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Contract Musician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cleveland County Schools

Music Teacher

Shelby, NC · On-site

Eligibility for the residency license must be established prior to a contract offer. This position ... needs -Background in music therapy (beneficial, but not a requirement.) -Flexibility -Good ...

Music & Arts

Music Teacher, Band Director

Itasca, IL · On-site

$44K - $45K/yr

Teach music classes in schools both in group settings and in one-on-one settings based on contracts with each school. Class sizes vary from a few students to over 50 kids. * Use recruiting tools, set ...

Music & Arts

Music Teacher, Band Director

Itasca, IL · On-site

$44K - $45K/yr

Teach music classes in schools both in group settings and in one-on-one settings based on contracts with each school. Class sizes vary from a few students to over 50 kids. * Use recruiting tools, set ...

Music & Arts

Music Teacher, Band Director

Itasca, IL

$44K - $45K/yr

Teach music classes in schools both in group settings and in one-on-one settings based on contracts with each school. Class sizes vary from a few students to over 50 kids. * Use recruiting tools, set ...

Music & Arts

Music Teacher, Band Director

Itasca, IL · On-site

$44K - $45K/yr

Teach music classes in schools both in group settings and in one-on-one settings based on contracts with each school. Class sizes vary from a few students to over 50 kids. * Use recruiting tools, set ...

Music & Arts

Music Teacher, Band Director

Itasca, IL

$44K - $45K/yr

Teach music classes in schools both in group settings and in one-on-one settings based on contracts with each school. Class sizes vary from a few students to over 50 kids. * Use recruiting tools, set ...

Music & Arts

Music Teacher, Band Director

Itasca, IL

$44K - $45K/yr

Teach music classes in schools both in group settings and in one-on-one settings based on contracts with each school. Class sizes vary from a few students to over 50 kids. * Use recruiting tools, set ...

Music & Arts

Music Teacher, Band Director

Itasca, IL

$44K - $45K/yr

Teach music classes in schools both in group settings and in one-on-one settings based on contracts with each school. Class sizes vary from a few students to over 50 kids. * Use recruiting tools, set ...

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How much do contract musician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract musician in the United States is $21.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A contract musician can earn $10,000 or more per month through freelance work, live performances, or recording projects, often relying on talent, reputation, and networking rather than formal education. Success in this field depends on skills, industry connections, and the ability to secure high-paying gigs, with some musicians earning substantial income without a degree.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

Contract musicians, especially those with high demand or specialized skills such as session players, composers, or performers at major events, can earn $400 an hour or more. Achieving this rate typically requires extensive experience, a strong reputation, and often working in high-profile environments or with prominent clients.

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

To thrive as a Contract Musician, you need strong musical proficiency, sight-reading ability, and versatility across genres, often supported by formal music education or significant experience. Familiarity with industry-standard instruments, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and sheet music software is commonly required. Excellent communication, punctuality, and adaptability are valuable soft skills that help contract musicians work effectively with diverse ensembles and clients. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality performances, meeting client expectations, and maintaining a strong professional reputation in a competitive field.

What are contract musicians?

Contract musicians are professional performers who are hired on a temporary or project basis to provide musical services. Unlike full-time orchestra members or band employees, contract musicians typically work for specific events, recording sessions, tours, or performances as outlined in a contract or agreement. Their responsibilities may include rehearsing, performing, and sometimes recording music, often across a variety of genres and settings. They are usually paid per engagement and may work independently or through agencies. This flexible arrangement allows contract musicians to collaborate with multiple artists and organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by contract musicians when working with different clients and ensembles?

Contract musicians often encounter the challenge of quickly adapting to varying musical styles, rehearsal routines, and expectations from diverse clients or ensembles. Each gig may involve working with new colleagues, learning unfamiliar repertoire on short notice, and adjusting to different leadership or conducting styles. Effective communication and professionalism are essential, as building a positive reputation can lead to repeat engagements and referrals. Additionally, managing inconsistent schedules and balancing multiple commitments can be demanding, so strong organizational skills are crucial for success.

