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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Oscar-Winning ‘Elephant Whisperers’ Writer Sets Teen Drama Amazon Series ‘Amber Girls School’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Variety Apr 26, 2024 | 08:15 amThe next project from Garima Pura Patiyaalvi, who co-wrote the Oscar-winning “The Elephant Whisperers,” is a teen drama Amazon series. “Amber Girls School” is set in an all-girls institution that focuses on conditioning young women in traditional Indian culture. It[…]
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‘Boy Kills World’ Review: Bill Skarsgård Is a Deaf-Mute Avenger in an Action Film So Ultraviolent It’s Like ‘John Wick’ Gone ‘Clockwork Orange’
Variety Apr 26, 2024 | 05:22 amIt’s the action film as slasher movie as gonzo damaged-superhero movie. It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass action-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.
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Karol G and Feid Dominate at the 2024 Latin American Music Awards (Complete Winners List)
Variety Apr 26, 2024 | 04:28 amKarol G and Feid took home the most awards during the 2024 Latin American Music Awards in Las Vegas on Thursday night. Though Karol didn’t attend the ceremony in person, she won six awards, including artist of the year and[…]
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How ‘Water for Elephants’ Composers PigPen Used Their Background as Puppeteers to Bring the Circus Show’s Theatrics to Life
Variety Apr 26, 2024 | 02:15 amThe music and lyrics in Broadway’s “Water for Elephants” are expansive and a rich tapestry of American music ranging from folk, to swing, jazz and bluegrass. PigPen, a collective of seven musicians (Alex Falberg, Arya Shahi, Ben Ferguson, Curtis Gillen,[…]
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‘The Great Gatsby’ Review: Broadway Musical Has Glamour but Little Grit
Variety Apr 26, 2024 | 02:00 amF. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel “The Great Gatsby,” which captured the roaring twenties with shocking clarity, is a staple of high school curricula and has been immortalized in two famous film adaptations (in 1974 by Richard Clayton and in 2013[…]
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Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent, More To Play Benefit Show For Glen Duncan
MusicRow.com Apr 25, 2024 | 21:19 pmSome of Nashville's finest musicians will gather at 3rd & Lindsley on May 15 for Nashville Fiddle [...] The post Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent, More To Play Benefit Show For Glen Duncan appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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The Chainsmokers & Marshmello Added To Diplo’s HonkyTonk Lineup For Stagecoach 2024
MusicRow.com Apr 25, 2024 | 21:10 pmThe Chainsmokers and Marshmello have been added to Diplo’s HonkyTonk lineup for this year's [...] The post The Chainsmokers & Marshmello Added To Diplo’s HonkyTonk Lineup For Stagecoach 2024 appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Competition: 4th World's Best Musicians (FREE ENTRY)
musicalchairs - Guitar News Apr 25, 2024 | 20:58 pmApplications are now open. FREE ENTRY Deadline: 31st May 2024 World’s Best Musicians is the world’s largest competition for classical musicians: Soloists of all the instruments and voices,..
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Competition: 4th World's Best Musicians (FREE ENTRY)
musicalchairs - Composer News Apr 25, 2024 | 20:58 pmApplications are now open. FREE ENTRY Deadline: 31st May 2024 World’s Best Musicians is the world’s largest competition for classical musicians: Soloists of all the instruments and voices,..
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Competition: 4th World's Best Musicians (FREE ENTRY)
musicalchairs - Composer News Apr 25, 2024 | 20:58 pmApplications are now open. FREE ENTRY Deadline: 31st May 2024 World’s Best Musicians is the world’s largest competition for classical musicians: Soloists of all the instruments and voices,..
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Competition: 4th World's Best Musicians (FREE ENTRY)
musicalchairs - Composer News Apr 25, 2024 | 20:58 pmApplications are now open. FREE ENTRY Deadline: 31st May 2024 World’s Best Musicians is the world’s largest competition for classical musicians: Soloists of all the instruments and voices,..
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Course: Jean-Guihen Queyras Cello Masterclass
musicalchairs - Cello News Apr 25, 2024 | 20:57 pmThis masterclass gives the opportunity to young cellists to develop their musical and technical skills, whilst also assisting them to reach their personal goals. Musicians preparing for exams,..
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Dierks Bentley, Billy Strings, Morgan Wade To Headline Houston’s Big As Texas Festival
MusicRow.com Apr 25, 2024 | 20:49 pmThe Big As Texas Festival, taking place May 10-12 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds near [...] The post Dierks Bentley, Billy Strings, Morgan Wade To Headline Houston’s Big As Texas Festival appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Course: 8th International Kalamata Music Days
musicalchairs - Cello News Apr 25, 2024 | 20:46 pmPiano masterclass ALEXIA MOUZA August 26 – 31, 2024 Violin masterclass FELIX FROSCHHAMMER August 26 – 31, 2024 Violoncello masterclass JEAN-GUIHEN QUEYRAS August 31 – September 6, 2024 Violin,..
