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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‘Alien: Romulus’ Director Fede Alvarez Explains Why His Alien Cast is Much Younger Than the Previous Films: ‘The Younger the People the Tougher it is to Watch Them Die’
Variety Jul 27, 2024 | 14:45 pmAs much as paying tribute to the films before was part of “Alien: Romulus” Director Fede Álvarez’s intent, he noted how he wanted the film to stand apart on its own and “do its own thing,” saying how he wanted[…]
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Teamsters Are Given a ‘Last, Best and Final’ Offer as Contract Nears Expiration
Variety Jul 27, 2024 | 14:31 pmWith four days to go before their contract expires, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has given a “last, best and final” offer to the union representing 6,500 drivers, location managers and animal wranglers. The Teamsters and other[…]
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Tom Cruise Receives Prestigious Honor From France’s Culture Minister
Variety Jul 27, 2024 | 13:12 pmTom Cruise, who is currently filming “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two” in Europe, was inducted Knight of the Legion of Honor by France’s culture minister Rachida Dati in Paris on July 26. Hours before the start of the[…]
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Shagbark Music & Arts Festival: Positive vibes, Michigan-centric music (Our Ultimate Guide)
Local Spins Jul 27, 2024 | 12:33 pmKicking off Thursday in southern Kent County, the second-year, three-day fest features Desmond Jones, Myron Elkins, Full Cord and more. Get the complete lowdown, schedule, playlist and details at Local Spins.
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Writer Earnings Fell $600 Million Due to Strike and Industry Contraction, WGA Says
Variety Jul 27, 2024 | 11:30 amTV and film writer earnings fell $603 million last year, or about 32%, as the end of “Peak TV” coincided with a 148-day strike by the Writers of Guild of America. Writer earnings, reported for dues purposes, dropped to $1.29[…]
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‘Star Wars’ Starfighter Miniature Sells for $1.55 Million, Princess Leia Bikini Goes for $175K at Auction
Variety Jul 27, 2024 | 11:14 amA filming miniature of a Y-Wing Starfighter helmed by Gold Leader, who aided Luke Skywalker in destroying the Death Star in 1977’s “Star Wars: A New Hope,” sold for a whopping $1.55 million Friday at Heritage’s July Entertainment Auction. Another[…]
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Job: Harp Tutti - Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Harp News Jul 27, 2024 | 09:19 am1. Applicants should obey Chinese laws and regulations, and possess good political integrity; 2. Applicants should possess high professional qualities and skills as well as team cooperation...
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Job: Associate Percussion Principal with Obligation to Play Timpani - Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Jul 27, 2024 | 09:18 am1. Applicants should obey Chinese laws and regulations, and possess good political integrity; 2. Applicants should possess high professional qualities and skills as well as team cooperation...
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Job: Tenor Trombone /Bass Trombone Tutti - Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Trombone News Jul 27, 2024 | 09:16 am1. Applicants should obey Chinese laws and regulations, and possess good political integrity; 2. Applicants should possess high professional qualities and skills as well as team cooperation...
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Job: Bass Trombone Associate Principal - Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Trombone News Jul 27, 2024 | 09:15 am1. Applicants should obey Chinese laws and regulations, and possess good political integrity; 2. Applicants should possess high professional qualities and skills as well as team cooperation...
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Job: Trumpet Principal - Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Jul 27, 2024 | 09:14 am1. Applicants should obey Chinese laws and regulations, and possess good political integrity; 2. Applicants should possess high professional qualities and skills as well as team cooperation...
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Job: French Horn Principal - Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - French Horn News Jul 27, 2024 | 09:13 am1. Applicants should obey Chinese laws and regulations, and possess good political integrity; 2. Applicants should possess high professional qualities and skills as well as team cooperation...
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Job: Double Bass Tutti - Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Jul 27, 2024 | 09:11 am1. Applicants should obey Chinese laws and regulations, and possess good political integrity; 2. Applicants should possess high professional qualities and skills as well as team cooperation...
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Job: Double Bass Principal - Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Jul 27, 2024 | 08:57 am1. Applicants should obey Chinese laws and regulations, and possess good political integrity; 2. Applicants should possess high professional qualities and skills as well as team cooperation...
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Job: Viola Associate Principal - Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Viola News Jul 27, 2024 | 08:55 am1. Applicants should obey Chinese laws and regulations, and possess good political integrity; 2. Applicants should possess high professional qualities and skills as well as team cooperation...
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Job: Viola Principal - Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Viola News Jul 27, 2024 | 08:51 am1. Applicants should obey Chinese laws and regulations, and possess good political integrity; 2. Applicants should possess high professional qualities and skills as well as team cooperation...
