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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Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’: A Deep Dive Into the Featured Artists and Samples — From Shaboozey to ‘These Boots Are Made for Walkin” and More
Variety Mar 29, 2024 | 04:30 am“They don’t, don’t know how hard I had to fight for this,” sings Beyoncé on “Ameriican Requiem,” the harmony-laden opener on her eighth album “Cowboy Carter.” Anyone keyed into the promotional cycle leading up to its release knows this well.[…]
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Beyoncé Enlists Daughter Rumi Carter for ‘Protector’ Track on ‘Cowboy Carter’
Variety Mar 29, 2024 | 04:15 amBeyoncé called in many artists to feature on her new album “Cowboy Carter,” spanning country icons like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson to up-and-comers including Tanner Adell and Shaboozey. But she also made it a family affair, enlisting her daughter[…]
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Beyonce Rewrites Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ Lyrics to Deliver Fiery Cover on ‘Cowboy Carter’
Variety Mar 29, 2024 | 04:06 amIt looks like Dolly Parton hinted correctly. After the country icon said that she believed that Beyoncé would sample or interpolate her 1973 classic “Jolene” for her new album, Bey has done just that, including a cover of the song[…]
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‘A Simple Favor 2’ Adds Allison Janney
Variety Mar 29, 2024 | 02:44 amAllison Janney is joining the cast of Amazon MGM Studios’ “A Simple Favor 2.” The actor will join returning cast members Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick in the sequel to Paul Feig’s 2018 mystery-comedy film. The sequel will follow Stephanie[…]
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‘Tommy’ Review: Broadway Musical Revival is Strictly for the Boomers
Variety Mar 29, 2024 | 02:00 amThere are two kinds of people in this world: Those that love bone-shaking, ear-splitting spectacles, like fireworks and arena-sized heavy metal concerts, and those who want nothing more than to miss such events for a night on the couch with[…]
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Competition: 2024 NTD 9th International Chinese Vocal Competition
musicalchairs - Alto News Mar 28, 2024 | 23:02 pmMission: The New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD) “International Chinese Vocal Competition” is one in a series of international cultural and arts events hosted by NTD Television. The aim of this..
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Jordan Fletcher To Share His ‘Cuts & Covers’ In April
MusicRow.com Mar 28, 2024 | 21:24 pmSinger-songwriter Jordan Fletcher plans to release his latest EP, Cuts & Covers, on April 12 [...] The post Jordan Fletcher To Share His ‘Cuts & Covers’ In April appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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DISClaimer Single Reviews: Zac Brown Band ‘Welcomes Us To Summer Fun’
MusicRow.com Mar 28, 2024 | 21:17 pmSpring has sprung, and country music has a treatment for those pollen allergies. Head for a windy [...] The post DISClaimer Single Reviews: Zac Brown Band ‘Welcomes Us To Summer Fun’ appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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‘Breland & Friends’ Raise Over $140,000 For At-Risk Youth
MusicRow.com Mar 28, 2024 | 21:04 pmCountry music star Breland hosted his third-annual “Breland & Friends” concert at Nashville’s [...] The post ‘Breland & Friends’ Raise Over $140,000 For At-Risk Youth appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Competition: 1st ASIA InMusic Competition
musicalchairs - Guitar News Mar 28, 2024 | 20:33 pm1st ASIA InMusic Competition with maximum application date of April,4 2024 is open to musicians over the world in the classical and traditional music fields without age limit and for all levels...
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Competition: 1st ASIA InMusic Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News Mar 28, 2024 | 20:33 pm1st ASIA InMusic Competition with maximum application date of April,4 2024 is open to musicians over the world in the classical and traditional music fields without age limit and for all levels...
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Competition: 1st ASIA InMusic Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News Mar 28, 2024 | 20:33 pm1st ASIA InMusic Competition with maximum application date of April,4 2024 is open to musicians over the world in the classical and traditional music fields without age limit and for all levels...
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Competition: 1st ASIA InMusic Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News Mar 28, 2024 | 20:33 pm1st ASIA InMusic Competition with maximum application date of April,4 2024 is open to musicians over the world in the classical and traditional music fields without age limit and for all levels...