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Course: 8th International Kalamata Music Days
musicalchairs - Conductor News Apr 25, 2024 | 20:46 pmPiano masterclass ALEXIA MOUZA August 26 – 31, 2024 Violin masterclass FELIX FROSCHHAMMER August 26 – 31, 2024 Violoncello masterclass JEAN-GUIHEN QUEYRAS August 31 – September 6, 2024 Violin,..
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DISClaimer Single Reviews: Unearthed Johnny Cash Track Is ‘Hearty And Satisfying’
MusicRow.com Apr 25, 2024 | 20:14 pmIt’s Ladies Day here at DISClaimer. Leading the pack in this stack of sounds are Clare Dunn, Tiera [...] The post DISClaimer Single Reviews: Unearthed Johnny Cash Track Is ‘Hearty And Satisfying’ appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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HS/MS Mariachi Music Teacher | Las Cruces Public Schools
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Apr 25, 2024 | 19:55 pmLas Cruces, New Mexico, Goal: Las Cruces Public Schools would like to develop a secondary level comprehensive Mariachi program where classes are offered during the school day and at all middle schools and high schools. The purpose of establishing this[…]
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Dylan Gossett Slates ‘The Back 40 Tour’ For Fall
MusicRow.com Apr 25, 2024 | 19:50 pmDylan Gossett plans to hit the road on "The Back 40 Tour" this fall. Gossett will make [...] The post Dylan Gossett Slates ‘The Back 40 Tour’ For Fall appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Competition: Italian Conducting Competition 2024 (3rd edition)
musicalchairs - Conductor News Apr 25, 2024 | 16:35 pmItalian Conducting Competition “Alceo Galliera” 2024 (3rd Edition) Bordighera 2024 November 7-10 IberClassica in cooperation with “Bordighera Symphony Orchestra” and Municipality of..
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The Accidentals, Fit For a King, Alex Austin Trio manifest mid-week musical marvels
Local Spins Apr 25, 2024 | 16:30 pmWednesday night lit up Grand Rapids with three shows by disparate artists in varied venues, from The Accidentals' 'Cover Art' tour stop at cozy Midtown to metalcore's Fit for a King shaking up the sprawling Intersection. Recaps, photos at Local[…]
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Job: Principal Horn - Theatre Vanemuine
musicalchairs - French Horn News Apr 25, 2024 | 16:19 pmAudition will be held on June 20th, 2024 in Tartu at Theatre Vanemuine, Estonia. For further details, please visit our website via the link below.
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Job: Professor of Piano - Royal Northern College of Music
musicalchairs - Piano News Apr 25, 2024 | 15:32 pmThe RNCM is a leading international conservatoire with a reputation for excellence in preparing young musicians for a life-long career in the music profession. The School of Keyboard Studies has an..
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Job: Senior Musician/Teacher (Lower Strings) - Big Noise Raploch & Fallin (Stirling) - Sistema Scotland
musicalchairs - Cello News Apr 25, 2024 | 15:27 pmWe have a vacancy for a Senior Musician/Teacher (lower strings) within our team in Big Noise Raploch, Stirling. As a Senior Musician/Teacher you will support the Head of Centre by contributing to the..
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Job: Senior Musician/Teacher (Lower Strings) - Big Noise Raploch & Fallin (Stirling) - Sistema Scotland
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Apr 25, 2024 | 15:27 pmWe have a vacancy for a Senior Musician/Teacher (lower strings) within our team in Big Noise Raploch, Stirling. As a Senior Musician/Teacher you will support the Head of Centre by contributing to the..
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Competition: 1st London Music Challenge
musicalchairs - Composer News Apr 25, 2024 | 14:11 pmThe 1st LONDON Music Challenge 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 discipline is..
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Competition: 1st London Music Challenge
musicalchairs - Composer News Apr 25, 2024 | 14:11 pmThe 1st LONDON Music Challenge 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 discipline is..
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Competition: 1st London Music Challenge
musicalchairs - Viola News Apr 25, 2024 | 14:11 pmThe 1st LONDON Music Challenge 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 discipline is..
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Competition: 1st London Music Challenge
musicalchairs - Alto News Apr 25, 2024 | 14:11 pmThe 1st LONDON Music Challenge 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 discipline is..
