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Freelance Music Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Complex

Freelance Producer, Complex Bets

New York, NY · On-site

Through innovative content, Complex tells stories of music, streetwear and style, sports, art and ... Managing multi-disciplinary production teams (in-house and freelance) to execute Complex shoots on ...

Game Seven

Freelance Experiential Producer

New York, NY · On-site

$1.7K - $2.0K/wk

... music and culture. From the biggest moments to the smallest details, we pride ourselves on being in ... Availability to work a hybrid schedule, 3 days/week in office The pay range for the freelance ...

Game Seven

Freelance Experiential Producer

New York, NY · Hybrid

$1.7K - $2.0K/wk

... music and culture. From the biggest moments to the smallest details, we pride ourselves on being in ... Availability to work a hybrid schedule, 3 days/week in office The pay range for the freelance ...

School of Rock Waldwick

Vocal Instructor

Waldwick, NJ · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Our afternoon start times are perfect for freelancers, gigging musicians, or anyone who values personal time before the workday begins. * Flagship Pride: Join the winning team at the "Gold Standard ...

Condé Nast

Senior Culture Editor

New York, NY · On-site

Direct coverage spanning film, television, music, podcasts, YouTube, streaming culture, digital ... Collaborate with staff writers, editors, freelancers, and contributors to develop distinctive ...

Wpromote

Senior Producer

New York, NY

$110K - $150K/yr

Established relationships with best-in-class production partners, including directors, photographers, editors, post-production companies, music partners, production companies, and freelance crews.

Wpromote

Senior Producer

New York, NY

$110K - $150K/yr

Established relationships with best-in-class production partners, including directors, photographers, editors, post-production companies, music partners, production companies, and freelance crews.

Wpromote

Senior Producer

New York, NY · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Established relationships with best-in-class production partners, including directors, photographers, editors, post-production companies, music partners, production companies, and freelance crews.

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All JobsMusic JobsFreelance Music JobsFreelance Music Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

Freelance Music information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$15

$48

$134

How much do freelance music jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance music in Rutherford, NJ is $48.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $62.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance musician?

Freelance musicians are independent professionals who perform, compose, or record music without being permanently tied to a single employer or organization. They often work on a project-by-project basis, collaborating with different clients, bands, or production companies. Freelance musicians may perform at live events, record in studios, teach music lessons, or create music for media such as film, television, and advertisements. This career path offers flexibility and the opportunity to work in a variety of musical styles and settings, but it also requires strong networking and self-promotion skills.

What are freelance music jobs?

The job duties of a freelance music writer depend on their area of focus. As a freelancer, you work on a contract basis with different clients. This job title applies to two different careers: those who write music and those who write about music. Freelance music writers who compose music create musical scores and songs. Your responsibilities in this career may include writing musical content for media or advertising or writing a song for a musician or recording artist. Freelance music writers who write about music can create articles for a blog, website, or music industry publication. In addition to researching articles and conducting interviews, you must also review and edit your pieces before publishing them.

How do freelance musicians typically find and maintain a steady stream of work?

Freelance musicians often rely on a combination of networking, self-promotion, and online platforms to secure gigs and projects. Building strong relationships with other musicians, event organizers, and venues is crucial for repeat business and referrals. Many freelancers maintain an active presence on social media and specialized websites to showcase their work and connect with potential clients. Staying adaptable and continuously developing new skills, such as learning different genres or instruments, can also help musicians stand out and access more opportunities in a competitive field.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Musician, you need strong musical proficiency, versatility across genres, and often formal training or a music degree. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), recording equipment, and music production software is highly valuable. Excellent self-management, networking, and communication skills help set successful freelancers apart. These skills ensure you can deliver high-quality performances or compositions, manage your business effectively, and build a sustainable client base.

What is the difference between Freelance Music vs Freelance Audio Engineer?

AspectFreelance MusicFreelance Audio Engineer
CredentialsMusic degrees, composition, performance experienceAudio engineering certifications, technical skills
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, live venues, online platformsRecording studios, live sound setups, post-production
Industry UsageMusic production, performance, compositionSound recording, mixing, mastering, live sound

Freelance Music focuses on creating and performing music, often involving composition and performance. Freelance Audio Engineers specialize in technical sound work, including recording, mixing, and mastering. While both roles require technical knowledge, Freelance Music emphasizes artistic skills, whereas Freelance Audio Engineers focus on technical sound quality. Both roles are common in the music industry and often collaborate but serve different primary functions.

