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Jazz Drums Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Irvine School of Music

Drum Instructor

Irvine, CA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Wellness resources Join Irvine's Fastest-Growing Music School as a Part-Time Drum Teacher! Are you ... Ability to teach Jazz and Pop styles alongside Classical * Master's degree in your teaching area

Self-employed

Percussionist

Apex, NC · On-site

Strong proficiency in a range of percussion instruments (e.g., drum set, hand percussion ... jazz, rock, classical, world music). * Ability to manage schedules, communicate clearly with ...

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Jazz Drums information

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$8

$25

$43

How much do jazz drums jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for jazz drums in the United States is $25.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are jazz drums?

Jazz drums refer to the drum set and percussion techniques used in jazz music. A typical jazz drum set includes a bass drum, snare drum, toms, hi-hat, and cymbals. Jazz drumming is known for its emphasis on swing rhythms, improvisation, and dynamic interplay with other musicians. Drummers in jazz often use brushes as well as sticks and focus on subtle accents and syncopation. The role of jazz drums is to keep time, add texture, and interact creatively with the rest of the band.

What are some common challenges jazz drummers face when collaborating with other musicians in a live performance setting?

Jazz drummers often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to spontaneous changes in tempo or style, especially during improvisational sections. Communication and active listening are crucial, as the drummer must respond to cues from other band members and maintain a supportive rhythmic foundation. Balancing personal expression with the needs of the ensemble can also be tricky, requiring flexibility and a deep understanding of jazz language. Developing these collaborative skills is essential for building trust and creating dynamic, engaging performances.

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

To thrive as a Jazz Drummer, you need a solid foundation in rhythm, music theory, improvisation, and advanced drumming techniques, often backed by formal music education or extensive performance experience. Familiarity with drum set hardware, notation software like Finale or Sibelius, and audio recording systems is commonly required. Creativity, strong listening skills, and the ability to collaborate with other musicians are standout soft skills in this role. These qualities are crucial for achieving dynamic performances, adapting to complex musical settings, and contributing meaningfully to ensembles.

What is the difference between Jazz Drums vs Studio Drummer?

AspectJazz DrumsStudio Drummer
Required CredentialsMusic performance experience, possibly jazz-specific trainingVersatile session experience, often with sight-reading skills
Work EnvironmentJazz clubs, recording studios, live performancesRecording studios, commercial projects, diverse genres
Industry UsagePrimarily jazz and related genresBroad industry use including pop, rock, commercials

Jazz Drums and Studio Drummer roles both require strong percussion skills, but Jazz Drums focus on improvisation and jazz-specific techniques, while Studio Drummers need versatility across genres and excellent sight-reading. Both roles are essential in recording and live settings, but they differ in style, environment, and skill emphasis.

What other helpful pages are available for Jazz Drums?

Other pages related to Jazz Drums:

Infographic showing various Jazz Drums job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,631 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Teacher of Jazz Percussion/Drums, Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track Faculty, Department of Jazz and

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

University of Michigan
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Michiganexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

University Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

How to Apply
ATTENTION: FOR DETAILS ON THIS POSITION AND TO APPLY, PLEASE VISIT https://apply.interfolio.com/185517 materials are ONLY being accepted via Interfolio. The University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre & Dance has an opportunity for a Teacher of Jazz Percussion/Drums, Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track Faculty Position, Department of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation. Please visit Interfolio for a full job description and qualification requirements.
Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. Applicants will not be sponsored for work visa.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes . * This position is required to teach on campus weekly.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
276817
Working Title
Teacher of Jazz Percussion/Drums, Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track Faculty, Department of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation
Job Title
ASST PROFESSOR
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
School Music
Department
School of Music,Theatre&Dance
Posting Begin/End Date
4/28/2026 - 10/01/2026
Career Interest
The Arts

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About University of Michigan

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The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

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10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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