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Classical Music Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Augustana College

Music Director

Rock Island, IL

$15.45 - $19.39/hr

WVIK Classical, the Quad Cities' 24/7 classical music broadcast and digital service, has an amazing opportunity to join and help design the future of this relatively new service. While WVIK has been ...

All Classical Radio

On Air Host and Producer

Portland, OR · On-site

$62K - $73K/yr

Director of Music and Programming Status : Hourly / Non-Exempt / Union / 40 Hours Per Week All Classical Radio seeks a creative, enterprising, and dynamic producer/host for primetime. The ideal ...

WFMT

Radio Announcer (Part-time)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

WFMT (classical music radio station) is looking for a Radio Announcer. Serving in a part-time capacity to cover staff absences, the Radio Announcer hosts live or pre-recorded classical music shifts ...

WTTW

Radio Announcer (Part-time)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

WFMT (classical music radio station) is looking for a Radio Announcer. Serving in a part-time capacity to cover staff absences, the Radio Announcer hosts live or pre-recorded classical music shifts ...

Universal Music Group

Promotion Manager

New York, NY · On-site

This role works closely with the division's Director to create performance opportunities for C&S composers to fulfil short- and long-term growth trajectories for UMP C&S's US classical music ...

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Classical Music information

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$30.5K

$57.7K

$121.5K

How much do classical music jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for classical music in the United States is $57,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $64,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Classical Musician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a classical musician, you need advanced instrumental or vocal technique, strong music theory knowledge, and often a formal degree or conservatory training. Mastery of music notation software, digital audio workstations, and sometimes certification in pedagogy or performance are commonly required. Exceptional discipline, creativity, and collaborative skills help musicians stand out in ensembles and solo contexts. These skills ensure high-quality performances, effective practice, and adaptability in both solo and group settings.

What is the difference between Classical Music vs Music Composer?

AspectClassical MusicMusic Composer
Required CredentialsMusic degrees, conservatory trainingMusic degrees, composition courses
Work EnvironmentConcert halls, recording studios, educational settingsStudio, personal workspace, live performance venues
Industry UsagePerformers, orchestras, ensemblesComposing, arranging, producing music
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding classical music styles and historyCreating original music, songwriting, scoring

Classical Music refers to a genre of music with a rich historical tradition, performed by musicians trained in classical techniques. A Music Composer, on the other hand, creates original music across various genres, including classical, film, and commercial music. While both roles require musical training, classical musicians often focus on performance and interpretation, whereas composers focus on creating new works. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and industry roles.

What is classical music?

Classical music refers to a broad tradition of Western art music that spans from roughly the 11th century to the present day, with a particular focus on works from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods (approximately 1600–1900). It is characterized by its structured forms, written notation, and emphasis on instrumental and vocal techniques. Classical music includes symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and choral works, and often features complex harmonies and orchestrations. This genre has influenced many other styles and remains an important part of global music culture.

What Are Classical Music Jobs?

Classical music jobs include positions related to musical concerts, from the event organizers to the musicians. Music directors plan, market, and coordinate rehearsals, concerts, or other musical events. Local symphonies and orchestras employ directors or conductors who arrange pieces and lead the shows. Classical musicians perform in an orchestra, either playing an instrument or singing. Some musicians also teach music lessons, work as teachers in schools or post-secondary programs, and perform at clubs, bars, or different kinds of musical events. Other opportunities include working as a studio musician who plays for other artists or doing TV and film soundtrack work.

What are some common challenges faced by classical musicians working in orchestras or ensembles?

Classical musicians in orchestras or ensembles often face challenges such as adapting to varied conducting styles, synchronizing with a large group, and maintaining focus during long rehearsals and performances. Balancing the technical demands of complex repertoire with expressive interpretation can also be demanding. Additionally, musicians must be able to collaborate effectively, respond to feedback, and manage performance anxiety, all while maintaining high standards of musicianship.
More about Classical Music jobs
What cities are hiring for Classical Music jobs? Cities with the most Classical Music job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Classical Music jobs? The most popular types of Classical Music jobs are:
What states have the most Classical Music jobs? States with the most job openings for Classical Music jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Classical Music jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Classical Music jobs are:
Classical Music jobs near you
Infographic showing various Classical Music job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 58% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 41% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,731 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
Music Director

