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Symphony and Orchestra Careers

Passionate about Classical Music? Learn about careers in Performance and Administration with Symphonies, Orchestras, Choirs, and more.
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Concertmaster playing his violin

Concertmaster

 Leads violin section of the orchestra, performs as a soloist, decides on bowings for the first violins, and works closely with the Conductor. Learn More Salary Range: Up to $621,510 Alt Titles: Section Leader, 1st Violinist
Handsome Asian male Conductor in closeup

Conductor

 Conductors lead orchestras, operas, and other musical ensembles during live performances. Learn More Avg. Salary: $49,435 Salary Range: $25K-$148K Alt Titles: Chief Conductor, Principle Conductor, Maestro, Music Director
Music librarian placing music books on a shelf

Music Librarian

 Music Librarians answer reference questions, interact with the public, process donations, and help catalogue and sometime digitize collections. Learn More Avg. Salary: $55,169 Salary Range: $38K-$89K Alt Titles: Librarian
Personnel Director of an orchestra standing on the upper level of the theatre

Personnel Director

 Personnel Directors handle human resources for the orchestra, hiring musicians and ensuring their working conditions are up to par. Learn More Avg. Salary: $82,213 Salary Range: $25K - $133K Alt Titles: Personnel Manager
Section Leader of the cellos performing in orchestra

Section Leader

 Leads a section of the orchestra, sometimes supervises rehearsals with the section, and assigns parts to musicians. Learn More Avg. Salary: $66,817 Salary Range: $33K - $113K Alt Titles: None
Director of Public Relations drinking tea in front of laptop

Director of Public Relations

 Coordinates press and promotions of orchestra, may handle advertising. Learn More Avg. Salary: $94,890 Salary Range: $62K-$138K Alt Titles: PR Director, Director of Press Relations, Publicity Director
Symphony performing on stage at outdoor amphitheatre

Symphony Business Manager

 Supervises general accounting, including accounts payable and receivable and sourcing competitive bidding for office equipment. Attends board meetings and staffs finance committees. Learn More Avg. Salary: $63,388 Salary Range: $39K to $97K Alt Titles: Business Manager, Director of Business Operations, Finance Director
Closeup on an Orchestrator's hand writing notes on sheet music

Orchestrator

 Orchestrators transpose music and write scores based off a Composer’s initial draft or sketch. Learn More Avg. Salary: $62,377 Salary Range: $13K-$175K Alt Titles: None
Symphony orchestra violinists performing on stage against dark background

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 More Avg. Salary: $200,184 Salary Range: $90K-$320K Alt Titles: Executive Director
Musical gear in flight boxes on outdoor concert stage

Stage Manager

 A Stage Manager makes sure the day-to-day operations of a concert hall or other musical venue run smoothly. Learn More Avg. Salary: $54,000 Salary Range: $29K - $67K Alt Titles: None
Female cello player with violinists

Section Member

 Rehearses, performs, and sometimes records with an orchestra. Learn More Avg. Salary: $60,229 Salary Range: $40K - $80K Alt Titles: Classical Musician, Section Player
Subscriptions & Ticket Service Director talking on the phone with potential donor

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 More Avg. Salary: $93,776 Salary Range: $58K - $142K Alt Titles: Head of Subscriptions, Ticket Service Director, Ticket Services Manager
Orchestra manager in large theatre

Orchestra Manager

 Orchestra Managers handle contracts with musicians, venues, and vendors. They also help manage rehearsals, event logistics, and operations personnel. Learn More Avg. Salary: $61,500 Salary Range: $49K-$74K Alt Titles: General Manager, Vice President of Operations
Female director of development on cell phone looking at laptop in open plan office

Director of Development

 Oversees philanthropic and marketing support received from individuals, corporations, foundations and government agencies on behalf of the orchestra. Learn More Avg. Salary: $99,856 Salary Range: $64K-$153K Alt Titles: Fundraising Director
Orchestral Music Librarian turning pages of a score

Orchestral Music Librarian

 Catalogs and orders music for the orchestra, assists Conductor by copying scores and sheet music. Learn More Avg. Salary: $55,169 Salary Range: $38K-$89K Alt Titles: Performance Librarian
Young girl playing guitar in studio with young boy on drums

Director of Educational Activities

 Education Directors plan, coordinate, and implement an orchestra’s educational community outreach programs for local children and adults. Learn More Avg. Salary: $63,632 Salary Range: $39K-$105k Alt Titles: Director of Education, Education Director
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