – Ghost On The Canvas Sessions’ Out Now
MusicRow.com Apr 19, 2024 | 19:38 pmThe collaborative album Glen Campbell Duets - Ghost on the Canvas Sessions is out now [...] The post ‘Glen Campbell Duets – Ghost On The Canvas Sessions’ Out Now appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Wynonna & More Among Lineup For ‘Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music Of Patsy Cline’
MusicRow.com Apr 19, 2024 | 18:57 pm“Walkin' After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline” will celebrate the music of iconic country [...] The post Wynonna & More Among Lineup For ‘Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music Of Patsy Cline’ appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Fresh faces, new tracks spawned by West Michigan’s music scene: Local Spins on WYCE
Local Spins Apr 19, 2024 | 16:44 pmThis week's all-new-Michigan-music edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured new, emerging artists: Anaia Lachelle, Metzfire, Future Things, Ryan Cassidy and 56 Tornadoes, along with tracks by established acts such as The Accidentals, Earth Radio and Lipstick Jodi. Learn more[…]
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Job: 2 postes de ténor 2 - Opéra de Marseille
musicalchairs - Tenor News Apr 19, 2024 | 15:47 pmConcours : Lundi 10 juin 2024 à 14h00 à l’Opéra Date limite d’inscription : Vendredi 31 mai 2024 Prise de fonction : Mardi 3 septembre 2024
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Job: Visiting Music Teacher – Flute - Christ's Hospital
musicalchairs - Flute News Apr 19, 2024 | 15:26 pmWe are currently conducting a search for a well-qualified and enthusiastic Visiting Music Teacher of Flute from September 2024. This is an exciting prospect for the right person to be part of a..
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Job: Orchestral Academy - Double Bass - Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Apr 19, 2024 | 12:25 pmOrchestral Academy – DOUBLE BASS The Czech Philharmonic and its Chief Conductor and Music Director Semyon Bychkov announce an audition for the Orchestral Academy for the period from 1st September..
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Competition: London Young Musician
musicalchairs - Guitar News Apr 19, 2024 | 11:24 amWelcoming musicians of ages under 28, skill, and background. Don't miss out! Dive into London Young Musician! Offering 25 diverse categories—from piano and strings to vocals and percussion—find..
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Competition: London Young Musician
musicalchairs - Composer News Apr 19, 2024 | 11:24 amWelcoming musicians of ages under 28, skill, and background. Don't miss out! Dive into London Young Musician! Offering 25 diverse categories—from piano and strings to vocals and percussion—find..
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Competition: London Young Musician
musicalchairs - Composer News Apr 19, 2024 | 11:24 amWelcoming musicians of ages under 28, skill, and background. Don't miss out! Dive into London Young Musician! Offering 25 diverse categories—from piano and strings to vocals and percussion—find..
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Competition: London Young Musician
musicalchairs - Composer News Apr 19, 2024 | 11:24 amWelcoming musicians of ages under 28, skill, and background. Don't miss out! Dive into London Young Musician! Offering 25 diverse categories—from piano and strings to vocals and percussion—find..
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Competition: World Grand Prix International Music Contest
musicalchairs - Composer News Apr 19, 2024 | 11:18 am*The competition is open to all instrumentalists, singers, conductors & chamber musicians, and composers of all nationalities. World Grand Prix International Music Contest is an online classical..
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Competition: World Grand Prix International Music Contest
musicalchairs - Composer News Apr 19, 2024 | 11:18 am*The competition is open to all instrumentalists, singers, conductors & chamber musicians, and composers of all nationalities. World Grand Prix International Music Contest is an online classical..
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Competition: World Grand Prix International Music Contest
musicalchairs - Tenor News Apr 19, 2024 | 11:18 am*The competition is open to all instrumentalists, singers, conductors & chamber musicians, and composers of all nationalities. World Grand Prix International Music Contest is an online classical..
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Competition: World Grand Prix International Music Contest
musicalchairs - Conductor News Apr 19, 2024 | 11:18 am*The competition is open to all instrumentalists, singers, conductors & chamber musicians, and composers of all nationalities. World Grand Prix International Music Contest is an online classical..
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Competition: Berlioz International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Tenor News Apr 19, 2024 | 11:10 amBerlioz International Music Competition is an online international music competition that aims to fully challenge the virtuosity and artistic excellence of performers. It opens to all Instruments,..
