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Jazz Musician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jazz in the Basement LP

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Jazz,TX Host

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Located in the heart of the Pearl district, Jazz,TX is the premier location in San Antonio for live music, food, and a stellar cocktail program. We strive to have a solid team of professionals that ...

Svsu

Applied Music Faculty, Jazz

Campus, IL

Applied Music Faculty, Jazz Full or Part Time: Part time Hours: 10 Exempt: Yes Supervisory Org: Music Applied (JM-AJ) JOB SUMMARY: The SVSU Department of Music seeks an applicant to teach courses in ...

Jazz in the Basement LP

Be Seen First

Jazz,TX Host

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Located in the heart of the Pearl district, Jazz,TX is the premier location in San Antonio for live music, food, and a stellar cocktail program. We strive to have a solid team of professionals that ...

The New School

Temporary Overhire Jazz A2

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$28/hr

POSITION TITLE Overhire Jazz A2 School of Jazz and Contemporary Music College of Performing Arts INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH Join The New School At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education ...

Camas School District

Jazz Band

Camas, WA · On-site

$4.9K/wk

Middle School Professional Staff/Music - Band/Orchestra Date Posted: 8/27/2026 Location: Skyridge ... Stipend of $4,950 per semester Skyridge Middle School is seeking a Jazz Band Instructor to lead our ...

The New School

Temporary Overhire Jazz A1

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$35/hr

POSITION TITLE Overhire Jazz A1 School of Jazz and Contemporary Music College of Performing Arts INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH Join The New School At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education ...

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Jazz Musician information

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How much do jazz musician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for jazz musician in the United States is $12.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $12.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jazz musician?

Jazz musicians are artists who perform, compose, and improvise music within the jazz genre. Their work often involves a deep understanding of rhythm, harmony, and melody, as well as the ability to interpret and innovate upon traditional jazz standards. Jazz musicians can play various instruments, such as the saxophone, trumpet, piano, or drums, and often collaborate in ensembles or bands. Improvisation is a key element of jazz, allowing musicians to express their individuality in each performance.

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

To thrive as a Jazz Musician, you need strong musical proficiency, improvisational ability, and a solid understanding of music theory, often supported by formal music education or extensive performance experience. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), music notation software, and recording equipment is commonly required. Creativity, collaboration, and adaptability are essential soft skills for excelling in diverse ensembles and live performance environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering engaging performances, contributing to group dynamics, and succeeding in the evolving world of jazz music.

What are some common challenges jazz musicians face when performing in a live ensemble setting?

Jazz musicians often encounter the challenge of balancing individual improvisation with group cohesion during live performances. Navigating spontaneous changes in tempo, key, or dynamics requires active listening and quick adaptability. Additionally, effective communication—both verbal and nonverbal—is crucial to ensure smooth transitions and cohesive ensemble sound. Overcoming these challenges helps musicians create engaging, dynamic performances while building strong collaborative skills.

What is the difference between Jazz Musician vs Blues Musician?

AspectJazz MusicianBlues Musician
Required CredentialsMusic degree or equivalent experience, improvisation skillsMusic knowledge, improvisation, often self-taught or informal training
Work EnvironmentJazz clubs, festivals, recording studiosBlues clubs, festivals, street performances
Industry UsagePerforming jazz standards, improvisation-focusedPerforming blues songs, storytelling through music
Common Search IntentJazz musician careers, jazz performance tipsBlues musician roles, blues performance techniques

While both Jazz and Blues musicians often share improvisation skills and perform in similar venues, Jazz Musicians typically focus on complex improvisation and jazz standards, whereas Blues Musicians emphasize storytelling and emotional expression through blues songs. Understanding these differences helps aspiring musicians choose their specialization and target the right opportunities.

How do you become a jazz musician?

To become a jazz musician, one typically learns to play an instrument through formal education or self-study, develops improvisation skills, and gains experience performing with other musicians. Many jazz musicians attend music schools or conservatories and build a portfolio of performances to establish their careers.

How much do jazz musicians get paid?

Jazz musicians' earnings vary widely based on experience, location, and performance type. On average, they may earn from $50 to $200 per gig, with seasoned professionals or those in prominent venues earning higher rates. Many jazz musicians supplement income through teaching, recording, or touring.
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Jazz Musician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Jazz Musician job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Part Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,000 per year, or $13 per hour.

