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Music Conductor Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Provides accompaniment for a variety of music and musical ... conductor in rehearsals and performance Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time ...

Music Conductor information

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$4

$18

$37

How much do music conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for music conductor in Georgia is $18.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.34 and $21.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges music conductors face when leading an orchestra or ensemble?

Music Conductors often face the challenge of uniting musicians with varying skill levels and backgrounds to achieve a cohesive interpretation of a score. Effective communication and time management are essential, as rehearsals must be productive and focused to prepare for performances. Conductors must also balance artistic vision with the practical aspects of working with diverse personalities and resolving any conflicts within the ensemble. Additionally, adapting to different venues and acoustics can require quick adjustments to ensure the music sounds its best.

How do you become a music conductor?

To become a music conductor, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in music or a related field, gain experience as a musician or assistant conductor, and develop strong leadership, score-reading, and conducting skills. Many conductors also pursue advanced training or a master's degree in conducting and build a portfolio through performances with orchestras or choirs.

What does a music conductor do?

As a music conductor, your responsibilities are to guide an orchestra, band, or other instrumental ensembles in playing music, keeping tempo, and carrying out the composer’s vision for the musical piece. A conductor is somewhat of a liaison between a composer and the band or orchestra, ensuring that the band or orchestra adheres to the composer’s intent for a musical piece. Music conductors carry out their duties in school or community bands and professional orchestras. As a music conductor, you must have expert musical skills, including knowledge of how to play each instrument, the ability to read and interpret sheet music, and the ability to follow a rhythm.

What are the three main jobs of the music conductor?

The three main jobs of a music conductor are to interpret the musical score, lead rehearsals to prepare the orchestra or choir, and direct performances by signaling tempo, dynamics, and entries. Conductors also communicate artistic vision and ensure coordination among musicians during a performance.

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

To thrive as a Music Conductor, you need a deep understanding of music theory, score reading, and orchestral repertoire, typically demonstrated through advanced music degrees and extensive performance experience. Familiarity with music notation software, rehearsal techniques, and sometimes audio editing tools is often required. Leadership, clear communication, and the ability to inspire and unify musicians are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering cohesive performances, fostering ensemble collaboration, and interpreting musical works authentically.

What does a music conductor do?

A music conductor leads orchestras, choirs, or other musical ensembles during rehearsals and performances. They interpret musical scores, set tempos, cue musicians, and shape the overall sound of the performance. Conductors also collaborate with musicians to ensure that everyone is unified in their interpretation and timing. Their leadership is crucial for the coordination and emotional impact of the music.

What is the difference between Music Conductor vs Orchestra Musician?

AspectMusic ConductorOrchestra Musician
Required CredentialsMusic degree, conducting certification (optional)Music degree, instrument proficiency
Work EnvironmentLeading rehearsals and performancesPerforming as part of an ensemble
Employer & Industry UsageOrchestras, choirs, bandsOrchestras, ensembles, bands
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a Music Conductor directs and leads the ensemble, focusing on interpretation and coordination, while an Orchestra Musician performs on their instrument within the group. Conductors shape the overall sound, whereas musicians execute the conductor's vision during performances.

What are popular job titles related to Music Conductor jobs in Georgia? For Music Conductor jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Music Conductor job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,432 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Director of Chapel Music, Candler School of Theology

Emory University

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


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Job description

Discover Your Career at Emory UniversityEmory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.Description

The Director of Chapel Music serves as the principal artistic and liturgical leader for the musical life at Candler School of Theology. In collaboration with the Associate Dean of Worship and Spiritual Formation, the Director of Chapel Music provides artistic and administrative leadership for all aspects of chapel worship, sacred music initiatives, ensemble development, and student formation through the music arts. This role is essential for shaping the spiritual life of the school, supporting both academic and worship programs.