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Competition: Berlioz International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Conductor News Apr 19, 2024 | 11:10 amBerlioz International Music Competition is an online international music competition that aims to fully challenge the virtuosity and artistic excellence of performers. It opens to all Instruments,..
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Job: 1 Soprano 2 - Opéra Royal de Wallonie
musicalchairs - Soprano/Mezzo News Apr 19, 2024 | 09:12 am1 SOPRANO II. pour le cadre des Chœurs
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Job: 1 Alto 1 (Mezzo) - Opéra Royal de Wallonie
musicalchairs - Alto News Apr 19, 2024 | 09:11 am1 ALTO 1 (MEZZO) pour le cadre des Chœurs
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Job: 1 Ténor 2 - Opéra Royal de Wallonie
musicalchairs - Tenor News Apr 19, 2024 | 09:07 am1 TENOR II pour le cadre des Chœurs
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Job: 2 Soprani 1 - Opéra Royal de Wallonie
musicalchairs - Soprano/Mezzo News Apr 19, 2024 | 09:03 amDEUX SOPRANI I pour le cadre des Chœurs
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Course: Conductors Retreat at Medomak 2024
musicalchairs - Conductor News Apr 19, 2024 | 07:01 amThe CONDUCTORS RETREAT AT MEDOMAK is a proven program of intensive work on the many aspects of conducting and being a conductor. The place where conductors develop as leaders, hone their skills,..
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Job: Sub Principal Trumpet - Auckland Philharmonia
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Apr 19, 2024 | 04:08 amWork in beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand with world-class conductors and soloists! This full-time permanent role is open to musicians with the legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of the..
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Course: Singing - San Marino International Music Courses
musicalchairs - Alto News Apr 18, 2024 | 20:16 pmSan Marino International Music Summer Courses & Festivals 2024: singing as the first artistic and expressive form, the performance practices of different eras from the Middle Ages to the..
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Course: Early and Baroque Music Project
musicalchairs - Recorder News Apr 18, 2024 | 20:05 pmOver eight hundred years of music history present at the San Marino International Music Summer Courses & Festivals, with the support of great international experts in performance practice. Themed..
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Job: Associate/E-Flat Clarinet (One-Year, Non-Tenure Track) - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Clarinet News Apr 18, 2024 | 15:55 pm -
Course: Advanced Conducting Intensive | Juilliard Extension
musicalchairs - Conductor News Apr 18, 2024 | 15:37 pmThe online Advanced Conducting Intensive accommodates students worldwide. Participants gather virtually to explore key aspects of conducting including score study and preparation, creativity and..
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Course: Kulturwelten Summer Academy 2024
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Apr 18, 2024 | 14:00 pmKulturwelten Summer Academy 2024 ✨ 1 to 6 July 2024 at the Musikverein Vienna Instrumental Lessons, Masterclasses, Courses and Seminars for all Ages and Levels. ✅ With Members of Vienna Symphony..
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Course: Kulturwelten Summer Academy 2024
musicalchairs - Cello News Apr 18, 2024 | 14:00 pmKulturwelten Summer Academy 2024 ✨ 1 to 6 July 2024 at the Musikverein Vienna Instrumental Lessons, Masterclasses, Courses and Seminars for all Ages and Levels. ✅ With Members of Vienna Symphony..
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Job: Professore d’orchestra nel ruolo di 2° e 3° Trombone - Fondazione Teatro Lirico di Cagliari
musicalchairs - Trombone News Apr 18, 2024 | 08:03 amProcedura selettiva per n.1 Professore d’orchestra nel ruolo di 2° e 3° Trombone (Tenore e Basso) con obbligo della fila e seguenti
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Job: Principal Bassoon - Detroit Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Apr 17, 2024 | 23:32 pm -
Job: Assistant Principal Timpani / Section Percussion - The Cleveland Orchestra
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Apr 17, 2024 | 23:05 pm -
Job: Section Cello - Abilene Philharmonic
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Job: Principal Clarinet - Sioux City Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Clarinet News Apr 17, 2024 | 20:06 pmThis is a Per Service position with a current Per Service Fee of $102.52 Lodging Stipend: Up to $85.00 per night Travel Reimbursement: $.35 per mile capped at 600 miles per round trip 48 Services..
