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FeverUp

Senior Curator, Candlelight

New York, NY · On-site

Fluency with classical music theory and harmony with experience reading orchestral scores; familiarity with contemporary music trends and other genres is highly valued * Build and maintain strong ...

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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 1, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,731 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
Adjunct Instructor in Music - Saxophone

Adjunct Instructor in Music - Saxophone

Union University

Jackson, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Adjunct Instructor in Music - Saxophone
Division
College of Arts & Sciences (DIV)
Department
Music
Location
Jackson
Job Summary
Union University seeks a qualified individual for the position of Adjunct Instructor in Music - Saxophone. This instructor will teach applied saxophone, ensemble coaching, woodwind techniques, and woodwind pedagogy.
About Union University
Union University is a private, coeducational liberal arts-based university offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The campus is located in Jackson, Tenn., with additional campuses in Germantown, Hendersonville, and Memphis, Tenn., and enrolls about 2,700 students. Union University stands as a national leader among colleges and universities in promoting a Christian worldview and a Christ-centered approach to education. Union is consistently ranked among the nation's premier Christian universities and has been recognized as a top-tier institution each year since 1997 by U.S. News & World Report, which also recognized Union at a national level for undergraduate teaching excellence.
Essential Job Duties
  • Teach applied saxophone, ensemble coaching, woodwind techniques, and woodwind pedagogy. Candidate must have the ability to teach Musicianship/Aural Skills and Improvisational Techniques in a variety of styles.
    • Courses include:
      CMU 150 Applied Lessons Freshman (Saxophone)
      CMU 250 Applied Lessons Sophomore (Saxophone)
      CMU 350 Applied Lessons Junior (Saxophone)
      CMU 450 Applied Lessons Senior (Saxophone)
      MUS 155, 255, 355, 455 Contemporary Music Ensemble
      CMU 472 Studio Instrumental Techniques
      Emphasis in: Classical and Commercial/Jazz Performance Techniques, Commercial Ensemble Coaching, and Woodwind Improvisation techniques
  • Provide direction and supervision for student performance groups (jazz combo, commercial ensembles, etc.) as assigned.
  • Perform in Faculty and University ensembles as directed.

Other Job Duties
Required Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance, Woodwind Pedagogy, Commercial, or Jazz Studies is required. This position also requires the ability to work in a team leadership setting and strong collaborative skills. The ability to teach Musicianship and Aural Skills courses are preferred. The candidate must also have the ability to perform in a variety of music styles, including but not limited to classical music, popular and rock music styles including improvisation, and jazz or blues.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants with a Ph.D. or D.M.A. in Saxophone performance, Woodwind Pedagogy, or equivalent. Extensive solo, commercial, symphonic, and/or chamber music performance experience and teaching experience at the college level and/or the commercial industry is also preferred.
Christian Requirement
Successful candidates must be professing Christians who are active members of a local church, enthusiastically support Union University's Identity, Mission, and Core Values, and articulate a Christian worldview in their work and life. (Union University's Identity, Mission, and Core Values is a link to https://www.uu.edu/about/what-we-believe.cfm)
Physical Requirements
The work performed by this position is of a general office/administrative/teaching nature. It requires the ability to operate a computer, and communicate on the telephone and in writing. Work performed does require some walking on campus, extended periods of time sitting, and some daily instances of bending, stooping, and carrying items up to 25 pounds.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F087P
Special Instructions to Applicants

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