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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Shahid Kapoor, Raj & DK Talk Prime Video Counterfeiting Thriller ‘Farzi’
Variety Feb 5, 2023 | 00:30 amBollywood A-lister Shahid Kapoor makes his streaming debut with crime thriller “Farzi” on Amazon’s Prime Video service. Through his career Kapoor has largely starred in films that are both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, including “Jab We Met,” “Kaminey,” “Haider,”[…]
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Goteborg Film Festival Prizes: Malou Reymann’s ‘Unruly’ Named Best Nordic Film
Variety Feb 4, 2023 | 22:04 pmMalou Reymann’s “Unruly” won the Dragon Award for Best Nordic Film at Göteborg on Saturday. At SEK 400 000 ($38,000), the Award’s cash prize is one of the largest prizes in the world. Jurors Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Sofie Gråbøl, Antonio Lukich[…]
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‘The Tonight Show’ Welcomes Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band Back to Late-Night
Variety Feb 4, 2023 | 20:45 pmViewers tuning into “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Friday got a rare treat when television bandleader Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band — legendary for their longtime affiliation with David Letterman — replaced The Roots for[…]
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Instrument Sale: Akos balazs Double Bass
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Feb 4, 2023 | 20:30 pmDouble Bass from luthier Akos balazs from Hungarie Nice and deep sound really aesy to play.
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MusiCares Dinner for Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy Features Salutes From Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Samara Joy and More
Variety Feb 4, 2023 | 20:26 pm“Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” was the unofficial theme of MusiCares’ annual benefit dinner Friday night. A handful of surviving and still musically active singers who date back to the original Motown era, not least of them Stevie Wonder,[…]
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Final Grammy Awards Predictions 2023: Bad Bunny, Beyoncé and Possible EGOTs
Variety Feb 4, 2023 | 20:00 pmThe Grammys are similar to the Oscars in at least one respect this year — it’s a real contest in most of, if not all of the top fields. The question that’s shifted most lately is: Contest between whom? Last[…]
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Course: Music Academy Telc, Czech Republic
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Feb 4, 2023 | 18:56 pmIn the heart of the charming town of Telc (protected by UNESCO) the Academy offers international master classes led by excellent Czech and French musicians for students of conservatories and..
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Course: Music Academy Telc, Czech Republic
musicalchairs - Cello News Feb 4, 2023 | 18:56 pmIn the heart of the charming town of Telc (protected by UNESCO) the Academy offers international master classes led by excellent Czech and French musicians for students of conservatories and..
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Course: Opera Workshops & Courses for Conductors-Singers-Instrumentalists
musicalchairs - Piano News Feb 4, 2023 | 15:40 pm12 Jul - 30 Aug, 2023 OPERA WORKSHOP for Conductors, Singers, Pianists, Stage Directors W.A.Mozart DON GIOVANNI* 7/12-8/3 G.Verdi UN BALLO IN MASCHERA** 8/5-8/28 PROFESSORS: Giuseppe FINZI* Vittorio..
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Course: Opera Workshops & Courses for Conductors-Singers-Instrumentalists
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Feb 4, 2023 | 15:40 pm12 Jul - 30 Aug, 2023 OPERA WORKSHOP for Conductors, Singers, Pianists, Stage Directors W.A.Mozart DON GIOVANNI* 7/12-8/3 G.Verdi UN BALLO IN MASCHERA** 8/5-8/28 PROFESSORS: Giuseppe FINZI* Vittorio..
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Course: Opera Workshops & Courses for Conductors-Singers-Instrumentalists
musicalchairs - Conductor News Feb 4, 2023 | 15:40 pm12 Jul - 30 Aug, 2023 OPERA WORKSHOP for Conductors, Singers, Pianists, Stage Directors W.A.Mozart DON GIOVANNI* 7/12-8/3 G.Verdi UN BALLO IN MASCHERA** 8/5-8/28 PROFESSORS: Giuseppe FINZI* Vittorio..
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Summer Music Festival Lineups: Bus Benefit, Unity, Beaver Island, Charlotte Bluegrass
Local Spins Feb 4, 2023 | 12:52 pmWelcome to another Saturday morning of summertime dreams: Browse the lineups for several 2023 Michigan music festivals, along with a few festival updates of note.
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Job: Assistant Conductor - Colorado Symphony
musicalchairs - Conductor News Feb 3, 2023 | 22:14 pmAssistant Conductor of the Colorado Symphony and Music Director of the Denver Young Artist Orchestra.
