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Jazz Band Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jazz Band Director

Beverly, MA · On-site

$14K - $15K/mo

This position is responsible for directing and managing the operation of Jazz Band Ensemble in coordination with the Performing Arts Department; leading band rehearsals and performances; scheduling ...

Jazz Band Director

Beverly, MA · On-site

$14K - $15K/mo

This position is responsible for directing and managing the operation of Jazz Band Ensemble in coordination with the Performing Arts Department; leading band rehearsals and performances; scheduling ...

Experience teaching Jazz Band preferred. Application Procedures: Any GEEA member interested in applying for this position should complete the internal application at www.d41.org Employment ...

Jazz Band Advisor

New Cumberland, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

The Jazz Band Advisor position at New Cumberland Middle School is available for the 2020-2021 school year. Persons wishing to apply for the position should submit their materials online. Application ...

This role spans both the Middle and Upper School divisions and includes conducting the Upper and Middle School Jazz Bands. They will work collaboratively with the Middle School and Upper School Band ...

This role spans both the Middle and Upper School divisions and includes conducting the Upper and Middle School Jazz Bands. They will work collaboratively with the Middle School and Upper School Band ...

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Jazz Band information

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How much do jazz band jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for jazz band in the United States is $21.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Jazz Band musician, you need strong musical proficiency, improvisational ability, and a solid understanding of jazz theory and ensemble performance, often supported by formal music education or extensive experience. Familiarity with instruments, music notation software, audio equipment, and sometimes digital recording tools is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, adaptability, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for dynamic group performances. These skills ensure tight musical cohesion, innovative expression, and engaging live or recorded jazz experiences.

What are the different positions in a band?

In a jazz band, common positions include the trumpet, saxophone, trombone, piano, bass, drums, and sometimes guitar or vocals. Each position requires specific skills and instruments, contributing to the overall sound of the ensemble. Musicians often specialize in their instrument and collaborate closely during rehearsals and performances.

What is a jazz band?

A jazz band is a musical ensemble that performs jazz music, typically featuring a combination of brass, woodwind, and rhythm section instruments such as saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, bass, drums, and sometimes guitar. Jazz bands can range in size from small combos of three to seven musicians to large big bands with 15 or more players. They play a variety of jazz styles, including swing, bebop, and fusion, often incorporating improvisation as a key element. Jazz bands perform in concerts, clubs, festivals, and other venues, and they play an important role in both educational and professional music settings.

What is the difference between Jazz Band vs Cover Band?

AspectJazz BandCover Band
RepertoireJazz standards, improvisationPopular hits, mainstream songs
Performance StyleLive improvisation, artistic expressionReproducing original songs accurately
Work EnvironmentJazz clubs, festivals, private eventsWeddings, parties, corporate events
Required CredentialsMusical proficiency, improvisation skillsMusical proficiency, song familiarity

Jazz bands focus on improvisation and jazz standards, often performing in clubs and festivals, emphasizing artistic expression. Cover bands replicate popular songs for events like weddings and parties, aiming to entertain a broad audience. While both require musical skills, jazz bands prioritize improvisation, whereas cover bands focus on reproducing specific tracks.

How much do jazz band musicians make?

Jazz band musicians' earnings vary based on experience, location, and the type of engagement. On average, they may earn between $50 and $200 per gig, with professional musicians often earning more through steady bookings, performances, and teaching opportunities. Many jazz musicians supplement income through studio work or music lessons.

What jobs can you get with a jazz degree?

A jazz degree can lead to careers such as professional jazz musician, music teacher, bandleader, or session musician. These roles often require strong performance skills, knowledge of music theory, and proficiency with instruments or vocal techniques, and may involve performing live, recording, or teaching in educational settings.

What is the hardest role in jazz band?

In a jazz band, the hardest role is often considered to be the lead improviser or soloist, as it requires strong technical skill, creativity, and the ability to adapt quickly during performances. Additionally, the drummer and bassist must maintain complex rhythms and timing, which can be physically demanding and require high levels of coordination. Overall, each role presents unique challenges depending on the band's style and performance context.

What are the most common challenges jazz band members face when performing together, and how can they overcome them?

Jazz band members often encounter challenges such as maintaining tight ensemble timing, balancing improvisation with group cohesion, and adapting to different musical styles or arrangements. Effective communication, both verbal and musical, is key to overcoming these issues, as is regular practice and rehearsal focused on listening to each other and responding dynamically. Many jazz bands also benefit from sectional rehearsals and open feedback sessions to address areas needing improvement, ensuring everyone is comfortable with the repertoire and performance expectations.
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What cities are hiring for Jazz Band jobs? Cities with the most Jazz Band job openings:
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What states have the most Jazz Band jobs? States with the most job openings for Jazz Band jobs include:
Infographic showing various Jazz Band job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 67% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,717 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Jazz Band Director

Endicott

Beverly, MA • On-site

$14K - $15K/mo

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

We are located approximately 20 miles north of Boston and parking is free. We are also accessible by commuter rail on the Newburyport/Rockport line. Come and explore Endicott's seaside locale where employees are an important part of the bustling campus community!

Please apply today if this opportunity looks like the right fit for you.

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The School of Visual and Performing Arts is currently seeking an individual to direct the Jazz Band. This position is responsible for directing and managing the operation of Jazz Band Ensemble in coordination with the Performing Arts Department; leading band rehearsals and performances; scheduling performances; managing equipment; managing uniforms/attire; administrative work associated with maintaining lists of students, grading etc.; managing expenditures; and music library organization.

COMPENSATION PER COURSE:

$14,000-$15,500

All courses meet in person

Rehearsals are 2 hours a week, plus individual coaching sessions with students for up to 2 more hours. Additional performances, recruiting, and management responsibilities take up to 10 additional hours per week for a total of up to 15 hours per week.

Instructors are expected to:

  • Deliver the course(s) in person in their assigned time blocks.

  • Abide by Endicott's academic policies as described in the College's faculty handbook.

  • Use the course description and honor the learning outcomes of each course.

  • Use Canvas as the course's learning management system.

  • Meet deadlines for roster verification and submission of grades.

  • Communicate with the dean or other administrators if issues arise concerning the teaching of specific classes.

  • Meet with students if they request assistance or need clarification for any course-related matter, if requested.

  • Provide samples of student work that may be used for assessment purposes.

  • Use the Endicott email when communicating with students outside of class.

The Jazz Band Director does the following:

  • Chooses and acquires or arranges engaging music that students connect with,

  • provides these charts and sometimes recordings to students

  • Teach this music to the students in weekly rehearsals for

  • Perform music with students in at least 1 concert per semester

  • Organizes opportunities for master classes or guest directors at least 1 time per semester in coordination with manager

  • Assists with curriculum development of the band

  • Arranges concerts and performance opportunities

  • Maintains band operation: to be any collection of students, faculty and staff dedicated to making music of any related genre. May be comprised of multiple small ensembles, one larger group or any combination director advises

  • Maintains archive of band activity program through photos, videos and press clips;

  • Liaison with other scholastic bands and directors;

  • Attends meetings of the School of Visual and Performing Arts;

  • Recruits students and possibly staff/faculty members;

  • Assists at Admissions and department recruiting events

  • Assists in publicizing band events through press releases and other means.

Qualifications: Masters degree in music or related field preferred Established Band Musician/Leader Experience with jazz, rock, GB, pit and other bands Ability to provide vision necessary for the growth of a band program on the Endicott campus. Teaching experience in higher education or equivalent. Ability to lift and move thirty pounds