How much does a contract musician make?

Contract musicians typically earn between $25 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the performance. Many work on a project basis or per gig, with annual earnings varying widely based on the number of engagements and skill level.

What does a music contractor do?

A music contractor is responsible for hiring and managing musicians for performances, recordings, or tours. They coordinate schedules, negotiate contracts, and ensure that the necessary musicians and instruments are available, often working closely with event organizers or production teams.

What is the difference between Contract Musician vs Freelance Musician?

AspectContract MusicianFreelance Musician
CredentialsTypically requires formal music training or certificationsMay or may not require formal credentials, depending on gigs
Work EnvironmentWorks for a specific employer or organization on a contractual basisWorks independently, taking various gigs from multiple clients
Employer & Industry UsageHired by orchestras, bands, or production companies for fixed periodsHired directly by clients for individual projects or performances

In summary, a Contract Musician is hired on a fixed-term basis by a single employer or organization, often with formal credentials, while a Freelance Musician operates independently, taking diverse gigs without long-term commitments.

What cities are hiring for Contract Musician jobs? Cities with the most Contract Musician job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Musician jobs? The most popular types of Musician jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Musician jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Musician jobs include:
Contract Musician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Musician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 2% Temporary, 92% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,855 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Supervisor, Music Rehearsals (CCL)

Supervisor, Music Rehearsals (CCL)

Holland America Group

Davie, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Holland America Line rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 9 rated cruise lines

Job description

Job Description
The Supervisor, Music Rehearsals at Carnival directs live rehearsals for all music acts at CCL studios, including vocalists, rock bands, quartets, trios, and horn sections. This role provides feedback to achieve Carnival's brand standards and leads orientations and engagement workshops. The Supervisor oversees a weekly mini concert "preview" series, ensuring performance preparation and structured feedback align with CCL's live performance standards. Additional duties include executing strict rehearsal agendas for multiple groups, coaching and delegating responsibilities to shipboard Music Managers and group leaders, and integrating live music elements into production shows.
The Supervisor maintains the music inventory at Carnival Studios, assists with equipment procurement, and supervises the music group wardrobe process. The Supervisor prepares Music Managers for shipboard contracts through training and stakeholder calls, utilizing internal data based on itinerary and guest demographics. The role oversees team member coaching, discipline, and action plans, develops, and communicates music department expectations, and motivates musicians. The Supervisor establishes best practices for a safe and fun shipboard and rehearsal process and collaborates with other supervisors to achieve similar goals.
Essential Functions:
Program, Operations & Innovation:
  • Program/operations: Direct live rehearsals for all music acts that come through CCL studios, including vocalists, 6-piece rock bands, Latin quartets, Electric String Trios, and horn sections. Leads all pre and post communication to musicians including distribution of rehearsal materials and support seamless integration to shipboard contracts.
  • Branding: Give clear applicable feedback in a fun way to musical groups to achieve the musical level of Carnival brand standard. Lead orientations and engagement workshops.
  • Quality Assurance: Oversee a weekly mini concert "preview" series for each musical act that goes through Carnival Studios, including performance preparation and structured feedback in accordance with CCL's live performance standards.
  • Artistic Integrity: Jointly responsible for maintaining artistic integrity of fleet-wide shipboard music program: music acts and Pro DJ's, background music, music programming standards, demographic targeted music performances, musician style guide.
  • Feedback and Direction: Provide feedback and direction during rehearsals, focusing on musical integrity, technique, style and showmanship, on/off stage engagement.
  • Training Materials: Update and maintain all music training materials.
  • Coordination: Collaborate with the Studios teams to build schedules and support technical needs, including I.E.M., wardrobe, etc.
  • Additional duties: Execute strict rehearsal agenda for multiple groups simultaneously by coaching and delegating responsibilities to shipboard Music Managers and group leaders, including integration of live music elements into production shows with the casts of singers and dancers. Maintain fleet issue track requests and music inventory at Carnival Studios. Assist with fleetwide and studio equipment ordering and procurement process. Supervise music group wardrobe process.