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Women’s Programming & Leadership Roundtables Announced For Music Biz 2024
MusicRow.com Mar 28, 2024 | 19:34 pmThe Music Business Association (Music Biz) has announced the slate of women-focused [...] The post Women’s Programming & Leadership Roundtables Announced For Music Biz 2024 appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Job: Section Viola - Greenville Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Viola News Mar 28, 2024 | 18:42 pm$100.00 section per service rate - mileage and per diem paid when applicable
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Job: Section Violin - Greenville Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Violin News Mar 28, 2024 | 18:40 pm$100.00 section per service rate - mileage and per diem paid when applicable
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Riser House Extends Partnership With Michael Whitworth
MusicRow.com Mar 28, 2024 | 18:01 pmRiser House Publishing has extended its partnership with songwriter Michael Whitworth. The [...] The post Riser House Extends Partnership With Michael Whitworth appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Shagbark Fest 2024 lineup stars Myron Elkins, Desmond Jones, Full Cord and more
Local Spins Mar 28, 2024 | 16:11 pmA who’s who roster of regional bands -- from Chirp and The Bootstrap Boys to Hannah Rose Graves and The Microtones with Don Julin -- will light up the August music festival in southern Kent County. Details, links at Local[…]
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Job: Assistant Principal Horn 2 - Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - French Horn News Mar 28, 2024 | 14:42 pmInternational audition for Assistant Principal Horn 2
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Job: Opera Chorus Soprano - Theatre Vanemuine
musicalchairs - Soprano/Mezzo News Mar 28, 2024 | 13:55 pmAudition will be held on the 10th of May, 2024 in Tartu at Theatre Vanemuine, Estonia. For further details, please visit our website via the link below
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Instrument Sale: 5 Strings Doublebass 3/4 - Gamba Model
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Mar 28, 2024 | 12:04 pmWe have Available this 5 Strings Doublebass 3/4 Hand-made in Romania from Solid Wood ▫️ Gamba Model with 5 Strings ▫️ The Back and Ribs are made from Flamed Poplar ▫️ The top is made from..
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Instrument Sale: J. P. Bernard violin Bow
musicalchairs - Violin News Mar 28, 2024 | 11:19 amExcellent original J. P. Bernard Bruxelles violin bow in ebony and silver - as fire-printed on both sides of the bow -, weighing 62 gr. The bow was made in Brussels, Belgium in Pierre Guillaume's..
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Instrument Sale: Powell 14K with silver mechanism
musicalchairs - Flute News Mar 28, 2024 | 10:30 amI am selling my 14K Powell flute, with a 14k headjoint+ Platinum riser, which I bought in 2016 in London. The flute was set in 1/24 and is in great condition with a rich and sweet sound, very clear..
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Job: 1st Violin Tutti - Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice
musicalchairs - Violin News Mar 28, 2024 | 09:11 amThe auditions will take place on 28.06.2024 at 14.00 at the seat of NOSPR in Katowice, plac Wojciecha Kilara 1. Please submit your applications by post, addressed: NOSPR, Plac W. Kilara 1, 40-202..
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Instrument Sale: MD Bassoon Reed Profiler
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Mar 27, 2024 | 18:14 pmMD bassoon reed cane profiler in excellent condition. Fully adjustable. Includes extra set of spindles manufactured by MD Reed Products at my request to allow for thicker reed spine if required.
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Competition: International Competition of Singing / Operas Arias and melodies
musicalchairs - Soprano/Mezzo News Mar 27, 2024 | 17:14 pmInternational Competition of Singing / Opera Aria & French Melodies with the Macon Symphony Orchestra Endowed by 16 000 prizes Engagement contracts could be offered to candidates, laureates or not,..
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Competition: International Competition of Singing / Operas Arias and melodies
musicalchairs - Alto News Mar 27, 2024 | 17:14 pmInternational Competition of Singing / Opera Aria & French Melodies with the Macon Symphony Orchestra Endowed by 16 000 prizes Engagement contracts could be offered to candidates, laureates or not,..
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Course: Festival Cordes&Pics
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Mar 27, 2024 | 16:16 pmViolin, cello, piano Possibility of coming for 1 week from 07/20 to 07/27 or from 07/27 to 08/03 Preparation for competitive exams and entrance to conservatories by teachers from the CNSMD of Paris..
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Course: Festival Cordes&Pics
musicalchairs - Cello News Mar 27, 2024 | 16:16 pmViolin, cello, piano Possibility of coming for 1 week from 07/20 to 07/27 or from 07/27 to 08/03 Preparation for competitive exams and entrance to conservatories by teachers from the CNSMD of Paris..
