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Contract Film Orchestra Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$150 - $180/hr

... film studios, talent agencies, and every part of the music and entertainment ecosystem. By ... Set standards for code quality, testing, observability, and data quality (contracts, validation ...

New

Contract Role * Potential for long-term employment or full-time role * $200-$450 per episode ... Links to any film, television, game, or interactive media projects you've scored or edited * A ...

Fab Engineering Lead

Redmond, WA · On-site

$173K - $245K/yr

... film deposition, or photolithography process development • Experience adhering to and ... engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies • ...

Direct experience with liquid crystal fabrication, thin-film deposition, or photolithography ... Demonstrated success managing blended teams of FTEs, vendors, and contract technicians in a ...

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Contract Film Orchestra information

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$15

$36

$54

How much do contract film orchestra jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract film orchestra in the United States is $36.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.44 and $43.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract film orchestra?

A contract film orchestra is a group of professional musicians assembled specifically to perform and record music scores for films, television, or other media projects on a contractual basis. Unlike permanent orchestras, these ensembles do not have a fixed lineup but are formed based on the needs of each project. The musicians are hired for the duration of the recording sessions, after which the contract typically ends. This approach allows film producers to select musicians with the right expertise and size for each unique score, ensuring high-quality performances tailored to the specific requirements of the production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract film orchestra musician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Film Orchestra musician, you need advanced instrumental proficiency, strong sight-reading abilities, and experience with orchestral repertoire, typically backed by formal music education or equivalent performance experience. Familiarity with studio recording technologies, click tracks, and synchronization systems is often required for film work. Flexibility, professionalism, and excellent communication help musicians adapt quickly to directors' and conductors' directions. These skills ensure high-quality, efficient performances that meet tight production schedules in the film industry.

What are some common challenges faced by musicians working in a contract film orchestra, and how are they typically addressed?

Musicians in a contract film orchestra often face challenges such as tight recording schedules, the need for quick adaptation to varied musical styles, and limited rehearsal time. The work environment is highly collaborative, requiring strong communication with conductors, composers, and sound engineers to achieve the desired results efficiently. To address these challenges, musicians are expected to maintain a high level of sight-reading proficiency, arrive well-prepared, and support each other in the fast-paced studio setting. Flexibility, professionalism, and the ability to handle constructive feedback are key to thriving in this role.

What is the difference between Contract Film Orchestra vs Contract Composer?

AspectContract Film OrchestraContract Composer
CredentialsMusic performance experience, orchestral proficiencyMusic composition, scoring, and production skills
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, live orchestral sessionsHome studios, post-production facilities
Industry UsageFilm, TV, commercial scoring projectsFilm scoring, music production for media

While both roles involve music for film, a Contract Film Orchestra focuses on performing and recording orchestral music, whereas a Contract Composer creates original scores. The orchestra performs the written music, often under a conductor, while the composer writes and produces the music itself. Both roles require strong musical skills and industry experience, but they serve different functions in the film scoring process.

More about Contract Film Orchestra jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Film Orchestra jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Film Orchestra job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Film Orchestra jobs?

The most popular types of Film Orchestra jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Film Orchestra jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Film Orchestra jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Contract Film Orchestra jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Film Orchestra jobs are:

Infographic showing various Contract Film Orchestra job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,585 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Film Scoring and/or Music Production Instructor - Pool - UCLA Extension

Los Angeles, CA • On-site


University of California, Los Angeles
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 622 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$3.0K/wk

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position description
UCLA Extension is the open-access, self-supporting continuing education division of UCLA. The Department of the Entertainment Studies offers a wide variety of certificate programs and courses, including postbaccalaureate credit-bearing (400-level), continuing education (CEU) credit, and non-credit bearing general interest courses.
Course / Program Description
Course disciplines in the Entertainment Studies Program span subject areas such as Business and Management of Entertainment, Film & TV Development, Producing, Directing, Acting, Cinematography, Post-Production, Film Scoring, Independent Music Production, and Music Business. Our courses and certificate programs offer students the opportunity to learn from highly qualified practitioners who are passionate about teaching.
Job Description
Applications to teach are accepted throughout the year in order to fill immediate program needs and to increase the depth of the instructor pool, but interviews will only be scheduled with qualified applicants who can fill anticipated openings.
Film Scoring and/or Music Production Instructor Search
Qualified applicants possessing teaching experience and professional experience in the following area(s) are encouraged to apply:
  • Film Scoring
  • Instrumentation
  • Orchestration
  • Recording
  • Mixing and Editing Techniques for Film Composers
  • Composing for Video Games
  • Composing for Animation
  • Music Production
  • Songwriting
  • A&R
  • Music Management
  • Music Publishing
  • Music Licensing
  • Entertainment Law as it pertains to the Music Industry
  • Music Marketing
  • Tour Management
  • Music Supervision

