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Symphony and Orchestra Careers

Passionate about classical music? Learn about careers in performance and administration with symphonies, orchestras, choirs, and bands.

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Stage Manager

A Stage Manager makes sure the day-to-day operations of a concert hall or other musical venue run smoothly. Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$54,000Salary Range:$29K - $67KAlt Titles:None

Concertmaster

Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$75,000Salary Range:$50K-$100kAlt Titles:Section Leader, 1st Violinist

Music Librarians answer reference questions, interact with the public, process donations, and help catalogue and sometime digitize collections. Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$55,169Salary Range:$38K-$89KAlt Titles:Librarian

Managing Director

Managing Directors oversee the orchestra’s daily operations, strategic planning, and the different departments responsible for fundraising, event production, and so on. Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$200,184Salary Range:$90K-$320KAlt Titles:Executive Director

Orchestra Manager

Orchestra Managers handle contracts with musicians, venues, and vendors. They also help manage rehearsals, event logistics, and operations personnel. Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$61,500Salary Range:$49K-$74KAlt Titles:General Manager, Vice President of Operations

Orchestrator

Orchestrators transpose music and write scores based off a Composer’s initial draft or sketch. Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$62,377Salary Range:$13K-$175KAlt Titles:None

Section Member

Rehearses, performs, and sometimes records with an orchestra. Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$60,229Salary Range:$40K - $80KAlt Titles:Classical Musician, Section Player

Director of Development

Oversees philanthropic and marketing support received from individuals, corporations, foundations and government agencies on behalf of the orchestra. Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$99,856Salary Range:$64K-$153KAlt Titles:Fundraising Director

Conductor

Conductors lead orchestras, operas, and other musical ensembles during live performances. Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$49,435Salary Range:$25K-$148KAlt Titles:Chief Conductor, Principle Conductor, Maestro, Music Director

Section Leader

Leads a section of the orchestra, sometimes supervises rehearsals with the section, and assigns parts to musicians. Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$66,817Salary Range:$33K - $113KAlt Titles:None

Director of Educational Activities

Education Directors plan, coordinate, and implement an orchestra’s educational community outreach programs for local children and adults. Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$73,467Salary Range:$47K-$111kAlt Titles:Director of Education, Education Director

Personnel Director

Personnel Directors handle human resources for the orchestra, hiring musicians and ensuring their working conditions are up to par. Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$82,213Salary Range:$25K - $133KAlt Titles:Personnel Manager

Orchestral Music Librarian

Catalogs and orders music for the orchestra, assists Conductor by copying scores and sheet music. Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$55,169Salary Range:$38K-$89KAlt Titles:Performance Librarian

Director of Public Relations

Coordinates press and promotions of orchestra, may handle advertising. Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$94,890Salary Range:$62K-$138KAlt Titles:PR Director, Director of Press Relations, Publicity Director

Symphony Business Manager

Learn MoreAvg. Salary:Salary Range:Alt Titles:None

Subscriptions and Ticket Service Director

Manages the day-to-day operations of the ticketing offices, maintains the ticketing system, ensures patrons receive their tickets, and supervises the box office. Learn MoreAvg. Salary:$93,776Salary Range:$58K - $142KAlt Titles:Head of Subscriptions, Ticket Service Director, Ticket Services Manager