Symphony Business Manager Jobs

About This Music Career

All financial affairs are handled by the Orchestra's Business Manager – and, depending on whether or not it's a large organization, they may work on their own or with others. Responsibilities in this position include checking all invoices from music rentals, transportation costs, etc., and then paying if everything checks out. But simply checking and paying invoices isn't enough. Meaning, the Business Manager works under an extremely tight budget, and because of this, they must always be on the lookout for ways to save money. Money saving tactics might include striking deals with hotel chains for the orchestra while on tour, among other things.

To make things easier both in the short term and the long run for the Business Manager, accurate records must be kept on all orchestra expenditures. Keeping accurate records means making note of all payment dates, amounts, check numbers etc. Other responsibilities include payroll preparation for orchestra members, while also figuring out payments for guest soloists. There is little room for error on behalf of the Business Manager when it comes to paying the orchestra because of union regulations that outline disbursement requirements. Also, the Business Manager might be the head of fund raising, keeping track and looking after all money raised from donations, etc.

Whoever is employed as Business Manager must work closely with the orchestra's Director of Development. He or she might also work with the Orchestra Manager, along with the Managing Director to construct yearly budgets for the organization. In terms of work hours, the Business Manager works a fairly regular day.

Salaries
Depending on the orchestra classification, size, and budget, the Business Manager's salary varies. Of course, work experience and skill level will play into how much a Business Manager earns. All things considered, a full-time Business Manager might earn between $25,000 and $80,000 or more per year.

Employment
Aspiring Business Managers face fair employment prospects, as almost every for-profit orchestra in the country needs at least a part-time Business Manager.

Advancement
While initial employment prospects are fair, advancement prospects for a Business Manager are poor. The next step up from Business Manager is Orchestra Manager, but this step takes a while. Of course, advancement is all relative, as one working as a Business Manager for a small orchestra can advance their career by joining a larger orchestra.

Education and Training

If the Business Manager is working part time in a small orchestra, he or she might only be required to hold a high school diploma. On the other hand, a major orchestra might, require their Business Managers to hold a college degree, preferably in accounting, business, finance, or a related field. Those who have music performance degrees, but cannot find performance related jobs will look for jobs as Business Managers.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
Because they are dealing primarily with money, Business Managers must have the ability to work with figures and might have experience as a bookkeeper or accountant.

Unions and Associations
Business Managers in this setting generally do not usually belong to any union. However, he or she might belong to orchestra-related associations – the most prominent being the American Symphony Orchestra League (ASOL).

Suggestions for Getting Started