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Entertainment Production Campus Worldwide Stages Officially Opens
MusicRow.com Feb 3, 2023 | 21:20 pmWorldwide Stages LLC (WWS) has officially unveiled its a massive entertainment complex in Spring Hill [...] The post Entertainment Production Campus Worldwide Stages Officially Opens appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Industry Ink: Tyler Hubbard, CAA, Spotify, Deluge Music
MusicRow.com Feb 3, 2023 | 21:19 pmMulti-Platinum artist Tyler Hubbard sold out the Bowery Ballroom in New York City with his performance [...] The post Industry Ink: Tyler Hubbard, CAA, Spotify, Deluge Music appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Berklee College & Electronic Arts Music Announce ‘Next Gen’ Scholarship
MusicRow.com Feb 3, 2023 | 21:14 pmThe Screen Scoring Department at Berklee College of Music and Electronic Arts Music have partnered on a [...] The post Berklee College & Electronic Arts Music Announce ‘Next Gen’ Scholarship appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Joe Baldridge Joins Ocean Way Nashville As Director Of Studio Operations
MusicRow.com Feb 3, 2023 | 20:27 pmJoe Baldridge has joined The Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business as Director of Studio [...] The post Joe Baldridge Joins Ocean Way Nashville As Director Of Studio Operations appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Left Coast Chamber Ensemble Lets Loose With Four Hands
Feb 3, 2023 | 20:21 pmLeft Coast Chamber Ensemble Lets Loose With Four Hands Simon Cohen February 3, 2023 - 12:21pm
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Carly Pearce Slates New Live Album For March
MusicRow.com Feb 3, 2023 | 20:05 pmCarly Pearce is set to release a new live project, 29: Written In Stone (Live From Music City), [...] The post Carly Pearce Slates New Live Album For March appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Indulge in These Classic Recordings of Renée Fleming at the Met
Feb 3, 2023 | 19:20 pmIndulge in These Classic Recordings of Renée Fleming at the Met Simon Cohen February 3, 2023 - 11:20am
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Assistant Professor, Music (Director, Keyboard Studies) Music Department | Whitworth University
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Feb 3, 2023 | 19:16 pmSpokane, Washington, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MUSIC (Director of Keyboard Studies) TRACK II SUMMARY OF POSITION: Whitworth's Department of Music invites applicants for the position of Assistant Professor of Music (Director of Keyboard Studies). Track II positions are continuing positions, based[…]
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Job: 2nd Percussion - Seattle Symphony
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Feb 3, 2023 | 19:14 pmAnnounces auditions for: 2nd Percussion Preliminary auditions may begin as early as Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Final auditions will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023. All auditions will take place in..
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Competition: 28th International Competition for Opera Singers Spazio Musica
musicalchairs - Alto News Feb 3, 2023 | 17:42 pmBy June 30 VIDEO SUBMISSION Results published on www.spaziomusica.org by July 3 SEMI-FINAL AND FINAL ROUNDS - ORVIETO (IT) TEATRO MANCINELLI July 15 – 16 Participants will receive an invitation..
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Competition: 11th International Competition for Opera Conductors L. Mancinelli
musicalchairs - Conductor News Feb 3, 2023 | 17:33 pmOrvieto, Italy 17-18-19-20 August 2023 Set piece: G. Verdi "Un Ballo in Maschera" Registered participants will receive an invitation valid for travel to Orvieto. Jury president: Manlio Palumbo Mosca,..
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General Music gr 1 - 8 | Emerson Waldorf School
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Feb 3, 2023 | 17:06 pmChapel Hill, North Carolina, We are seeking a career music educator who loves teaching general music. Our ideal candidate is a generalist who is willing to step into a well-established program and innovate new approaches. Both the school leadership and[…]
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Competition: MAP International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Piano News Feb 3, 2023 | 15:52 pmThe MAP International Music Competition (MAP-IMC) is a global leading online music competition presented by the MARKER AND PIONEER International Culture Exchange Center (MAP-ICEC), a 501(c)(3)..
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Competition: MAP International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Piano News Feb 3, 2023 | 15:52 pmThe MAP International Music Competition (MAP-IMC) is a global leading online music competition presented by the MARKER AND PIONEER International Culture Exchange Center (MAP-ICEC), a 501(c)(3)..
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Competition: MAP International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Alto News Feb 3, 2023 | 15:52 pmThe MAP International Music Competition (MAP-IMC) is a global leading online music competition presented by the MARKER AND PIONEER International Culture Exchange Center (MAP-ICEC), a 501(c)(3)..
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Competition: MAP International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News Feb 3, 2023 | 15:52 pmThe MAP International Music Competition (MAP-IMC) is a global leading online music competition presented by the MARKER AND PIONEER International Culture Exchange Center (MAP-ICEC), a 501(c)(3)..