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Job: Second Violin Associate Principal - Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Violin News Jul 27, 2024 | 08:49 am1. Applicants should obey Chinese laws and regulations, and possess good political integrity; 2. Applicants should possess high professional qualities and skills as well as team cooperation...
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Job: Violin Tutti - Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Violin News Jul 27, 2024 | 08:47 am1. Applicants should obey Chinese laws and regulations, and possess good political integrity; 2. Applicants should possess high professional qualities and skills as well as team cooperation...
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Instrument Sale: Viola, Alto Régis Hautin, France
musicalchairs - Viola News Jul 26, 2024 | 23:00 pmViola 41,5 cms made in 1987 in Lille, France, by Régis Hautin who made a lot of violins and violas for professional players of the Orchestre National de Lille (ONL). I bought this viola in 1994. The..
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Instrument Sale: Barthe viola
musicalchairs - Viola News Jul 26, 2024 | 23:00 pmViola made by BARTHE, Paris. 43,5 cms. Soloist instrument. This viola gives you a lot of confidence because you know that the sound is going to be really amazing whatever the note you play and..
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Competition: 2024 Irvine International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Viola News Jul 26, 2024 | 20:42 pmApplication Deadline: August 25th, 2023 Winners Recital at Carnegie Hall: March 31th, 2025 Eligibility Competition is open to applicants (all nationalities) at age 5 to 24. Divisions Solo (Piano,..
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Competition: 2024 Irvine International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Violin News Jul 26, 2024 | 20:42 pmApplication Deadline: August 25th, 2023 Winners Recital at Carnegie Hall: March 31th, 2025 Eligibility Competition is open to applicants (all nationalities) at age 5 to 24. Divisions Solo (Piano,..
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Competition: 2024 Irvine International Music Competition
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Jul 26, 2024 | 20:42 pmApplication Deadline: August 25th, 2023 Winners Recital at Carnegie Hall: March 31th, 2025 Eligibility Competition is open to applicants (all nationalities) at age 5 to 24. Divisions Solo (Piano,..
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Competition: 2024 Irvine International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Cello News Jul 26, 2024 | 20:42 pmApplication Deadline: August 25th, 2023 Winners Recital at Carnegie Hall: March 31th, 2025 Eligibility Competition is open to applicants (all nationalities) at age 5 to 24. Divisions Solo (Piano,..
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Apple Music Adds New Radio Features To Artists Dashboard & Partner Program
MusicRow.com Jul 26, 2024 | 20:03 pmApple Music has added new radio monitoring features to its Apple Music for Artists dashboard [...] The post Apple Music Adds New Radio Features To Artists Dashboard & Partner Program appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Jordan Davis, Riley Green, Hardy & More Join Toby Keith Tribute Lineup
MusicRow.com Jul 26, 2024 | 19:27 pmMore country stars are slated to join the lineup for "Toby Keith: American Icon," a live concert [...] The post Jordan Davis, Riley Green, Hardy & More Join Toby Keith Tribute Lineup appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Instrument Sale: Two 19th century bassoons for sale
musicalchairs - Bassoon News Jul 26, 2024 | 18:59 pmAnonymous German Bassoon, ca. 1890-1900 17-key Heckel-System instrument. Very nicely made bassoon. The maker is a mystery. No bocal included, but works well with a 0 or 1 length modern bocal. I have..
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Machine Gun Kelly & Jelly Roll Unveil New Collaboration
MusicRow.com Jul 26, 2024 | 18:48 pmMachine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Jelly Roll have unveiled their first-ever collaboration, “Lonely [...] The post Machine Gun Kelly & Jelly Roll Unveil New Collaboration appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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BMI Austin Office Shares In Five-Year Anniversary With Gov. Greg Abbott
MusicRow.com Jul 26, 2024 | 18:32 pmBMI traveled to Austin on Wednesday (July 24) to celebrate their Texas office's fifth anniversary and [...] The post BMI Austin Office Shares In Five-Year Anniversary With Gov. Greg Abbott appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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BREAKING: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Promotes Two
MusicRow.com Jul 26, 2024 | 18:12 pmNashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has elevated Ryan Dokke to Senior Vice President and [...] The post BREAKING: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Promotes Two appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Job: Clarinet - United States Army Field Band
musicalchairs - Clarinet News Jul 26, 2024 | 14:44 pm1. Recorded preliminary round: Submit by October 15, 2024 OR 2. Live preliminary round: Resume due by January 5, 2025. Live preliminary audition: January 28, 2025 JOB DESCRIPTION: • Perform in the..
