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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Wim Wenders’ ‘Perfect Days,’ Cannes Best Actor Award Winner, Sells Out Worldwide
Variety May 31, 2023 | 09:30 amWim Wenders’ “Perfect Days,” which won the best actor award for Koji Yakusho at the Cannes Film Festival, has sold out worldwide. The Match Factory is handling international sales. As previously announced, North American rights went to Neon and France[…]
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Job: Junior Guildhall at Brentwood School: Piano Teacher - Guildhall School of Music & Drama
musicalchairs - Piano News May 31, 2023 | 08:49 amHourly Paid: £45.57 per hour (including holiday pay) Permanent, Part Time (Saturdays) Junior Guildhall has a vacancy for a Piano teacher from September 2023 on the String Training Programme (ages 6..
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Anthony LaPaglia’s Factual Series ‘The Black Hand’ Inks eOne Deal – Global Bulletin
Variety May 31, 2023 | 08:00 amDISTRIBUTION Anthony LaPaglia‘s upcoming factual series “The Black Hand” is set to be distributed internationally by eOne. The three-part series will explore Australia’s Italian community, looking at the difficulties they face, their politics, the threat of war and the mafia.[…]
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‘The Little Mermaid’ Makes Splashy Debut Atop U.K. Box Office
Variety May 31, 2023 | 06:18 amDisney’s “The Little Mermaid” made a splashy debut at the U.K. and Ireland box office, topping the charts with £5 million ($6.2 million), per numbers from Comscore. The film accounted for 49% of all ticket sales across the three-day weekend,[…]
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Female-Led Version of ‘The Office’ to Begin Production in Australia
Variety May 31, 2023 | 05:43 am“The Office” comedy franchise will see middle management led by a woman for the first time in an Australian version that will play on Amazon’s Prime Video. Australian comedian and actor Felicity Ward (“Wakefield,” “The Inbetweeners 2”) will portray Hannah[…]
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Pattaya Film Festival to Launch in Thailand With Competition and Documentary Pitching Strands
Variety May 31, 2023 | 04:35 amThe inaugural edition of the Pattaya Film Festival will be held June 15-19 in the Thai seaside town that is usually better known for other forms of entertainment. The event is hosted by Pattaya City and Designated Areas for Sustainable[…]
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West Bay Opera Lands Wagner’s Flying Dutchman
May 31, 2023 | 00:15 amWest Bay Opera Lands Wagner’s Flying Dutchman Simon Cohen May 30, 2023 - 5:15pm
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Kontrapunktus: Young Early-Music Ensemble Is Still Finding Its Feet
May 31, 2023 | 00:11 amKontrapunktus: Young Early-Music Ensemble Is Still Finding Its Feet Simon Cohen May 30, 2023 - 5:11pm
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SF Girls Chorus Persists With A Little Manila Diary
May 30, 2023 | 22:52 pmSF Girls Chorus Persists With A Little Manila Diary Peter Feher May 30, 2023 - 3:52pm
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SF Symphony Tells Her Story With Mixed Success
May 30, 2023 | 22:47 pmSF Symphony Tells Her Story With Mixed Success Peter Feher May 30, 2023 - 3:47pm
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Gustavo Dudamel Says “Au Revoir” to Paris
May 30, 2023 | 22:44 pmGustavo Dudamel Says “Au Revoir” to Paris Peter Feher May 30, 2023 - 3:44pm
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Zach Bryan Advances On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
MusicRow.com May 30, 2023 | 21:07 pmWith three currently charting songs, Zach Bryan moves from No. 4 to No. 2 this week on the MusicRow [...] The post Zach Bryan Advances On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Songwriting With Soldiers Is Allowing Veterans To Find Their Voice [Interview]
MusicRow.com May 30, 2023 | 20:54 pmEvery year, we remember and honor all those who died defending our country in the U.S. Armed Forces [...] The post Songwriting With Soldiers Is Allowing Veterans To Find Their Voice [Interview] appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Industry Ink: Luke Bryan, Chase Matthew, Brent Mason, More
MusicRow.com May 30, 2023 | 20:23 pmLuke and Caroline Bryan, along with Darrell Waltrip and Vicki McNamara, recently helped Williamson [...] The post Industry Ink: Luke Bryan, Chase Matthew, Brent Mason, More appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Instrument Sale: Fine french violin labeled "Chanot Jeune a Paris"
musicalchairs - Violin News May 30, 2023 | 19:53 pmFrench violin labeled "Chanot Jeune a Paris 1867".Very old instrument with a nice, warm, projecting sound. Fully restored and well kept. For audio, video files and information, please contact me on..