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Competition: MAP International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Composer News Feb 3, 2023 | 15:52 pmThe MAP International Music Competition (MAP-IMC) is a global leading online music competition presented by the MARKER AND PIONEER International Culture Exchange Center (MAP-ICEC), a 501(c)(3)..
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Instrument Sale: English and European
musicalchairs - Cello News Feb 3, 2023 | 15:19 pmI have a wonderful selection of European,and English cellos,dating from 1800 to 20th century. 4/4 7/8 3/4 and 1/2 size. All cellos are unique,and mostly handcarved. Around 35 to choose from,and most..
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Instrument Sale: Vintage and handcarved European and English
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Feb 3, 2023 | 15:07 pmI have a good selection of vintage European double basses,dating from 1940s to early 80s.They are all good quality 3/4 instruments,with nice set ups,for pizzicato,and Arco.Prices start around £1000...
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Instrument Sale: E.R Voight & Sons, London, 1973 16"
musicalchairs - Viola News Feb 3, 2023 | 15:07 pmBeautiful 16" viola by Voight & Sons. Perfectly balanced across the registers and is a wonderfully versatile instrument. Has been played professionally for 7 1/2 years and is the perfect orchestral..
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Job: Violist Team Member - Renovare Music
musicalchairs - Viola News Feb 3, 2023 | 14:18 pmRenovare Music is seeking a full-time Violist Team Member to join our rapidly growing, faith-based 501(c)3 nonprofit. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a vibrant Christian faith and a passion for..
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Course: Flutes in Tuscany 5 - 13 July 2023
musicalchairs - Flute News Feb 3, 2023 | 14:00 pmExplore all aspects of flute playing with inspiring tutors, Elizabeth Walker, Sarah Murphy and guest tutor Gitte Marcusson in breathtaking surroundings. Flute warm ups, individual lessons,..
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Course: Flutes in Tuscany 5 - 13 July 2023
musicalchairs - Flute News Feb 3, 2023 | 14:00 pmExplore all aspects of flute playing with inspiring tutors, Elizabeth Walker, Sarah Murphy and guest tutor Gitte Marcusson in breathtaking surroundings. Flute warm ups, individual lessons,..
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Job: Viola tutti - NHK Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Viola News Feb 3, 2023 | 13:02 pmApplicants should submit documents specified below by Monday, March 27th, 2023
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Job: Chorus singer / Tenor - Klaipeda State Music Theatre
musicalchairs - Tenor News Feb 3, 2023 | 12:34 pmFull time job with contract starting immediately. The 1st part of the Audition will be held by submitting a video recording before March 8, 2023. For the further information please look at the pdf..
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Competition: Distant Chords 2023
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Feb 3, 2023 | 11:35 amMusic school of Josip Hatze organises the international music competition Daleki akordi (Distant chords). On even years the competition is organised for piano, guitar and singing, and on odd years..
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Competition: Distant Chords 2023
musicalchairs - Cello News Feb 3, 2023 | 11:35 amMusic school of Josip Hatze organises the international music competition Daleki akordi (Distant chords). On even years the competition is organised for piano, guitar and singing, and on odd years..
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Competition: Distant Chords 2023
musicalchairs - Tuba News Feb 3, 2023 | 11:35 amMusic school of Josip Hatze organises the international music competition Daleki akordi (Distant chords). On even years the competition is organised for piano, guitar and singing, and on odd years..
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Competition: The 5th WPTA Finland International Piano Competition
musicalchairs - Cello News Feb 3, 2023 | 08:29 amWorld Piano Teachers Association Finland One of the most prestigious online competition in Europe! Piano Solo | Duo/Duet | Concerto Application is now open | Deadline: 31st May 2023 NO TRAVELLING..
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Competition: The 5th WPTA Finland International Piano Competition
musicalchairs - Harpsichord News Feb 3, 2023 | 08:29 amWorld Piano Teachers Association Finland One of the most prestigious online competition in Europe! Piano Solo | Duo/Duet | Concerto Application is now open | Deadline: 31st May 2023 NO TRAVELLING..
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Course: Bassoon Masterclass in Vienna 1-4 March 2023 Prof. A. Dallabona
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Feb 2, 2023 | 23:16 pmBassoon Masterclassin Vienna 1-4 March 2023 with Professor Achille Dallabona Masterclass 3 days master class Care of the candidate and preparation for the concert with the orchestra Internal..