How to work as a freelance musician?

To work as a freelance musician, build a portfolio of your performances and recordings, establish an online presence through websites and social media, and network with clients, venues, and other musicians. Freelance musicians often set their own schedules, negotiate rates, and use tools like digital audio workstations and scheduling apps to manage projects. Gaining relevant skills, such as music theory and proficiency with instruments or production software, is essential for success.
More about Freelance Music jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Music jobs in Rutherford, NJ?

The most popular types of Music jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Music jobs in Rutherford, NJ?

For Freelance Music jobs in Rutherford, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Freelance Music jobs?

Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Freelance Music job openings:

Freelance Music jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Music job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,159 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

Manager, Creative Producer

Universal Music Group

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Universal Music Group rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 78 rated media

Job description

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world's leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.
How we LEAD:
The Creative Producer is responsible for developing and executing original, social-first creative that brings Island Records' artists, releases, and cultural moments to life. This role owns the creative process from concept through execution-developing ideas, storyboards, production plans, capturing live content, directing shoots, and partnering through post-production to deliver high-impact storytelling across digital platforms.
Working cross-functionally with Marketing, Digital, Creative, A&R, Artist Management, and external partners, the Creative Producer helps shape compelling narratives that deepen fan engagement and elevate artist brands.
How you'll CREATE:
  • Develop creative concepts, storyboards, and production plans for artist campaigns, releases, and marketing initiatives.
  • Capture, produce and edit social-first content across live events, performances, studio sessions, behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, and artist activations.
  • Lead productions from pre-production through delivery, including planning, directing shoots, and overseeing creative execution.
  • Partner with editors and creative teams to ensure content is optimized for each platform while maintaining a consistent creative vision.
  • Identify emerging trends, formats, and storytelling opportunities that elevate artist campaigns and drive audience engagement.
  • Collaborate with Marketing, Digital, Creative, A&R, Artist Management, and external partners to execute integrated content strategies.
  • Create repeatable content formats and creative franchises that strengthen artist brands and expand audience reach.
  • Balance reactive, real-time storytelling with long-term campaign planning to keep artists culturally relevant across digital platforms.
  • Manage production timelines, budgets, vendors, and freelancers to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.
  • Provide creative direction and constructive feedback throughout the production process to maintain a high standard of creative excellence.
  • Organize and manage production assets, footage, and deliverables to support ongoing campaigns and future content opportunities.

Bring your VIBE:
  • Bachelor's degree in Film, Media Production, Marketing or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • 3-5 years of experience producing creative content for digital, social, entertainment, media, or brand marketing; preferred experience in the music industry.
  • Demonstrated experience developing creative concepts and managing productions from ideation through final delivery.
  • Experience capturing and directing content in fast-paced environments, including live events, performances, backstage, studio sessions, and on-location productions.
  • Working knowledge of production workflows, including budget management, pre-production planning, shoot execution, post-production, and content delivery.
  • Strong creative instincts with an understanding of platform-specific storytelling, audience behavior, and social media trends.
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple productions and shifting priorities simultaneously.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust with artists, managers, and internal stakeholders.
  • Proficiency with production tools and creative software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Photoshop, After Effects) or equivalent production workflows, is preferred..
  • Experience working with artists, creators, influencers, or talent is helpful.
  • Comfortable working flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel as required by artist schedules and live events.

Perks Playlist:
Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren't just values-they're how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer):
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services
  • Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants
  • Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
  • 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution

A variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:
  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees
  • 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees
  • 2-weeks paid Winter Break
  • 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)
  • Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)
  • Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.
Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.
Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.
Please note, UMG is not enrolled in E-Verify in California and New York, and cannot support employment of candidates whose employer must enroll in E-Verify, for example candidates on STEM-OPT.
For more information, please click on the following links.
E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish
E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish
Job Category:
Creative, Design & Production
Salary Range:
$54,000- $75,000
The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. All candidates are encouraged to apply.

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