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Reba McEntire, Ronnie Dunn, More Honor The Songs Of Bill & Gloria Gaither
MusicRow.com May 30, 2023 | 18:47 pmRonnie Dunn, Reba McEntire, CeCe Winans, Hillary Scott, Jamey Johnson and more have united to create an [...] The post Reba McEntire, Ronnie Dunn, More Honor The Songs Of Bill & Gloria Gaither appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Old Dominion Readies Eight-Song Project, ‘Memory Lane’
MusicRow.com May 30, 2023 | 18:40 pmThe reigning ACM Group of the Year and CMA Vocal Group of the Year, Old Dominion, is gearing up [...] The post Old Dominion Readies Eight-Song Project, ‘Memory Lane’ appeared first on MusicRow.com.
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Competition: 2nd Singapore International Music Competition
musicalchairs - Violin News May 30, 2023 | 18:24 pm2ND SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION 2023 [ PIANO & VIOLIN EDITION ] Deadline: 30 September 2023 ✦ No Travelling Required ✦ Free Repertoire ✦ Multiple Award Winners per Category ✦..
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Win ASIA Phoenix 2LP Vinyl Set
Music News RSS feed May 30, 2023 | 18:12 pmASIA are a multi-platinum selling, English Rock band who formed in 1981 and celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2021.
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Assistant Director of Children's Choruses | The Cleveland Orchestra
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) May 30, 2023 | 17:17 pmCleveland, Ohio, The Cleveland Orchestra is currently seeking an Assistant Director of the Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus who will assist in preparing the Children’s Chorus for all performances, both with and without The Cleveland Orchestra. This individual will also serve[…]
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Instrument Sale: Jacques Boquay, Paris 1726
musicalchairs - Cello News May 30, 2023 | 15:50 pmVery fine Jacques BOQUAY cello made in Paris, 1726 Original scroll and size. 76 cm Dendro 1714-1717 made by email by Peter Ratcliff Certificat from Jean-Jacques Rampal Cello visible at Pierre Barthel..
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Competition: Vienna International Classic Strings Competition & Festival
musicalchairs - Violin News May 30, 2023 | 15:44 pmVienna International Classic Strings Competition & Festival International classic strings competition for: VIOLIN VIOLA CELLO DOUBLE BASS HARP GUITAR CHAMBER ENSEMBLE Three main prizes (1st, 2nd and..
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Competition: Vienna International Classic Strings Competition & Festival
musicalchairs - Cello News May 30, 2023 | 15:44 pmVienna International Classic Strings Competition & Festival International classic strings competition for: VIOLIN VIOLA CELLO DOUBLE BASS HARP GUITAR CHAMBER ENSEMBLE Three main prizes (1st, 2nd and..
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Competition: Vienna International Classic Strings Competition & Festival
musicalchairs - Guitar News May 30, 2023 | 15:44 pmVienna International Classic Strings Competition & Festival International classic strings competition for: VIOLIN VIOLA CELLO DOUBLE BASS HARP GUITAR CHAMBER ENSEMBLE Three main prizes (1st, 2nd and..
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Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit spawned ‘super chill’ vibe for holiday weekend of music
Local Spins May 30, 2023 | 14:25 pmThe Memorial Day weekend festival along Lake Michigan in West Olive boasted performances by more than a dozen Michigan acts amid glorious summer-starting weather. A photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
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Instrument Sale: selmer privilege Evolution system
musicalchairs - Clarinet News May 30, 2023 | 10:15 amI am a former clarinet student in Nürnberg, Germany, and I am currently selling two clarinets in excellent condition due to personal reasons that have led me to stop pursuing professional studies...
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Job: Visiting Music Teacher – Violin and Viola - Cheltenham Ladies' College
musicalchairs - Violin News May 30, 2023 | 09:36 amAn inspiring and enthusiastic individual is required to join our highly successful and thriving Music department as Visiting Music Teacher – Violin and Viola. The successful candidate will be..
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Job: Visiting Music Teacher – Violin and Viola - Cheltenham Ladies' College
musicalchairs - Viola News May 30, 2023 | 09:36 amAn inspiring and enthusiastic individual is required to join our highly successful and thriving Music department as Visiting Music Teacher – Violin and Viola. The successful candidate will be..
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Course: Purcell: The Fairy Queen
musicalchairs - Violin News May 30, 2023 | 09:26 amWelcome to our 2023 Music Palace Festival! Opera Summer Programme with performances and masterclasses. There will be more than 30 concerts and masterclasses from the 12th to the 22nd of August 2023..