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Assistant Professor of Music/Worship Arts or Music Education (Instrumental) | Toccoa Falls College
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Apr 17, 2024 | 19:34 pmToccoa Falls, Georgia, Position Summary: The Music Department at Toccoa Falls College invites applications for a full-time faculty position starting August 1, 2024. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position will primarily be tasked with[…]
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Instrument Sale: Altsaxophon YANAGISAWA A-WO2 Professional
musicalchairs - Saxophone News Apr 17, 2024 | 15:44 pmVerkaufe ein zwei Monate altes YANAGISAWA A-WO2 Altsaxophon Genaue Beschreibung - siehe Rechnung-Foto Original Zubehör: Koffer/Rucksackgarnitur, Yanagisawa Mundstück und Ligatur Wäre als Geschenk..
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Competition: 22 Chieri International Competition
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Apr 17, 2024 | 13:22 pmCompetition dedicated to wind instruments in alternate years: even years flute, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, odd years oboe, clarinet, horn, saxophone, all years duo and chamber music.
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Competition: 22 Chieri International Competition
musicalchairs - Tuba News Apr 17, 2024 | 13:22 pmCompetition dedicated to wind instruments in alternate years: even years flute, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, odd years oboe, clarinet, horn, saxophone, all years duo and chamber music.
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Cal Performances, More Than a Century Old, Exhibits Youthful Vigor
Apr 16, 2024 | 19:00 pmCal Performances, More Than a Century Old, Exhibits Youthful Vigor Peter Feher April 16, 2024 - 12:00pm
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Robert Garland Reckons With History at Dance Theatre of Harlem
Apr 16, 2024 | 18:15 pmRobert Garland Reckons With History at Dance Theatre of Harlem Peter Feher April 16, 2024 - 11:15am
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Returns and Departures Among Former SF Symphony Music Directors
Apr 16, 2024 | 18:11 pmReturns and Departures Among Former SF Symphony Music Directors Peter Feher April 16, 2024 - 11:11am
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Danish String Quartet Offers a Challenge to Composer Thomas Adès
Apr 16, 2024 | 18:06 pmDanish String Quartet Offers a Challenge to Composer Thomas Adès Peter Feher April 16, 2024 - 11:06am
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Competition: 4th International Artists Competition
musicalchairs - Tuba News Apr 16, 2024 | 09:02 amTOP JURY | DEADLINE: MAY 15th, 2024 THE ELIMINATION ROUND IS FREE OF CHARGE Welcome to the 4th Edition of the International Artists Competition, an international online music competition that aims to..
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Competition: 4th International Artists Competition
musicalchairs - Organ News Apr 16, 2024 | 09:02 amTOP JURY | DEADLINE: MAY 15th, 2024 THE ELIMINATION ROUND IS FREE OF CHARGE Welcome to the 4th Edition of the International Artists Competition, an international online music competition that aims to..
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At Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Freedom and Wildness Reign
Apr 16, 2024 | 01:25 amAt Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Freedom and Wildness Reign Peter Feher April 15, 2024 - 6:25pm
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Job: University professorship for organ - Anton Bruckner Privatuniversität
musicalchairs - Organ News Apr 15, 2024 | 08:12 amLeading an organ class within an artistic and artistic-pedagogical education in the bachelor and master studies. This includes the core artistic subject, teaching of the relevant supplementary..
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Competition: Los Angeles International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Recorder News Apr 14, 2024 | 21:34 pmLos Angeles International Music Competition is an online music competition for musicians around the world. Open to all nationalities and ages in piano, strings, wind, vocal and chamber music. Each..
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Middle/Upper School Choral Director | Germantown Academy
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Apr 8, 2024 | 17:09 pmFort Washington, Pennsylvania, Germantown Academy We inspire students to be: Independent in Thought • Confident in Expression • Compassionate in Spirit • Collaborative in Action • Honorable in Deed Position Title: Middle/Upper School Choral Director Germantown Academy is an independent,[…]
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Vice President of Education & Engagement | Boston Symphony Orchestra
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Apr 4, 2024 | 16:19 pmBoston, Massachusetts, Position: Vice President of Education & Engagement Organization: Boston Symphony Orchestra Location: Boston, MA Type/Industry: Performing Arts ABOUT: BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Founded in 1881, the Boston Symphony Orchestra's (BSO) mission of bringing world-class orchestral and popular music performances[…]
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Upper Elementary and Middle School Band Director; Middle School Music Technology Teacher | The Greenwich Country Day School
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Mar 25, 2024 | 13:56 pmGreenwich, Connecticut, ? ? Greenwich Country Day School is an independent, co-educational day school with a current enrollment of over 1400 students in grades N-12, and a faculty and staff of over 350. The original Old Church Road campus is[…]
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