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:
-
Freelancer: Music Jobs
-
Gig Salad: Solo musicians for hire
-
Gig Salad: Bands and groups for hire
-
Guru
-
Thumbtack: Find a solo musician near you
-
Thumbtack: Chicago solo musician for hire
-
Thumbtack: Austin solo musician for hire
-
Thumbtack: Los Angeles solo musician for hire
-
Indeed jobs
-
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
-
At Stagecoach, Eric Church Brings a Full Choir, Saves His Band for the Finale and Has Polarized Fans Debating a Love-It-or-Leave-It Set
Variety Apr 27, 2024 | 17:41 pmIt would be hard to imagine a more actually polarizing set — as in, splitting real fans into roughly even, truly diametrically opposed camps — than the headlining show Eric Church delivered to round out the first night of Stagecoach[…]
Read more... -
How To Watch UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs. Perez Livestream Online
Variety Apr 27, 2024 | 17:00 pmA few weeks after UFC 300, the mixed martial arts promotion company returns with UFC Fight Night, which has Brazilian fighter Matheus Nicolau (19-4-1) going up against American Alex Perez (24-8-0) in the main event. UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs.[…]
Read more... -
Instrument Sale: Viola Bow "Navea Vera" gold monunted - Cremona 2012
musicalchairs - Viola News Apr 27, 2024 | 16:47 pmViola bow by D.T. Navea Vera, made in Cremona in 2012. Round stick, gold mounted. Perfect conditions. The bow is very responsive, especially in fast bow strokes, and it is easy to play. Lenght:..
Read more... -
Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi Sentenced to Death Over Music Criticizing Government
Variety Apr 27, 2024 | 16:22 pmIranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has been sentenced to death by an Iranian revolutionary court over songs that criticized the Iranian government, according to his lawyer and state media. “An order for the execution of Toomaj Salehi has been issued,” Salehi’s[…]
Read more... -
AFI Life Achievement Award Honors Nicole Kidman’s Career: From ‘Expats’ to Those AMC Ads?
Variety Apr 27, 2024 | 16:20 pmNicole Kidman has been an international treasure going on four decades. Whether you’re tracking her many wigs (“The Undoing” is our favorite), admiring her textured and committed performances, or just standing up and saluting before every AMC Theatres showing, you’re[…]
Read more... -
‘Challengers’ Screenwriter on the ‘Homoerotic’ Nature of Tennis and How Zendaya’s Child Stardom Informs the Film
Variety Apr 27, 2024 | 16:00 pmWhen Justin Kuritzkes began writing what later became the hottest love triangle of the year, there was no star power involved. Though he was already an accomplished playwright and novelist (and the husband of Celine Song, the writer-director who provided[…]
Read more... -
Instrument Sale: Violino Dario Verne' 1995 Italia
musicalchairs - Violin News Apr 27, 2024 | 15:52 pmVendo violino 4/4 di liuteria del 1995 prodotto dal maestro liutaio Dario Vernè. Completo di certificato autentico compilato e firmato, con le 3 foto. Il Violino è perfetto. Sonorità potente...
Read more... -
Instrument Sale: 24 years old viola, Nicolae Vadan
musicalchairs - Viola News Apr 27, 2024 | 13:16 pmThis viola was made in 2002 by Nicolae Vadan in Transylvania, Romania. The length: 42 cm. I used it as a student, in chamber music but also with professional orchestras in Romania and Austria. It has..
Read more... -
‘Paradise Found’: Sammie Hershock’s compelling, answer-seeking songs of comfort
Local Spins Apr 27, 2024 | 13:00 pmThe classically trained, Marshall-based pianist and songwriter on Friday released her first full-length album, "Plainsong." The back story on this emerging Michigan artist to watch.
Read more... -
Course: International Music Masterclass & Festival 2024
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Apr 27, 2024 | 11:47 amInternational Music Masterclass & Festival 2024 Masterclasses Trumpet : REINHOLD FRIEDRICH - KRISTIAN STEENSTRUP Korrepetition : Eriko Takezawa September , 2nd - 7th Trumpet: ALEX CESARE ELIA -..
Read more... -
Competition: OneSong International Music Competition-Compostition Division
musicalchairs - Composer News Apr 27, 2024 | 03:53 amThe second OneSong International Music Competition for composition Division will take place in Taipei in 2025. It aims to gather the world's top composers through an international jury and..
Read more... -
Competition: The 2nd OneSong international music competition-Violin Division
musicalchairs - Violin News Apr 27, 2024 | 03:43 amThe 2nd OneSong International Music Competition - Violin Division will take place in Taipei in 2025, gathering the world's top performers through an international jury and awards designed for..
Read more... -
Faculty, Orchestra - Middle School | Punahou School
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Apr 27, 2024 | 03:03 amHonolulu, Hawaii, As Punahou School recognizes the richness of its traditions, as well as its responsibility to deliver a relevant educational experience in a rapidly changing world. It remains anchored in the aim of developing the full potential of each[…]
Read more... -
CMHOFM Opens ‘Night Train To Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues Revisited’ Exhibit
MusicRow.com Apr 26, 2024 | 21:01 pmThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of its latest exhibit [...] The post CMHOFM Opens ‘Night Train To Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues Revisited’ Exhibit appeared first on MusicRow.com.
Read more... -
On The Row: Honky-Tonker Randall King Makes Waves On Music Row
MusicRow.com Apr 26, 2024 | 20:55 pmWarner Music Nashville artist Randall King recently came by the MusicRow offices to share some [...] The post On The Row: Honky-Tonker Randall King Makes Waves On Music Row appeared first on MusicRow.com.
