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Jazz Band Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GEO Academies

High School Band Director

Gary, IN · On-site

... Choir, Jazz, Theater, and Drama • Direct and Organize Plays, Performances, and Concerts. • Create K-12 "Feeder Program" for the Arts fostering excitement, enthusiasm and generating community ...

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$9

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$46

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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Jazz Band jobs near you
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.
Assistant Band Director (Brass)

Assistant Band Director (Brass)

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

MS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Job Title
Assistant Band Director (Brass)
Job Duties
  1. Support the Director of Bands in the selection, arrangement, design, and development of music and programs for halftime and pre-game football performances.
  2. Contribute to the continuous growth and excellence of the band program, including coordination, direction, and supervision of the band.
  3. Assist with creating and teaching routines to band members.
  4. Teach assigned courses as scheduled by the Dean of Teaching and Learning. Course loads may include traditional and non-traditional formats (day, evening, weekend, online, and at various campuses).
  5. Instruct and oversee performance groups, including jazz band, pep band, concert band, marching band, ensembles, color guard, winter guard, and rifle line, as assigned.
  6. Participate in performances throughout the year, including parades, festivals, community events, and outreach tours to local high schools.
  7. Actively recruit prospective students for both the band program and the college.
  8. Promote and implement student retention strategies to support enrollment from fall to spring.
  9. Collaborate with the Director of Bands on strategic planning, student learning outcomes, curriculum evaluation, and improvement initiatives.
  10. Work with the Director of Bands and the Chair of the School of Visual & Performing Arts to review and update Fine Arts curricula and syllabi annually.
  11. Assist with maintaining accurate records, including inventory, scholarship tracking, and maintaining sound fiscal management of the band budget, purchasing, and long- and short-term planning.
  12. Share responsibility for managing all band instruments, uniforms, equipment, and full inventory reports each fall and spring semester.
  13. Assist with all aspects of band-related activities, including jazz band, pep band, Band Camp, and halftime show performances, as directed.
  14. Advise band students, providing proactive, individualized guidance in partnership with the Director of Bands.
  15. Support the Director of Bands in scholarship management, including auditions, processing, and record-keeping.
  16. Contribute to maintaining the band's student club account, including budgeting, fundraising, and ensuring a healthy financial balance.
  17. Provide Brass instruction and lessons as assigned by the Chair of the School of Visual & Performing Arts.
  18. Maintain awareness of and make recommendations for learning resource needs within the Visual and Performing Arts Department.
  19. Continuously work to improve teaching methods and course value by understanding diverse student learning styles.
  20. Provide students with approved course syllabi and clearly defined learning objectives.
  21. Maintain regular office hours as required and advise students, referring them to college resources as needed.
  22. Attend departmental and general faculty meetings and serve on college committees as assigned.
  23. Foster strong public relations between the band program and the community.
  24. Complete professional development requirements (EDP units) as required.
  25. Perform other duties as assigned by the Chair of the School of Visual & Performing Arts, Dean of Teaching and Learning, or Vice President.

Classification Title
Position Number
299928
Rank
Instructor
Job Description
Assist the Director of Bands for all activities, including recruitment, planning, purchasing, budgeting, scheduling, and inventory related to the MGCCC Band of Gold. This position reports directly to the Director of Bands.
Mandatory Qualifications
M(1) Master's degree in music or music education with an emphasis in instrumental music from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
M(2) Demonstrated achievements in designing and preparing marching band shows and parades.
M(3) Ability to teach applied music lessons in the following area: Brass.
M(4) Demonstrated recruiting skills.
M(5) Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
M(6) Familiarity with Microsoft Office and learning management systems such as Canvas.
Desirable Qualifications
D(1) Doctorate in music.
D(2) Teaching experience at a community college or institute of higher learning.
D(3) Demonstrated ability to teach multiple applied music disciplines.
D(4) Demonstrated experience directing, teaching, and developing jazz band ensembles.
D(5) Ability to write drill and arrange music for halftime performance.
EEO Statement
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes students and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, or qualified disability in its programs and activities. For further information, contact the Compliance Officer P.O. Box 609, Perkinston, Mississippi, 39573, telephone number 601-528-8735, email address compliance@mgccc.edu.
The College:
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College District serves a four-county area with three major campuses, the Community Campus and four centers including: Perkinston Campus, Perkinston, MS; Harrison County Campus, Gulfport, MS; Jackson County Campus, Gautier, MS. Additionally, The Bryant Center at Tradition, Biloxi, MS; Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Center, Gulfport, MS; Haley Reeves Barbour Maritime Training Academy, Pascagoula, MS; Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, MS; Keesler Center, Biloxi, MS; The West Harrison Center, Long Beach, MS; and George County Center, Lucedale, MS.
State and regional associations accredit Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and several programs are accredited nationally. Offerings include academic, technical degree, vocational skill and adult continuing education programs.
Classification
Faculty
Posting Detail Information
Open Date
06/02/2026
Close Date
06/16/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
For more information on the position, please contact (Name, Address, Phone, and Email):
Heather Holliman
Dean of Teaching and Learning
51 Main Street
Perkinston, MS 39573
601-928-6207
heather.holliman@mgccc.edu

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