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Competition: Concorso Internazionale di Clarinetto -Città di Vallo d. Lucania
musicalchairs - Clarinet News Feb 2, 2023 | 19:56 pmL’istituto Musicale “R. Goitre” in collaborazione con il comune di Vallo della Lucania, indicono il 1° concorso di Clarinetto “Premio Speciale Aniello De Vita”. Il concorso si terrà a..
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Middle School Music Teacher - Immediate Opening (Feb-June 2023) | The Foote School
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) Feb 2, 2023 | 18:49 pmNew Haven, Connecticut, Position Summary: The Foote School seeks a talented, energetic individual to join its faculty as a middle school (grades 7-9) music teacher. Foote’s middle school aims to endow students with timeless values while providing the timely experiences[…]
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Job: 1 Cor Solo - Chef de Pupitre - 1ère Catégorie- Lundi 20 Mars 2023 à 9h30 à la Halle aux Grains . - Opéra national du Capitole
musicalchairs - French Horn News Feb 2, 2023 | 15:01 pmToulouse Métropole recrute pour l'Orchestre du Capitole 1 Cor Solo- Chef de Pupitre le Lundi 20 Mars 2023 à 09h30 à la Halle aux Grains de Toulouse. Renseignements et Inscriptions :..
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Job: Peripatetic Woodwind Teacher - Halliford School
musicalchairs - Clarinet News Feb 2, 2023 | 14:56 pm4 hours per week with potential to expand. Halliford School is seeking to appoint a peripatetic woodwind teacher to join a team of experienced, friendly and supportive Visiting Music Teachers...
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Job: Peripatetic Woodwind Teacher - Halliford School
musicalchairs - Saxophone News Feb 2, 2023 | 14:56 pm4 hours per week with potential to expand. Halliford School is seeking to appoint a peripatetic woodwind teacher to join a team of experienced, friendly and supportive Visiting Music Teachers...
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Job: Instrumental and/or Whole Class Teachers - Bexley Music
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Feb 2, 2023 | 14:02 pmWe are interested in teachers of all instruments to join our team (as bank staff), but are specifically recruiting for immediate teaching positions in: Piano /Keyboard Guitar Strings Brass Whole..
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Job: Instrumental and/or Whole Class Teachers - Bexley Music
musicalchairs - Tuba News Feb 2, 2023 | 14:02 pmWe are interested in teachers of all instruments to join our team (as bank staff), but are specifically recruiting for immediate teaching positions in: Piano /Keyboard Guitar Strings Brass Whole..
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Job: Instrumental and/or Whole Class Teachers - Bexley Music
musicalchairs - Guitar News Feb 2, 2023 | 14:02 pmWe are interested in teachers of all instruments to join our team (as bank staff), but are specifically recruiting for immediate teaching positions in: Piano /Keyboard Guitar Strings Brass Whole..
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Job: Woodwind Teachers - Oxfordshire County Music Service
musicalchairs - Clarinet News Feb 2, 2023 | 13:58 pmClosing Date 20th February 2023 at 17:00
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Job: Woodwind Teachers - Oxfordshire County Music Service
musicalchairs - Saxophone News Feb 2, 2023 | 13:58 pmClosing Date 20th February 2023 at 17:00
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Job: Woodwind Teachers - Oxfordshire County Music Service
musicalchairs - Oboe News Feb 2, 2023 | 13:58 pmClosing Date 20th February 2023 at 17:00
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Job: Teachers of Guitar and Strings - Warwickshire Music Service
musicalchairs - Guitar News Feb 2, 2023 | 13:55 pmWe are looking to employ a strings specialist to teach small groups and individuals for approximately 2 days per week in our Nuneaton and Bedworth Warwickshire schools. We also have 1 -2 days guitar..
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Job: Horn Praktikum - Sinfonieorchester Basel
musicalchairs - French Horn News Feb 2, 2023 | 10:27 amAugust 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
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Job: Professor/Associate Professor/Assistant Professor - Opera & Voice Studies - The Chinese University of Hongkong, Shenzhen
musicalchairs - Tenor News Feb 2, 2023 | 09:23 amI. Academic Positions opened for recruitment (Teaching & Research Focused): A. Keyboard & Piano Studies B. Opera & Voice Studies C. Orchestra Studies (Strings, Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion) D...
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Job: Principal Timpani - Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Feb 2, 2023 | 08:58 amAuditions will be held on 31 May (first round), 1 June (second round) and 2 June (final round) 2023 in Amsterdam.
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Job: Principal Cor Anglais (with Oboe responsibilities) - Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
musicalchairs - Oboe News Feb 2, 2023 | 02:17 am26 April-17 December: Fixed-Term Contract in beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand working with world-class soloists and conductors! This full-time salaried position is open to musicians of all..
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