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Job: Deputy (Assistant) Principal Contrabasso - The Slovenian National Theatre Opera and Ballet Ljubljana
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Jul 26, 2024 | 13:55 pmPermanent position starting with a probationary year.
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Course: Workshop for Young Composers 2025
musicalchairs - Composer News Jul 26, 2024 | 13:42 pmWORKSHOP FOR YOUNG COMPOSERS 2025 PREPARED PIANO, PERCUSSIONS, EUPHONIUM TEACHERS M.G. Bellocchio, prepared piano E. Marchesini, percussions M. BosellI, euphonium Divermento Ensemble selects..
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Course: Voice in the 20th Century and Contemporary Chamber Repertoire
musicalchairs - Alto News Jul 26, 2024 | 13:27 pmTEACHER: Alda Caiello The course will foresee eight meetings from October 2024 to May 2025. Each participant is entitled to 8 individual vocal hours and 2 meengs with the pianist. It will also be..
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Course: Piano in the Contemporary Repertoire - October 2024 - May 2025
musicalchairs - Piano News Jul 26, 2024 | 13:01 pmTEACHER: M.G. Bellocchio TUTOR: M. Lanza The course foresees eight meetings in Milan from October 2024 to May 2025. It is dedicated both to the piano and chamber production of Luciano Berio, Helmut..
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Job: 2nd Clarinet - Croatian National Theatre ' Ivan pl. Zajc' Rijeka
musicalchairs - Clarinet News Jul 26, 2024 | 10:16 amFull-time position with the Rijeka Symphony Orchestra of the Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc in Rijeka, Croatia. The musician will perform in all Theatre performances and events (concerts,..
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Job: Principal Double Bass - Croatian National Theatre ' Ivan pl. Zajc' Rijeka
musicalchairs - Double Bass News Jul 26, 2024 | 09:53 amPerforms all tasks and work duties described for the position of "section leader" related to the status of an orchestra soloist and orchestra section leader, organises and leads sectional rehearsals..
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Instrument Sale: CodaBow Diamond GX
musicalchairs - Violin News Jul 26, 2024 | 09:23 amA very good violin bow even though a carbon one. Respectful brand. Resistant to a temperature change. Suitable for amateur and a professional, especially if an artist has to travel a lot. Might need..
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Job: Chorus members: tenor - China National Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Tenor News Jul 26, 2024 | 08:00 amChina National Symphony Orchestra (referred to as "CNSO") is a national art troupe of the People's Republic of China and is now openly recruiting staff. I.Basic requirement (1) Chinese nationality,..
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Job: symphony orchestra players: violin, viola, cello, double bass, horn and trumpet. - China National Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Violin News Jul 26, 2024 | 07:42 amChina National Symphony Orchestra (referred to as "CNSO") is a national art troupe of the People's Republic of China and is now openly recruiting staff. I.Basic requirement (1) Chinese nationality,..
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Job: symphony orchestra players: violin, viola, cello, double bass, horn and trumpet. - China National Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Jul 26, 2024 | 07:42 amChina National Symphony Orchestra (referred to as "CNSO") is a national art troupe of the People's Republic of China and is now openly recruiting staff. I.Basic requirement (1) Chinese nationality,..
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Job: symphony orchestra players: violin, viola, cello, double bass, horn and trumpet. - China National Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Cello News Jul 26, 2024 | 07:42 amChina National Symphony Orchestra (referred to as "CNSO") is a national art troupe of the People's Republic of China and is now openly recruiting staff. I.Basic requirement (1) Chinese nationality,..
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Job: 1 Trompette solo - Opéra Orchestre National Montpellier Occitanie Pyrénées-Méditerranée
musicalchairs - Trumpet News Jul 25, 2024 | 23:00 pmL'Opéra Orchestre National de Montpellier Occitanie recrute : 1 trompette solo, 1ère catégorie A - temps complet. jouant la trompette en ré, la trompette à palettes, la trompette égyptienne, la..
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Job: Section principles: cello, double bass, flute, oboe, trumpet, timpani, percussions, and harp - China National Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Cello News Jul 25, 2024 | 23:00 pmChina National Symphony Orchestra (referred to as "CNSO") is a national art troupe of the People's Republic of China and is now openly recruiting staff. I.Basic requirement (1) Chinese nationality,..