All instructors should have current or recent professional experience in Film Scoring, the Music Business, or Music Production so that they can help students understand and navigate the evolving landscape of the film scoring and/or music industry today.
Classes are offered online, in person, or live online via Zoom. Classes held in person/live online meet once a week for 11 weeks, typically evenings from 7-10pm. Online classes are asynchronous (no live interaction) and deadline-driven. All courses use an online course support platform for distributing course materials, syllabi, assignments, and feedback.
Instructor Duties
• Develop or update course syllabus to meet campus approval requirements, in consultation with the UCLA Extension Portfolio Director and Portfolio Manager.
• Use subject-matter expertise to impart knowledge to students and leverage additional resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (i.e. make arrangements for guest speakers, etc.)
• Design interactive and motivational classroom activities to fully engage participants and to reinforce student learning
• Update materials periodically, and regularly monitor course evaluations in order to make adjustments and improvements to the curriculum.
• Utilize Canvas as a course support platform in in-person/ remote via Zoom courses, and as the delivery platform in online and hybrid courses.
• Post final student grades to the transcript system in a timely manner, no later than 2 weeks after course end date.
• Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner.
• Communicate with Portfolio Director and Portfolio Staff in a timely manner.
• Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including: completing all new hire paperwork, submitting updated quarterly syllabus, posting bio and photo on the UCLA Extension website, accepting quarterly contract, submitting required textbook orders, and communicating classroom needs to the appropriate people.
• Participate in required orientations and instructor training programs.
• Assisting in occasional program activities such as open houses, guest lecturing, community events.
• Employ culturally sensitive teaching methodologies in the classroom inclusive of both domestic and international student populations.
• Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in the field of Screenwriting.
• Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Portfolio Director as needed.
• Maintain a record of final grades for up to 13 months following the last class session.
General Employment Information
Employment as a UCLA Extension Instructor is dictated by contract terms and conditions. Please take the time to read the UCLA Extension Instructor Employment Policies .
For information on UCLA Extension instructor benefits, please visit Pay, Benefits, & Privileges .
Special Conditions of Employment
Instructors are hired on a quarterly contract basis. Compensation is $3,000 per course, per quarter. Courses are typically 33 hours.
Because Extension is a division of UCLA, all Extension degree-credit instructors and courses must be formally approved according to the regulations of the Academic Senate of the University of California. Eligibility to teach a course is contingent upon this formal academic approval. Once approved, teaching assignments are "by agreement." The Instructor's Contract outlines the course schedule and the compensation terms, subject to Extension policies and procedures. UCLA Extension makes no commitment to hire an instructor until it has sent and received a signed Instructor Contract. If the course section that an instructor plans to teach is cancelled for any reason, the Instructor Contract, including rights to compensation for future section meetings, is voided.
In an effort to promote and maintain a healthy environment for our students, visitors and employees, UCLA is a smoke-free site. Smoking is prohibited within the boundaries of all UCLA owned, occupied, leased, and associated building and facilities.
Division: https://www.uclaextension.edu/entertainment
Instructor Resources: https://instructor.uclaextension.edu/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
• Professional experience in the area that you apply to teach in.
• Must be committed to the highest level of academic standards and integrity.
• Current knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in subject area.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence.
• Proficiency in or willingness to learn the use of instructional technology and online teaching tools, even if your assignment is in person or remote via Zoom.
Preferred qualifications
• College-level and/or continuing education teaching experience preferred.
• Experience designing curriculum and measuring student performance preferred.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae / Resume - Your most recently updated Curriculum Vitae / Resume.
  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
References are requested from candidates after the interviewing stage, and references are only contacted for finalists via SkillSurvey system.
Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF11250
Help contact: ehr@unex.ucla.edu
About UCLA
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Los Angeles, CA

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools, e-learning, scientific research and development services, non-profits, business management consulting, clean energy semiconductors manufacturing, investment clubs and venture capital companies and human resources consulting services

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Los Angeles, CA, US

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