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Course: Purcell: The Fairy Queen
musicalchairs - Cello News May 30, 2023 | 09:26 amWelcome to our 2023 Music Palace Festival! Opera Summer Programme with performances and masterclasses. There will be more than 30 concerts and masterclasses from the 12th to the 22nd of August 2023..
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Course: Purcell: The Fairy Queen
musicalchairs - Cello News May 30, 2023 | 09:26 amWelcome to our 2023 Music Palace Festival! Opera Summer Programme with performances and masterclasses. There will be more than 30 concerts and masterclasses from the 12th to the 22nd of August 2023..
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Course: Purcell: The Fairy Queen
musicalchairs - Guitar News May 30, 2023 | 09:26 amWelcome to our 2023 Music Palace Festival! Opera Summer Programme with performances and masterclasses. There will be more than 30 concerts and masterclasses from the 12th to the 22nd of August 2023..
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Course: Purcell: The Fairy Queen
musicalchairs - Alto News May 30, 2023 | 09:26 amWelcome to our 2023 Music Palace Festival! Opera Summer Programme with performances and masterclasses. There will be more than 30 concerts and masterclasses from the 12th to the 22nd of August 2023..
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Instrument Sale: Romanian, 2011
musicalchairs - Double Bass News May 30, 2023 | 08:24 amA lovely Romanian Bass, big powerful sound and easy to play. This bass has been very well looked after and played all over the UK and Europe. Included (if wanted) are a well padded case and a Double..
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Instrument Sale: Lafin 15/85, 14K lip plate
musicalchairs - Flute News May 29, 2023 | 20:39 pmI'm selling a beautiful Lafin, with 14K - 15 percent gold, 85 silver -14K lip plate, riser and Adler wings. Outstanding range of dynamic, super resonance and sound. Can be tried in Frankfurt or..
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Competition: Schubert International Music Competition (Online)
musicalchairs - Cello News May 29, 2023 | 16:51 pm⭐The Schubert International Music Competition's 2023 Season is now accepting applications! ⭐This competition welcomes all instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber music for..
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Competition: Schubert International Music Competition (Online)
musicalchairs - Guitar News May 29, 2023 | 16:51 pm⭐The Schubert International Music Competition's 2023 Season is now accepting applications! ⭐This competition welcomes all instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber music for..
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Competition: Schubert International Music Competition (Online)
musicalchairs - Guitar News May 29, 2023 | 16:51 pm⭐The Schubert International Music Competition's 2023 Season is now accepting applications! ⭐This competition welcomes all instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber music for..
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Competition: Schubert International Music Competition (Online)
musicalchairs - Composer News May 29, 2023 | 16:51 pm⭐The Schubert International Music Competition's 2023 Season is now accepting applications! ⭐This competition welcomes all instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber music for..
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Competition: Schubert International Music Competition (Online)
musicalchairs - Composer News May 29, 2023 | 16:51 pm⭐The Schubert International Music Competition's 2023 Season is now accepting applications! ⭐This competition welcomes all instruments, conducting, composition, voice, and chamber music for..
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Course: Introduction to Baroque - Workshop, Lectures 2023
musicalchairs - Double Bass News May 29, 2023 | 12:25 pmIntroduction to Baroque: Through The Lens Of Historically Informed Performance Practice - Online on ZOOM - Workshop, Lectures 2023 with Taya König-Tarasevich. The masterclass is divided into two..
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Course: Introduction to Baroque - Workshop, Lectures 2023
musicalchairs - Harpsichord News May 29, 2023 | 12:25 pmIntroduction to Baroque: Through The Lens Of Historically Informed Performance Practice - Online on ZOOM - Workshop, Lectures 2023 with Taya König-Tarasevich. The masterclass is divided into two..
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Job: Trumpet I/II VOICE - Gorzów Philharmonic
musicalchairs - Trumpet News May 29, 2023 | 11:35 amTHE GORZÓW PHILHARMONIC ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR THE POSITION OF AN ORCHESTRAL MUSICIAN TRUMPET I / II VOICE Orchestral musician, chamber musician
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Instrument Sale: Bocals on sale
musicalchairs - Bassoon News May 29, 2023 | 10:25 amI am selling 6 of mine beloved silver plated bocals: -Heckel CC1R -Heckel CC2 -Heckel CD0 -Heckel CDV0 -Heckel CCEV0 -Püchner BC1 I am asking for 650€ for the Heckels and 550€ for the Püchner...
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Instrument Sale: Muramatsu SR - RBIH
musicalchairs - Flute News May 29, 2023 | 08:09 amJe vends ma muramatsu SR, patte de Si, heavy, sol décalé et mi mécanique. Achetée d'occasion en 2016, je ne connais pas sa date de fabrication. Révision totale faite chez flautissimo Genève en..