The duties of the Director of Chapel Music include, but are not limited to:

Music and Liturgical Leadership

  • Develop and articulate a comprehensive vision for chapel music and sacred arts formation within the Candler community.
  • Direct the ongoing development of the chapel music program, broadening the program to include new perspectives and opportunities while respecting time-honored traditions at Candler.
  • Plan, direct, and execute music for weekly chapel services, special events, institutional ceremonies, and liturgical seasons.
  • Ensure that all worship music reflects theological depth, liturgical integrity, cultural breadth, and musical excellence.
  • Lead congregational singing and serve as principal musical leader for chapel worship as needed.
  • Collaborate closely with the student worship planning teams, faculty and guest preachers, and team leadership in the creation of meaningful worship experiences.
  • Curate music that reflects the diversity of the global church, including hymnody, gospel, spirituals, global song, contemporary sacred music, and historically rooted liturgical traditions.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the music program through regular evaluation of the program and gathering feedback and data to inform future planning and improvements.
  • Maintain high-level skill in musical leadership through personal rehearsal time and professional development.

Ensemble Development and Choral Leadership

  • Provide artistic leadership and long-term strategic development for all chapel music ensembles.
  • Coordinate and lead the various music groups of the school, including Candler Singers, Candler Voices of Imani, Candler Global Ensemble, Faculty and Staff Choir, and other smaller ensembles. Lead rehearsals, contract appropriate directors as necessary, and ensure effective preparation for ministry and performances.
  • Develop and oversee audition processes, ensemble leadership structures, rehearsal schedules, and performance expectations for participating ensembles.
  • Direct at least on principal ensemble for weekly worship leadership and institutional performances.
  • Recruit, mentor, and manage a talented and dedicated music team through rehearsals, workshops, and collaborative formation opportunities.
  • Contract and supervise additional guest conductors, accompanists, instrumentalists, and ensemble leaders as necessary.
  • Plan and oversee concerts, choir tours, conference appearances, recordings, and external engagements that strengthen the public presence of chapel music at Candler.
  • Collaborate with the University Organist, and other university music groups as seen fit.
  • Establish strategic partnerships with churches, universities, denominational bodies, and sacred music organizations to expand recruitment and institutional visibility.

Student Formation and Mentorship

  • Foster a lively musical program of volunteer and staff singers and instrumentalists, engaging students in every aspect of the program's work, and representing the mission and ministry of Candler to various constituencies.
  • Provide mentorship for students pursuing interests in worship leadership, sacred music, liturgy, pastoral ministry, and the arts.
  • Develop workshops, retreats, clinics, and educational opportunities that strengthen student leadership in worship and music ministry.
  • Encourage collaborative and ecumenical approaches to worship leadership that prepare students for diverse ministry contexts.
  • Hold office hours for students weekly.

Administrative and Financial Management

  • Manage mandated reporting for music licensing.
  • Plan and manage the music repertoire for each academic year during the summer.
  • Supervise the musicians and student workers assigned to the music program support team.
  • Oversee and manage the chapel music budget, including music purchases, equipment, and external musicians.
  • Work with the Advancement and Alumni Engagement team, and the Associate Dean of Worship and Spiritual Formation to identify, cultivate, and steward donors to the chapel music program.
  • Participate in team reflection meetings and retreats.
  • Other duties and special projects may be assigned by the Associate Dean of Worship and Spiritual Formation as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A bachelor's degree in the humanities or liberal arts (Religion, Music, Psychology, Sociology) or a related field and three years of related experience, which includes experience directing a choir and work in religious education or ministry.
  • The ability to identify voice parts is required.
  • The ability to play the piano or keyboard is preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be innovative and collaborative, skilled in the management of people and resources, kind, reasonable, energetic, and demanding as well as understanding.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, inspire, and empower others.
  • Proven ability to lead, perform, and inspire excellence across diverse styles of worship music, fostering a dynamic and inclusive worship experience.
  • Demonstrated excellence in musicianship with the proven ability to direct, arrange, and perform at a high level, ensuring musical integrity and leadership in worship settings.
  • Formal musical training and/or experience with leading musicians and choirs.
  • Familiarity with music programs with the spiritual life of theological edu

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location.  Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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