Interim BC bOp! Jazz Ensemble Conductor

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Posted 13 days ago

Boston College rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Boston College Introduction
Founded in 1863, Boston College is a Jesuit, Catholic university located six miles from downtown Boston with an enrollment of 9,654 full-time undergraduates and 5,072 graduate and professional students. Ranked 37 among national universities, Boston College has 923 full-time and 1,336 FTE faculty, 2,822 non-faculty employees, an operating budget of $1.4 billion, and an endowment in excess of $3.9 billion.
Job Description
Job Title: Interim BC bOp! Jazz Ensemble Conductor
Position Type: Interim/Temporary Nonexempt Part-Time
Appointment Period: August 31, 2026 - May 31, 2027
Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Compensation: $30-35/hour, commensurate with experience and education.
Boston College seeks an experienced jazz musician and educator to serve as Interim BC bOp! Jazz Ensemble Conductor for the 2026-2027 academic year (September - May).
Founded in 1987, BC bOp! is Boston College's instrumental and vocal jazz ensemble. The ensemble performs a diverse repertoire ranging from traditional to contemporary and Latin jazz, and provides students with opportunities to develop their musicianship, ensemble skills, and confidence in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Reporting to the Director of the Robsham Theater Arts Center, the Conductor will provide musical and educational leadership for the ensemble, oversee rehearsals and performances, and support the development of its student musicians and vocalists. The Conductor will work closely with the BC bOp! Vocal Director, Boston College Bands staff, and student leaders.
Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct and direct regular rehearsals and performances for the instrumental and vocal ensembles.
  • Select and prepare repertoire and provide instruction in jazz performance, ensemble technique, improvisation, interpretation, and musicianship.
  • Prepare the ensemble for performances and schedule additional rehearsals as needed.
  • Provide musical guidance and oversight for weekly sectionals, including vocal, rhythm, trumpet, trombone, and saxophone sections.
  • Collaborate with the BC bOp! Vocal Director to support the development of the vocal ensemble.
  • Foster a collaborative and engaging environment that supports student learning and development.
  • Support student leadership and involvement in the artistic and operational aspects of the ensemble.
  • Manage basic ensemble administration, including rosters, parts, rehearsal schedules, and communication with students.
  • Coordinate with Boston College staff regarding facilities, scheduling, performances, and other operational needs.
  • Support recruitment and retention of student musicians and vocalists.
  • Participate in repertoire research, score preparation, planning meetings, and other activities necessary for the successful operation of the ensemble.

Schedule
The position requires regular availability for rehearsals, sectionals, preparation, and performances.
Regular RehearsalsInstrumentalists: Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Additional Commitments
  • Weekly one-hour sectionals for Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Rhythm sections, scheduled based on student and staff availability.
  • Approximately five hours per week for rehearsal preparation, repertoire research, score preparation, and related work.
  • Attendance at scheduled performances and additional rehearsals as needed.

The annual performance schedule typically includes performances in October, December, February, and April, including the Holiday Concert, a major Robsham Theater concert, and Arts Fest performances.
Applicants should submit:
  • Current résumé or curriculum vitae;
  • Brief cover letter describing their interest in the position and relevant experience;
  • Examples of relevant teaching and/or professional performance experience; and
  • Contact information for two or three professional references.
  • Please note: Applicants will be asked to provide recordings or other examples of relevant musical work during the interview process.

Boston College is committed to creating a supportive learning and working environment. We encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to student development, the educational mission, and Boston College's musical community.
Requirements
Required
  • Demonstrated experience directing, conducting, or leading jazz ensembles.
  • Significant experience performing and/or teaching jazz, with strong knowledge of jazz repertoire and performance practices.
  • Ability to effectively rehearse and prepare a jazz ensemble for performance.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with college students in an educational and performance setting.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Bachelor's degree in music, music education, jazz studies, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred
  • Master's degree in music, jazz studies, music education, or a related field.
  • Professional experience as a jazz instrumentalist, vocalist, arranger, conductor, or bandleader.
  • Experience working with multiple sections of a jazz ensemble, including rhythm, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and vocal sections.
  • Experience working with college or university jazz ensembles.

Closing Statement
Boston College conducts pre-employment background checks as part of the hiring process.
Boston College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected category, including disability and protected veteran status. Boston College's Notice of Nondiscrimination can be viewed at https://www.bc.edu/nondiscrimination.

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