Music Director

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL

$15.45 - $19.39/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

About Augustana College
Augustana College is a nationally recognized college of the liberal arts and sciences dedicated to investing in engaged learning, maximizing student potential, and strengthening community partnerships - the guiding priorities of our Bold amp; Boundless Strategic Plan (2024-29). For our 2,500 students from all backgrounds, Augustana provides a transformative experience that integrates rigorous academics, hands-on learning and mentorship to prepare graduates for meaningful careers and lifelong success.
The college’s scenic, wooded campus is located in Rock Island, Illinois, part of the Quad-Cities metro area (pop. 470,000) along the Mississippi River, about a 3-hour drive from Chicago. At Augustana, we seek innovative and student-centered professionals who are excited to contribute to our strategic goals of empowering students through engaged learning, leadership development and real-world experiences.
Employees at Augustana enjoy an excellent benefit package including medical, retirement, generous paid time off, tuition benefits for employees and their family members, and much more.
Job Title: Music Director
Hours: Part-time, 25 per week

Reports To: General Manager, WVIK
Overview: WVIK Classical, the Quad Cities’ 24/7 classical music broadcast and digital service, has an amazing opportunity to join and help design the future of this relatively new service. While WVIK has been broadcasting classical music since 1980, this 24/7 service to the Quad Cities only began in 2023. We seek an energetic, creative person to join our team as our Music Director. This position serves a dual role: as an announcer for classical music as well the lead creative voice on WVIK Classical’s broadcast side. In this position, you would oversee music selection across platforms, help define the station’s sound to be inclusive, and expand the canon of classical music, curate the station’s library, host an on-air shift, and serve a public-facing role at events for both WVIK and other community partners.

WVIK Classical seeks individuals who are able to shed traditional classical music delivery stereotypes and invite an audience of diverse ages and cultural backgrounds to participate in this rich art form using best practices of public radio storytelling and a tone that energizes, excites and enriches the listener.

Job Duties:
  • Assists in crafting the internal philosophy for programming/presenting music, developing innovative strategies for music discovery
  • Helps create and modify playlists
  • Curates library using MusicMaster; auditions new releases for inclusion
  • Hosts on-air shift
  • Tracks playlists to ensure proper diversity of programming
  • Cultivates relationships with regional music/arts organizations and participates in community outreach
  • Helps assess and select programming from national providers
  • Participates in campaigns to increase audience across platforms
  • Serves as an on-air host during concert broadcasts
  • Assists in planning and execution of membership drives
  • Prepares quarterly Sound Exchange report, FCC issues report, and other reports as needed
  • Represent WVIK through direct contact and at public events in the Quad Cities, Galesburg, Iowa City, Dubuque and other nearby metropolitan areas; seek opportunities within the Augustana campus and the Quad City business community to establish partnerships and foster long term relationships to the benefit of all parties.
  • Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated radio broadcast announcing ability and basic radio operation skills
Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have the following:
  • At least 2 years of experience as a classical music host/music director or related experience
  • Extensive knowledge of classical music
  • Strong familiarity with AudioVault (or equivalent automation software) and MusicMaster (or similar scheduling software)
Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, or at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired are necessary.
WVIK values diverse skill sets. We are prepared to offer full-time employment to candidates who demonstrate experience in any of the following areas in addition to those listed above:
  • Broadcast Operations
  • Corporate Support and Sponsorships
  • Audio Production
  • Marketing and Community Engagement.
Additional Information:
Pay and Benefits: This position is budgeted to pay $15.45 - $19.39 per hour determined by experience and skill set. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support the needs of employees. Part-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Life insurance, disability insurance, and supplemental insurance programs
  • Retirement plan with a generous company contribution
  • Pro-rated paid time off/holiday benefits
  • Pro-rated tuition benefits for employees and their family members
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Access to company facilities (gym, pool, health center, etc.)
  • You can learn more about our benefit programs at our Benefits website.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift 25 pounds on a frequent basis. Also required is the ability to listen, hear, speak, climb stairs, bend, stoop, and stand intermittently for long periods of time. Must possess or be able to acquire a valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements: As key personnel representing the Station amp; College to the community, this position requires excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to relate to a diverse audience, and the ability and willingness to model the mission and high standard of behavior of Augustana College and WVIK. All prospective employees must pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement: Augustana is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is Augustana College’s policy to provide equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability and any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
Note: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities are subject to change at any time with or without notice.
Application Instructions:

Qualified, interested applicants should submit a cover letter including salary requirements and resume no later than July 31, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Additional information for WVIK, Quad Cities NPR, is available at wvik.org.

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