Read more... -
CMT Showcases Rising Female Star-Power At City Winery
MusicRow.com Apr 26, 2024 | 20:09 pmCMT held their latest Next Women of Country showcase Wednesday night (April 24) at City Winery [...] The post CMT Showcases Rising Female Star-Power At City Winery appeared first on MusicRow.com.
Read more... -
Industry Ink: Clay Walker, Justin Moore, UMG Nashville, Mike Gossin, Julia Minichiello
MusicRow.com Apr 26, 2024 | 19:19 pmCountry star Clay Walker was honored as a Pandora Billionaire earlier this week [...] The post Industry Ink: Clay Walker, Justin Moore, UMG Nashville, Mike Gossin, Julia Minichiello appeared first on MusicRow.com.
Read more... -
Black Music Action Coalition Hosts Act II Of ‘Three Chords & The Actual Truth’
MusicRow.com Apr 26, 2024 | 19:10 pmThe Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) and Billboard partnered to kick off Stagecoach weekend [...] The post Black Music Action Coalition Hosts Act II Of ‘Three Chords & The Actual Truth’ appeared first on MusicRow.com.
Read more... -
Course: Anciuti Academy
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Apr 26, 2024 | 16:18 pmAnciuti Academy is an intensive, high-level masterclass dedicated to the study and in-depth study of double-reed instruments, in particular the Oboe and the Bassoon, which will take place in Forni di..
Read more... -
Course: Anciuti Academy
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Apr 26, 2024 | 16:18 pmAnciuti Academy is an intensive, high-level masterclass dedicated to the study and in-depth study of double-reed instruments, in particular the Oboe and the Bassoon, which will take place in Forni di..
Read more... -
Job: Pianiste du Chœur - Opéra national du Capitole
musicalchairs - Piano News Apr 26, 2024 | 15:19 pmCONTEXTE Inscrit dans un réseau national et international de collaborations artistiques et culturelles, l’ensemble Opéra national et Orchestre national du Capitole de Toulouse constitue un pôle..
Read more... -
Instrument Sale: Golden Age Louis Lot all silver flute
musicalchairs - Flute News Apr 26, 2024 | 13:59 pmThis instrument is by the two leading makers and innovators at Louis Lot. Henri Villette and Louis-Lot himself** Henri Villette was Lot’s foreman from the company’s inception in 1855. After Lot..
Read more... -
Instrument Sale: French cello
musicalchairs - Cello News Apr 26, 2024 | 13:52 pmA lovely french cello made circa 1850. Beatiful and warm sound. It's in excellent condition and easy to play. It's fitted with Larsen and Spirocore strings. Photos and datails on request. Nadia..
Read more... -
Job: Double bass tutti - Filharmonia Opolska
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Apr 26, 2024 | 12:21 pmDirector of Opole Philharmonic announces a competition for the post of double bass tutti (full-time orchestral musician). Auditions of the cadidates will take place on July 3, 2024 at Opole..
Read more... -
Job: Östgötamusiken is looking to recruit a Principal Oboe - with duty to English Horn - Östgötamusiken
musicalchairs - Oboe News Apr 26, 2024 | 11:27 amWe are looking for an oboist both for the Crusellkvintetten - Crusell Quintet - and for the Östgöta Blåsarsymfoniker – Nordic Wind Ensemble. The Crusell Quintet is one of Sweden’s few..
Read more... -
Instrument Sale: Rudall Carte/Robert Bigio
musicalchairs - Flute News Apr 26, 2024 | 11:00 amA beautiful ebony flute rebuilt by renowned maker Robert Bigio in 1999 using original Rudall Carte keywork; open G sharp with a strong subtle and responsive sound. Effortless highs and a wonderfully..
Read more... -
Competition: International Nehama Lifshitz vocal competition
musicalchairs - Alto News Apr 26, 2024 | 10:02 amThe vocal competition will take place on 2024 October 27-30 in Vilnius (Lithuania). Singers-soloists from the age of 21 to 35 can participate in the competition. The competition is held in the..
Read more... -
Instrument Sale: Wessel flute with Lafin headjoint
musicalchairs - Flute News Apr 26, 2024 | 09:33 amA superb pro flute by Stephen Wessel coupled with a headjoint by J R Lafin. Impeccable condition ready to play from the box. Please see photos. Wessel flute bodies now sell for £15,000. Can accept..
Read more... -
Competition: 4th World's Best Musicians (free entry)
musicalchairs - Flute 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,..
Read more... -
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,..
Read more... -
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,..
Read more... -
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,..
Read more... -
Competition: 4th World's Best Musicians (free entry)
musicalchairs - Conductor 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,..
Read more... -
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,..
Read more... -
Course: 8th International Kalamata Music Days
musicalchairs - Violin 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,..
Read more... -
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,..
Read more... -
Course: 8th International Kalamata Music Days
musicalchairs - Double Bass 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,..
Read more... -
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,..
Read more... -
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[…]
Read more... -
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..
Read more... -
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.
Read more... -
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..
Read more... -
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..
Read more... -
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..
Read more... -
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..
Read more... -
Competition: 1st London Music Challenge
musicalchairs - Conductor 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..
Read more... -
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..
Read more... -
Competition: 1st London Music Challenge
musicalchairs - Organ 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..
Read more... -
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)
Read more... -
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..
Read more... -
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..
Read more... -
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..
Read more... -
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..
Read more... -
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[…]
Read more... -
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[…]
Read more... -
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:[…]
Read more... -
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..
Read more... -
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..
Read more... -
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..
Read more... -
Competition: Francesca Lebrun International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Clarinet 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:..
Read more...