Team Leadership & Development
  • Fleet Leadership Shipboard Leadership: Prepare Music Managers for shipboard contract via training, calls with key stakeholders, utilizing internal data based on itinerary and guest demographics, ensuring that all musical groups prepare approved itinerary-appropriate material that will be utilized throughout their shipboard contract.
  • Leadership Skills: Oversee team member coaching, discipline or action plans necessary to support studio and music operation. Develop and communicate music department expectations, motivate, and inspire musicians to reach their full potential, instilling Carnival Values. Establish and maintain best practices for a safe and fun shipboard and rehearsal process by inspiring and motivating team members.
  • Learning and Development: Member of a team of other supervisors that work collaboratively towards achieving similar goals and executing the music rehearsal process.
  • Collaborate
  • Cross-Functional (across entertainment): Coordinate music collaboration with other supervisors, as well as other departments including Technical, Youth, Experience and Production Shows. Partner with Studio Manager, Casting & Booking Department, Manager of Music Direction, and production show team to create facility rehearsal schedule. Collaborate with key stakeholders, including Technical, Studio Ops, Production, Casting & Booking, and Creative Development, to ensure efficiency and cost effectiveness.
  • Intercompany (other areas of CCL/Brands): Liaises between shipboard & studio teams to ensure accountability and streamlined feedback. Work closely with Music Managers to nurture and develop career path

Policy and Compliance
  • Safety Practices: Review and refine safety practices, create and enforce training programs, ensuring the highest level of team safety while maintaining operational integrity. Ensure teams are prepared to for safe operations. • Assist in emergency planning for natural disasters and executing emergency plans. Safety and security must be a priority.
  • Compliance Adherence: Ensure full compliance with company policies and procedures, emphasizing safety protocols and operational standards as outlined by Global HESS (Health, Environment, Safety, and Security) and ADA guidelines. Monitor ship locations for compliance with local and international laws and environmental impact considerations.

Program Evaluation:
  • Quality Assurance: Maintain music program through strategic fleet audits and ship visits and fleet supervisors to support shipboard and studio operations.
  • Performance: Monitor monthly TGEM scores, and guest comments to evaluate Production performance. Use this data to identify areas for improvement and support team development.

