1

Jazz Saxophone Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Jazz Saxophone information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$24

$42

How much do jazz saxophone jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for jazz saxophone in Raleigh, NC is $24.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $28.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jazz saxophonist?

Jazz saxophonists are musicians who specialize in playing the saxophone within the jazz genre. They use a combination of improvisation, technical skill, and expressive phrasing to contribute to jazz ensembles or perform as soloists. Jazz saxophonists often learn to interpret complex harmonies and rhythms, making them a vital part of many jazz bands. Famous jazz saxophonists include John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and Sonny Rollins. Their playing styles have significantly shaped the evolution of jazz music.

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

To thrive as a Jazz Saxophonist, you need strong proficiency in saxophone performance, deep understanding of jazz theory, improvisation techniques, and often a degree in music or equivalent experience. Familiarity with music notation software, digital audio workstations, and recording equipment is common in both practice and performance settings. Adaptability, creativity, and effective collaboration skills help musicians stand out in ensembles and during live performances. These skills are essential for delivering expressive, technically sound music and succeeding in the dynamic, interactive world of jazz.

What are the typical performance and rehearsal schedules like for a professional jazz saxophonist?

As a professional jazz saxophonist, your schedule often includes a mix of daytime rehearsals, evening performances, and occasional recording sessions. Gigs may take place at jazz clubs, festivals, or private events, with weekends and nights being the busiest times. Collaboration with other musicians is frequent, requiring strong communication and improvisational skills during rehearsals and live sets. Flexibility and efficient time management are essential, as performance opportunities can vary week to week depending on contracts and touring commitments.

What is the difference between Jazz Saxophone vs Classical Saxophonist?

AspectJazz SaxophoneClassical Saxophonist
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required, but jazz performance experience is valuedOften requires a music degree or formal certification in classical performance
Work EnvironmentJazz clubs, recording studios, live performances, festivalsConcert halls, orchestras, chamber groups, recitals
Industry UsagePopular music, jazz ensembles, improvisation-based settingsClassical music, orchestras, formal recitals
Performance StyleEmphasizes improvisation, personal expressionFocuses on precise, written music interpretation

Jazz Saxophonists and Classical Saxophonists share foundational skills but differ in performance style, environment, and industry focus. Jazz saxophonists often improvise and perform in informal or live settings, while classical saxophonists focus on precise interpretation of written music in formal venues.

What are popular job titles related to Jazz Saxophone jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Jazz Saxophone jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Jazz Saxophone jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Jazz Saxophone jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Jazz Saxophone jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Jazz Saxophone job openings:

Instructor of Jazz Saxophone

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

314th of 625 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Information
Department Music - 310300 Application Deadline 08/24/2026 Position Type Visiting / Part-time Faculty Working Title Instructor of Jazz Saxophone Appointment Type Instructor Position Number 20077871 Vacancy ID F003661 Full-time/Part-time Part Time Hours per week 6.68 FTE 0.167 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Dependent on Experience and/or Qualifications Proposed Start Date 10/01/2026 Estimated duration of appointment 6 Months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Department of Music at UNC-Chapel Hill offers a BMus and BA in Music and an MA and Ph.D. in Musicology for undergraduate and graduate students. Our educational mission is to teach music majors and non-majors, to connect the study of music to the larger understanding of the world, and to guide graduate students as researchers and teachers. We serve the public by presenting performances and academic lectures by students, faculty, and guest artists and scholars. We offer over one hundred concerts and recitals each year, and our facilities include a state-of-the-art auditorium with recording (audio and video) capabilities as well as lighting and sound systems. Our 60 full-time and part-time faculty teach approximately 2500 students during the academic year and another 200 during summer school. Through our teaching, research, and creative activities, we share music's multiplicity of forms and meanings, connecting the study of music to the larger understanding of societies, and affirming music's importance as an expression of humanity.
Position Summary
The Department of Music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Lecturer of Saxophone to provide individual jazz saxophone instruction to undergraduate majors, minors, and non-majors for approximately four weeks in November and early December. With a start-date of October 1, 2026 and an end date of December 31, 2026, the instructor hired for this temporary part-time position will teach weekly individual jazz saxophone lessons to 7-15 students and will direct a weekly studio class on Wednesday from 10AM - 10:50AM, during which all jazz saxophone students enrolled in lessons for two (or more) credit hours meet together.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Master's degree or commensurate professional experience and experience teaching individual lessons are required.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Doctorate in music or commensurate professional experience preferred; demonstrated professional artist-educator experience, including teaching private jazz saxophone lessons at the collegiate level preferred. Applicants with additional experience teaching private classical saxophone lessons are encouraged to apply for both this position and the temporary classical saxophone lecturer position available through the UNC Department of Music.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Applicants are asked to submit a document with web/media links to selected recent representative performances in jazz and, if applicable, classical styles. Applicants may be asked to submit teaching evaluations, a teaching philosophy, and sample video recordings of teaching at a later date. Submit a list of four references; references do not need to submit letters at the time of applications; reference letters will be solicited at a later date.
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/323806
Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Rahsaan Jelani Barber - Associate Professor Department Contact Telephone or Email rahsaanb@email.unc.edu Academic Personnel Office Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Academic Personnel Office at facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.
Please note: The Academic Personnel Office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

What University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill logo

About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789