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Job: Second Bassoon - Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Apr 25, 2024 | 13:49 pmFirst round (AUD) September 16, 2024 at 14:30 (Europe/Amsterdam) Second round (AUD) September 17, 2024 at 13:30 (Europe/Amsterdam) Final round (AUD) September 18, 2024 at 13:45 (Europe/Amsterdam)
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Course: Blue Danube International Opera Conducting Masterclass 2024 (I)
musicalchairs - Conductor News Apr 25, 2024 | 13:47 pmTwo places available for participant conductors for Blue Danube Vienna's Opera Conducting Masterclass with Maestro Niels Muus working with 8 conductors on Verdi's Il trovatore and Bizet's Les..
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Job: Head of Keyboard - Wycombe Abbey School
musicalchairs - Organ News Apr 25, 2024 | 12:18 pmWycombe Abbey is a prestigious and high-achieving boarding school which provides an outstanding all-round education for girls aged 11 to 18 with a co-curricular programme running through the school..
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Instrument Sale: Italian viola, Zukermann Guarneri model.
musicalchairs - Viola News Apr 25, 2024 | 08:39 amViola italiana, basada en Zukermann Guarneri, 41,6 cm. Muy cómoda de tocar. El instrumento está en perfecto estado. Se puede probar en Madrid.
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Competition: International Clarinet Competition of the Municipality of Parc Ho
musicalchairs - Clarinet News Apr 25, 2024 | 07:52 amThe International Clarinet Competition of the Municipality of Parc Hosingen. Organized in partnership with the Klenge Maarnicher Festival and the Cube 521 in Marnach, the competition takes place from..
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Job: Tenor - Slovak National Theatre
musicalchairs - Tenor News Apr 25, 2024 | 07:35 amSlovak National Theatre in Bratislava invites applications for the position in the SND Opera Chorus in vocal groups - alto, tenor, bass Starting date: 01.08.2024 The audition will be held on 04. June..
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High School Music Teacher | University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Apr 24, 2024 | 21:00 pmChicago, Illinois, Job Summary: Music teachers report to their respective Principals, as well as the Music Department Chair. Music teachers are responsible for the planning, implementation, and delivery of the curriculum, as well as supervision of students both in and[…]
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Instrument Sale: Fox 660D 1992
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Apr 24, 2024 | 20:31 pmBellissimo strumento, dotato di 3 esse fox , custodia originale piú custodia morbida. Ottime condizioni! 1992 Fox 660D bassoon for sale! very good condition ! equipped with 3 bocals, original case..
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Job: Associate Principal Viola - Tulsa Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Viola News Apr 24, 2024 | 19:41 pmAnticipated Service Count – 180* (95 Orchestral Services, 85 Quintet Services) *Approximately 50% of the Associate Principal Viola service count is fulfilled through chamber music services. At..
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Instrumental Music Teacher and Band Director | Moravian Academy
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Apr 24, 2024 | 18:22 pmBethlehem, Pennsylvania, Moravian Academy seeks an instrumental music teacher and band director with responsibility for the middle and upper school music ensembles in grades 5-12 on the Historic Downtown, Swain, and Merle-Smith Campuses. The Position This is a full-time position[…]
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Violin/ Viola Instructor - Pending Budget Approval | Alabama School of Fine Arts
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Apr 24, 2024 | 16:32 pmBirmingham, Alabama, Title: VIOLIN/VIOLA INSTRUCTOR Job Goal: E xperienced instructor for music spe cialty majors in their preparation to pursue careers in music; ability to perform additional departmental administrative duties supervising and coordinating other music faculty. Reports to:[…]
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Job: Vocal Teacher - Bolton Music Service
musicalchairs - Tenor News Apr 24, 2024 | 15:37 pmBolton Music Service (Greater Manchester Music Hub) is seeking to appoint an experienced vocal teacher. This is an exciting role for a vocal specialist to make a difference to the musical lives of..
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Job: Vocal Teacher - Bolton Music Service
musicalchairs - Alto News Apr 24, 2024 | 15:37 pmBolton Music Service (Greater Manchester Music Hub) is seeking to appoint an experienced vocal teacher. This is an exciting role for a vocal specialist to make a difference to the musical lives of..
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Job: Leader of Vocal and Choral Department - Bolton Music Service
musicalchairs - Tenor News Apr 24, 2024 | 15:35 pmBolton Music Service (Greater Manchester Music Hub) is seeking to appoint an inspirational Leader of Vocal and Choral Development. This is an exciting role for a vocal specialist to lead our singing..
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Job: Leader of Vocal and Choral Department - Bolton Music Service
musicalchairs - Alto News Apr 24, 2024 | 15:35 pmBolton Music Service (Greater Manchester Music Hub) is seeking to appoint an inspirational Leader of Vocal and Choral Development. This is an exciting role for a vocal specialist to lead our singing..
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Competition: Francesca Lebrun International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Alto News Apr 24, 2024 | 15:13 pmFrancesca Lebrun International Music Competition opens online to all Instruments, Voices, Conducting, Composition and Chamber Music. The application deadline: 10th June, 2024 Results announcement:..