Financial Accountability
  • Rehearsal Efficiency: Closely monitor and reassess rehearsal days per show. Continuously evaluate the planning and execution of the contractor schedule to ensure fiscal responsibility. Track monthly budgets and carefully review invoices for accuracy.
  • Financial Oversight: Track and manage expenses including auditing the coding, categorization, and amounts of purchases to ensure alignment with entertainment account strings and maintaining communication with the Accounts Payable department.
  • Travel and Expense: Manage personal and direct reports' travel arrangements and expenses in line with Carnival Cruise Line's policies. Ensure all travel is cost-effective and compliant, and submit expense reports promptly
  • Feedback Analysis: Gather and analyze feedback from guests and shipboard personnel to identify areas for improvement for Production team. Use this information to suggest decisions to shoreside leadership to implement enhancements that elevate the overall guest experience.
  • Data Analysis: Regularly review customer feedback and data to identify trends and areas needing improvement. Share these insights with the Manager to help refine programs and enhance guest experiences. Track key metrics, guest surveys, and feedback to improve service and satisfaction.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Thorough knowledge of musical repertoire and/or vocal styles. Expertise in one or more areas such as music performance, cruise ships, people management, business, hosted events, special events, production, operations, events.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Music, Operations, Business, People Management, Leadership/Prefer Master's Degree
  • Extensive performance experience, teaching experience, cruise industry experience with leadership and people management
  • 5+ years in music performance, business, cruise entertainment or comparable industry, preferably in a teaching or supervisorial role. Thorough knowledge of musical repertoire. Expertise in one or more areas such as cruise ships, hosted music events, special events, show production, operation, music, and events.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications, with advanced skills in Excel, Word Power Point.
  • Attention to Detail: Proven track record in scheduling and planning and able to ensure accuracy to avoid scheduling conflicts and errors.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with team members, vendors, stakeholders, and colleagues.
  • Conflict Resolution: Effectively resolving conflicts and finding common ground to maintain a positive work environment.
  • Problem-Solving: Identifying issues and developing creative and effective solutions.
  • Leadership: The ability to guide, motivate, and support team to achieve their best performance. Self-directed individual with initiative, analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Mentorship: Providing guidance and support to help team members grow and develop their skills with honest feedback.
  • Decision-Making: Making informed and timely decisions that benefit the team and organization.
  • Adaptability: Being flexible and able to adjust to changing circumstances and challenges.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Building strong relationships and fostering a collaborative team environment.
  • Positivity: Maintaining a positive attitude to inspire and motivate the team.
  • Time Management: Strong ability to manage time efficiently to meet deadlines and keep projects on track.
  • Diplomacy: Diplomacy, maturity, and ability to keep confidences
  • Organization: Skilled in setting priorities and maintaining well-organized tasks and projects.
  • Project Management: Proficient in project management principles and capable of managing multiple projects at one time.
  • Teamwork: Collaborative and willing to work with others to achieve common goals.
  • Self-Directed: Capable of handling multiple tasks and projects independently.
  • Night, holiday, weekend work required, split day(s) off
  • Successful candidates for this position will undergo a comprehensive 90-day training program on the day shift to ensure a thorough understanding of job responsibilities and procedures.
  • Following the training period, the primary schedule for this role will be on the evening shift. However, flexibility is required as specific shifts will be determined based on operational needs.

Travel: Less than 25% with shipboard travel likely
Work Conditions: Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential. May be requested to work a different shift..
Physical Demands: Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time. May be asked to work a different shift e.g. day shift depending on operation need.
This position is classified as "in-office." Because of the nature of the role, employees are required to work from a designated Carnival office in South Florida five days each week. Candidates must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area.
Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job-related skills and experience.
At Carnival, your total rewards package is much more than your base salary. All non-sales roles participate in an annual cash bonus program, while sales roles have an incentive plan. Director and above roles may also be eligible to participate in Carnival's discretionary equity incentive plan. Plus, Carnival provides comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs, including:
  • Health Benefits:
    • Cost-effective medical, dental and vision plans
    • Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources
    • Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage
  • Financial Benefits:
    • 401(k) plan that includes a company match
    • Employee Stock Purchase plan
  • Paid Time Off
    • Holidays - All full-time and part-time with benefits employees receive days off for 8 company-wide holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays to be taken at the employee's discretion.
    • Vacation Time - All full-time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days/year; director and above level start with 19 days/year. Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 84 hours/year. All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure.
    • Sick Time - All full-time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year. Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 60 hours each year.
  • Other Benefits
    • Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends
    • Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement
    • On-site Fitness center at our Miami campus

#CCL
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-TM1
About Us
About Us
At Carnival Cruise Line, our mission is to consistently deliver safe, fun, and memorable vacations at a great value. As the world's most popular cruise line, we offer a variety of unique experiences across our fleet, ensuring that every voyage is filled with excitement and discovery. From world-class entertainment and dining to exploring stunning destinations, we create lasting memories for our guests while maintaining a dedication to the places we visit and the lives we touch.
Join us and embark on a career that offers not only the chance to grow professionally but also the opportunity to be part of a global community that makes a difference.
In addition to other duties/functions, this position requires full commitment and support for promoting ethical and compliant culture. More specifically, this position requires integrity, honesty, and respectful treatment of others, as well as a willingness to speak up when they see misconduct or have concerns.
Carnival Corporation & plc and Carnival Cruise Line is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. In this regard, it does not discriminate against any qualified individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual ...

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