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Instrument Sale: Hungarian Gasparo Da Salo copy
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Mar 27, 2024 | 16:02 pmA modern Hungarian instrument circa 2000, in the pattern of Gasparo Da Salo. In excellent playing condition with no damage or repairs. New bridge and professional set up. Beautifully flamed maple..
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Job: Trumpet 2nd Voice - Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Mar 27, 2024 | 15:49 pmThe auditions will take place on 14.06.2024 at 14 : 00 at the seat of NOSPR in Katowice, plac Wojciecha Kilara 1. Please submit your applications by post, addressed NOSPR, Plac W. Kilara 1, 40-202..
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Job: Instrumental Teachers - Slough Music Service
musicalchairs - Soprano/Mezzo News Mar 27, 2024 | 15:39 pmWe are seeking instrumental teachers for small group, individual and whole class lessons. We are specifically looking for guitar, piano and violin teachers but welcome applications for all..
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Job: Instrumental Teachers - Slough Music Service
musicalchairs - Viola News Mar 27, 2024 | 15:39 pmWe are seeking instrumental teachers for small group, individual and whole class lessons. We are specifically looking for guitar, piano and violin teachers but welcome applications for all..
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Job: Instrumental Teachers - Slough Music Service
musicalchairs - Cello News Mar 27, 2024 | 15:39 pmWe are seeking instrumental teachers for small group, individual and whole class lessons. We are specifically looking for guitar, piano and violin teachers but welcome applications for all..
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Job: Instrumental Teachers - Slough Music Service
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Mar 27, 2024 | 15:39 pmWe are seeking instrumental teachers for small group, individual and whole class lessons. We are specifically looking for guitar, piano and violin teachers but welcome applications for all..
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Job: Horn Tutti - Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice
musicalchairs - French Horn News Mar 27, 2024 | 15:38 pmThe auditions will take place on 27.06.2024 at 14.00 at the seat of NOSPR in Katowice, pl. Wojciecha Kilara 1. Please submit your applications by post, addressed NOSPR, pl. Wojciecha Kilara 1, 40-202..
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Job: Cello Tutti - Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice
musicalchairs - Cello News Mar 27, 2024 | 15:30 pmThe auditions will take place on 13.06.2024 at 14 : 00 at the seat of NOSPR in Katowice, plac Wojciecha Kilara 1. Please submit your applications by post, addressed: NOSPR, Plac W. Kilara 1, 40-202..
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Instrument Sale: Heckelfagott #119XX
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Mar 27, 2024 | 15:08 pmIch verkaufe ein Heckelfagott der Serie #119XX. Das Instrument ist in exzellentem Zustand und wird inklusive zwei Heckel S-Bögen und Marcus Bonna Koffer verkauft. Ausprobieren ist gerne nach..
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Job: Section Principal Bassoon - Scottish Opera
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Mar 27, 2024 | 13:29 pmSection Principal Bassoon Salary – £754.41 per week plus benefits Scottish Opera takes world-class opera to all corners of Scotland and beyond, ensuring that as many people as possible can enjoy..
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Job: Universitätsprofessur für Schlaginstrumente - Kunstuniversität Graz
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Mar 27, 2024 | 13:18 pmAn der Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Graz – Institut für Blas- und Schlaginstrumente – gelangt voraussichtlich ab dem Wintersemester 2025/26 eine Universitätsprofessur für..
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Instrument Sale: Schilke E3L - Beryllium
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Mar 27, 2024 | 13:14 pmVery sorry to see this go. Re-listing my Schilke Beryllium E3L. Fantastic trumpet that served me well throughout college. Very small dent on the crook of the D bell, everything else is like new. I..
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Job: Bassoon (2nd) - Full-time - Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Mar 27, 2024 | 12:32 pmThe Warsaw Philharmonic announces auditions for the position BASSOON (2nd) - FULL-TIME EXPECTED DATE OF AUDITIONS: 17 and 18 SEPTEMBER 2024 If you are interested, please submit your artistic CV to..
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Job: Guildhall Young Artists Taunton Music Tutors (various disciplines) - Guildhall School of Music & Drama
musicalchairs - Flute News Mar 27, 2024 | 11:55 amGuildhall Young Artists Taunton is one of Somerset’s most exciting Saturday performing arts centre offering a range of classes and performance opportunities for 5 to 18-year-olds in music and..