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Job: Principal Percussion - Annapolis Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - All Timpani/Percussion News Jul 25, 2024 | 22:50 pmAudition Date: Monday, November 18, 2024 Application Deadline: Friday, October 4, 2024 The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, under Artistic Director & Conductor, José-Luis Novo, announces the audition..
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Job: Secondo Flauto con obbligo dell'Ottavino - Fondazione Teatro di San Carlo
musicalchairs - Flute News Jul 25, 2024 | 17:32 pmSecondo Flauto con obbligo dell'Ottavino
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Job: Organist for a choral concert - Musica Sancta Ensemble
musicalchairs - Organ News Jul 25, 2024 | 07:45 amWe are looking for an organist from Vienna for a choral church concert on September 28th. The program will be selected movements from Mozart, Brahms and Faure Requiems with some additional works by..
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Job: Professional Choir Members / Soloists - Musica Sancta Ensemble
musicalchairs - Soprano/Mezzo News Jul 25, 2024 | 07:40 amWe are looking for professional choir members and soloists from / near Vienna for a choral church concert on September 28th. The program will be selected movements from Mozart, Brahms and Faure..
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Job: Piano Instructor - Opal Music Studio
musicalchairs - Piano News Jul 24, 2024 | 20:08 pmOpal Music Studio in Alexandria, VA, seeks a Piano Instructor to join its accomplished faculty Interested candidates will have: • a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance or..
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Job: Principal Oboe - York Symphony Orchestra
musicalchairs - Oboe News Jul 24, 2024 | 19:08 pmThe York Symphony Orchestra announces auditions for: PRINCIPAL OBOE Audition Date: October 5, 2024 Materials Due: September 18, 2024 Principal Compensation: $112.77 per service Concerts (2024-2025):..
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Course: Orchestration | Juilliard Extension
musicalchairs - Composer News Jul 24, 2024 | 18:51 pmOrchestration is an essential course that teaches composers the skills of writing for orchestral instruments. There are weekly interactive activities that include live demonstrations, composition..
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Course: Composition | Juilliard Extension
musicalchairs - Composer News Jul 24, 2024 | 18:46 pmIn this class, students explore the principles and techniques of composition. Students complete four to six compositions each semester, each one addressing a particular compositional problem or..
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Course: Advanced Essentials in Conducting | Juilliard Extension
musicalchairs - Conductor News Jul 24, 2024 | 18:42 pmAn effective conductor possesses musical understanding and the means to communicate it. This course is designed for instrumentalists, singers, and composers with some prior training in the..
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Course: Orchestral Conducting | Juilliard Extension
musicalchairs - Conductor News Jul 24, 2024 | 18:39 pmEffective conductors need versatile skills adaptable to any setting. This course is designed for conductors, composers, instrumentalists, and singers with prior training and experience in conducting...
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Course: Maestro Martin Sieghart & Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra
musicalchairs - Conductor News Jul 24, 2024 | 18:30 pmTchaikovsky: Serenade for strings, Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme, Rossini: L'italiana in Algeri, Ouverture, Beethoven: Symphony No. 4. Soloist: Jakub William Gráf (ČR/ UK) -..
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Course: Chamber Music | Juilliard Extension
musicalchairs - Piano News Jul 24, 2024 | 17:36 pmThis class is for advanced pianists who seek to work on chamber music literature. Classes are limited to four students who play alongside Juilliard College Division student musicians and study under..
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Course: Art Song and Operatic Performance for the Advanced Singer
musicalchairs - Tenor News Jul 24, 2024 | 17:32 pmArt Song and Operatic Performance for the Advanced Singer | Juilliard Extension This dynamic course is tailored for highly skilled singers seeking to further their expertise in the realm of operatic..
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Course: Art Song and Operatic Performance for the Advanced Singer
musicalchairs - Alto News Jul 24, 2024 | 17:32 pmArt Song and Operatic Performance for the Advanced Singer | Juilliard Extension This dynamic course is tailored for highly skilled singers seeking to further their expertise in the realm of operatic..
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Course: French Diction and Repertoire | Juilliard Extension
musicalchairs - Tenor News Jul 24, 2024 | 17:29 pmEmbark on a captivating musical journey as we delve into the rich world of French repertoire, ranging from mélodie composers such as Debussy, Fauré, Duparc and Hahn to the operatic masters Bizet,..
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Course: French Diction and Repertoire | Juilliard Extension
musicalchairs - Alto News Jul 24, 2024 | 17:29 pmEmbark on a captivating musical journey as we delve into the rich world of French repertoire, ranging from mélodie composers such as Debussy, Fauré, Duparc and Hahn to the operatic masters Bizet,..
Read more...