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Competition: Nouvelles Étoiles International Music Compétition
musicalchairs - Trumpet News May 28, 2023 | 21:58 pmDear all, International Cultural Association Artima, based in Paris is thrilled to extend an invitation for you or your students to take part in the 8th edition of Nouvelles Etoiles Compétition ...
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Competition: Nouvelles Étoiles International Music Compétition
musicalchairs - Bassoon News May 28, 2023 | 21:58 pmDear all, International Cultural Association Artima, based in Paris is thrilled to extend an invitation for you or your students to take part in the 8th edition of Nouvelles Etoiles Compétition ...
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Competition: Nouvelles Étoiles International Music Compétition
musicalchairs - Alto News May 28, 2023 | 21:58 pmDear all, International Cultural Association Artima, based in Paris is thrilled to extend an invitation for you or your students to take part in the 8th edition of Nouvelles Etoiles Compétition ...
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Competition: Nouvelles Étoiles International Music Compétition
musicalchairs - Organ News May 28, 2023 | 21:58 pmDear all, International Cultural Association Artima, based in Paris is thrilled to extend an invitation for you or your students to take part in the 8th edition of Nouvelles Etoiles Compétition ...
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Course: XXV Maresme Organ Course 2023
musicalchairs - Organ News May 28, 2023 | 00:58 amOrgan course in Cabrera de Mar(BARCELONA) From 28th to 2nd September 2023 Organ Professors: Wolfgang ZERER, Montserrat TORRENT, Guido IOTTI Coach body/postural Professor: Jordi GODALL
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Instrument Sale: Shapers Rieger 3 + Engl. Horn with Handle
musicalchairs - Oboe News May 27, 2023 | 18:19 pmShapers Rieger 3 + Engl. Horn with Handle in very good state, bought 3 months ago. It is possible to buy each element separately. 62 euro (chf) each shapers 72 euro (chf) for handle
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Course: Conducting Masterclass with Prof. Nicolás Pasquet
musicalchairs - Conductor News May 27, 2023 | 07:01 amWe are excited to present Professor Nicolás Pasquet’s masterclass for professional conductors and advanced conducting students. A maximum of 12 active participants will have podium time of..
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Job: Music Tutor: Music Production at Guildhall Young Artists Taunton - Guildhall School of Music & Drama
musicalchairs - Composer News May 26, 2023 | 16:08 pmSalary: £36.00 per hour Part-time: working Saturdays in term time up to 30 weeks per academic year Guildhall Young Artists Taunton is one of Somerset’s most exciting Saturday performing arts..
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Job: U.S. Navy Band - Tenor, Baritone, or Bass Vocalist, Sea Chanters Chorus - United States Navy Music
musicalchairs - Tenor News May 26, 2023 | 13:27 pmThe United States Navy Band announces an immediate vacancy for Tenor, Baritone, or Bass Vocalist in the Sea Chanters Chorus. The live audition will take place at the Washington Navy Yard in..
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Competition: The 11th Grzegorz Fitelberg International Conducting Competition
musicalchairs - Conductor News May 26, 2023 | 12:35 pmThe Grzegorz Fitelberg International Competition for Conductors is one of the most prestigious performance competitions in Poland, since 1982 belonging to the World Federation of International Music..
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Vocal/Classroom Music Teacher | Norris School District
NAfME Career Center Search Results (Jobs) May 25, 2023 | 21:59 pmBakersfield, California, JOB SUMMARY Teach music education to assigned students; direct choral music groups and activities; assist in preparing and implementing special musical programs. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSITION Teach skills in music understanding, harmony, exploration in music, and choral[…]
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Course: Conducting Masterclass with Prof. Ruediger Bohn
musicalchairs - Conductor News May 25, 2023 | 20:53 pmWe are excited to present Professor Ruediger Bohn’s masterclass for professional conductors and advanced conducting students, in which a maximum of 12 active participants will have the opportunity..
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Win Foo Fighters: The Band That Dave Made
Music News RSS feed May 25, 2023 | 18:12 pm -
Instrument Sale: RZ clarinet
musicalchairs - Clarinet News May 25, 2023 | 15:52 pmFor sale is the used C clarinet shown in the picture, case included. The instrument has a beautiful sound and is ready to use. I have used it several times in orchestra and it works great. Comes with..
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Course: Girton Conducting Course 2023
musicalchairs - Conductor News May 25, 2023 | 13:57 pmA residential course with tutors from the Royal Academy of Music and London Conducting Academy, in the historic setting of Girton College, Cambridge. Tutors: Dominic Grier, Denise Ham and Cathal..
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