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Job: Guildhall Young Artists Taunton Music Tutors (various disciplines) - Guildhall School of Music & Drama
musicalchairs - Oboe News Mar 27, 2024 | 11:55 amGuildhall Young Artists Taunton is one of Somerset’s most exciting Saturday performing arts centre offering a range of classes and performance opportunities for 5 to 18-year-olds in music and..
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Instrument Sale: Viktor Koos Baroque cello
musicalchairs - Cello News Mar 27, 2024 | 10:57 amBaroque cello made in 2013 by Viktor Koos. Corpus length 76.8
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Competition: Galoyan Art Audition
musicalchairs - Alto News Mar 26, 2024 | 23:41 pmGaloyan Art Agency is proud to announce the commencement of our biannual audition for talented classical singers across five vocal categories: soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone, and bass. This..
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Jerusalem Youth Chorus Has the Building Blocks for Peace
Mar 26, 2024 | 18:59 pmJerusalem Youth Chorus Has the Building Blocks for Peace Peter Feher March 26, 2024 - 11:59am
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Course: New York City Teacher Training in the Alexander Technique
musicalchairs - Alto News Mar 26, 2024 | 18:40 pmThe Balance Arts Center sponsors International Students for M-1 Visas for the Alexander Technique Teacher Training Program. This immersive course allows students to deeply integrate and refine the..
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Course: New York City Teacher Training in the Alexander Technique
musicalchairs - Harpsichord News Mar 26, 2024 | 18:40 pmThe Balance Arts Center sponsors International Students for M-1 Visas for the Alexander Technique Teacher Training Program. This immersive course allows students to deeply integrate and refine the..
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John Adams Leads the LA Phil in a Modern American Showcase
Mar 26, 2024 | 17:39 pmJohn Adams Leads the LA Phil in a Modern American Showcase Peter Feher March 26, 2024 - 10:39am
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A Superbly Sung Katya Kabanova
Mar 26, 2024 | 16:09 pmA Superbly Sung Katya Kabanova Peter Feher March 26, 2024 - 9:09am
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SF Symphony Discloses Some Details of Its Troubled Finances
Mar 26, 2024 | 15:22 pmSF Symphony Discloses Some Details of Its Troubled Finances Peter Feher March 26, 2024 - 8:22am
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Choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa Seizes Her Moment
Mar 26, 2024 | 15:15 pmChoreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa Seizes Her Moment Peter Feher March 26, 2024 - 8:15am
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Course: Summer Academy 2024 - Academia Musicae Labacensis
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Mar 26, 2024 | 13:24 pmhe idyllic Ljubljana old town — with its winding rivers and endlessly rich cultural palette — will be the backdrop for the Academy of Music’s summer school ACADEMIA MUSICÆ LABACENSIS...
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Course: Summer Academy 2024 - Academia Musicae Labacensis
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Mar 26, 2024 | 13:24 pmhe idyllic Ljubljana old town — with its winding rivers and endlessly rich cultural palette — will be the backdrop for the Academy of Music’s summer school ACADEMIA MUSICÆ LABACENSIS...
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Course: International Conducting Masterclass with Joost Smeets
musicalchairs - Conductor News Mar 26, 2024 | 10:03 amInternationally renowned and 8 Award winning Dutch conductor Joost Smeets will led the international mastercourse for conductors organized by Orchestra Brabant Sinfonia with partner Fontys Academy..
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Job: Bass trombone - Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Trombone News Mar 26, 2024 | 08:21 amApplication period starts from 26th of March 2024. Application deadline is on 21st April 2024 at 23:59 (11:59 PM, Finnish summer time UTC+3). The position is permanent, and work begins on August 8th..
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Competition: Bruno Maderna Competition Composers 2024 8th Edition
musicalchairs - Composer News Mar 26, 2024 | 08:03 amEach composer must submit a score with organic from 2 to 6 players: piano, two violins, viola, cello, contrabass. The work must not exceed 10 minutes. All scores will be sent by email (only one work..
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Competition: Couperin International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News Mar 25, 2024 | 17:38 pm⭐ The Couperin International Music Competition 2024 is now accepting applications. ⭐ Unlock your exclusive rewards now! As a prize winner, you will be entitled to an array of cool,..
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Competition: Couperin International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Oboe News Mar 25, 2024 | 17:38 pm⭐ The Couperin International Music Competition 2024 is now accepting applications. ⭐ Unlock your exclusive rewards now! As a prize winner, you will be entitled to an array of cool,..
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