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Competition: Francesca Lebrun International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Organ News Apr 24, 2024 | 15:13 pmFrancesca Lebrun International Music Competition opens online to all Instruments, Voices, Conducting, Composition and Chamber Music. The application deadline: 10th June, 2024 Results announcement:..
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Competition: Francesca Lebrun International Music Competition
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Apr 24, 2024 | 15:13 pmFrancesca Lebrun International Music Competition opens online to all Instruments, Voices, Conducting, Composition and Chamber Music. The application deadline: 10th June, 2024 Results announcement:..
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Competition: Goodmesh Concours 2024, ARTificial
musicalchairs - Organ News Apr 24, 2024 | 13:56 pmGoodmesh Concours 2024 - ARTificial Arts Unite - Art Unites Sep 15 - Nov 25, 2024 Collaborate and Get Creative Unleash your creativity at the groundbreaking Goodmesh Concours 2024, the first-ever..
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Competition: Goodmesh Concours 2024, ARTificial
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Apr 24, 2024 | 13:56 pmGoodmesh Concours 2024 - ARTificial Arts Unite - Art Unites Sep 15 - Nov 25, 2024 Collaborate and Get Creative Unleash your creativity at the groundbreaking Goodmesh Concours 2024, the first-ever..
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Monterey Symphony’s Boldly Quiet Concert of Elegies
Apr 23, 2024 | 18:53 pmMonterey Symphony’s Boldly Quiet Concert of Elegies Peter Feher April 23, 2024 - 11:53am
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Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Ends an Era at Royce Hall
Apr 23, 2024 | 17:54 pmLos Angeles Chamber Orchestra Ends an Era at Royce Hall Peter Feher April 23, 2024 - 10:54am
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Opera San Jose Embarks on a Magical Journey in Florencia en el Amazonas
Apr 23, 2024 | 17:47 pmOpera San Jose Embarks on a Magical Journey in Florencia en el Amazonas Peter Feher April 23, 2024 - 10:47am
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Bill Frisell and Friends Play the Music of Dreams
Apr 23, 2024 | 17:43 pmBill Frisell and Friends Play the Music of Dreams Peter Feher April 23, 2024 - 10:43am
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With Mercury Soul, a Relaxed Atmosphere in a Grand Space
Apr 23, 2024 | 17:35 pmWith Mercury Soul, a Relaxed Atmosphere in a Grand Space Peter Feher April 23, 2024 - 10:35am
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Partner Acquisition Consultant | Building for the Arts NY Inc. - Music and the Brain
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Apr 23, 2024 | 15:59 pmNew York, New York, Music and the Brain (MATB, a program of the nonprofit Building for the Arts NY, Inc.) provides a school-day, general music curriculum using whole-class piano instruction. Aligned with National Core Arts Standards, MATB provides sequential K-8+[…]
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Job: STATE OPERA STARA ZAGORA ANNOUNCES AUDITION FOR TUTTI PERCUSSION - State Opera Stara Zagora
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Apr 23, 2024 | 13:48 pmThe State Opera Stara Zagora is a European (EU) orchestra based in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. We have one open full-time, permanent position for percussionist. The ideal candidate should be comfortable..
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Job: Principal Harp - Vratsa Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Harp News Apr 23, 2024 | 12:16 pmAnnouncing a full-time principal harp position open starting July-August 2024. The Vratsa Symphony Orchestra, located in picturesque and mountainous Vratsa, Bulgaria is a European (EU) state-funded..
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Competition: 1st BEETHOVEN International PROMUSIC Competition
musicalchairs - Tuba News Apr 23, 2024 | 11:20 am⭐ The 1st BEETHOVEN International PROMUSIC Competition 2024 is now accepting applications. ⭐ This competition welcomes participants in all instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber..
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LRFest Recap – March 2024!
Listening Room Network Mar 20, 2024 | 01:35 amShowcase at the Palladium Theater, March 10th 2023. Photos by Donna Green. Our 13th Annual Listening Room Festival was a celebration of music, intimate venues, and our growing community of music fans. We had a wonderful festival, and managed to[…]
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AFM Musicians Affirm Support at “Many Crafts, One Fight” Rally
Recent News – International Musician Mar 7, 2024 | 23:27 pmAFM musicians joined thousands in solidarity at the “Many Crafts, One Fight” negotiations kickoff rally March 3 hosted by International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and Hollywood Basic Crafts unions as they headed into their negotiations with the Alliance[…]
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Tax Filing Tips – 2024 (US)
Recent News – International Musician Mar 1, 2024 | 07:35 amIt’s Tax Time: Make It Easy on Yourself To help streamline your 2023 returns, here are some of the new and enhanced programs issued by the IRS in 2024. Taxes can be complicated for musicians. Which form? What can I[…]
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