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Music Conductor Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Guitar Center

GC Retail Sales Manager Store 614

Columbus, OH · On-site

$19.64 - $24.55/hr

Are you a passionate musician with a love for all things music? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, high ... Collaborative Conductor: You know that the best performances happen when the whole band is in sync.

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Music Conductor information

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.

More about Music Conductor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Music Conductor jobs in Ohio? For Music Conductor jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Music Conductor jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Music Conductor jobs in Ohio are:
Music Conductor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Conductor job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Director of Sacred Music at St Michael the Archangel

Diocese of Columbus Employment Opportunities

Worthington, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

St. Michael the Archangel, Worthington Ohio is seeking a full-time Director of Sacred Music who will report to the Pastor. The Director of Sacred Music is a missionary disciple in service of the church who uses music as a means of evangelization and formation. The Director of Sacred Music is responsible for developing and implementing a complete program of sacred liturgical music for our vibrant parish. This individual must have the ability to communicate well and the desire to work collaboratively with clergy, parish staff and members of the music ministry. The Director of Sacred Music will maintain the integrity of St. Michael the Archangel Music Ministry through clear and open communication with its members. The Director of Sacred Music will provide liturgical and musical formation for music ministers and the assembly.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Sacred Music works with the pastor, clergy of the parish, auxiliary organists, choir members, scholas, school choir, cantors, and others to offer praise to God through sacred music. He/she is responsible for providing a sacred music program that beautifies the sacred liturgy and draws the faithful into more active participation in the Sacred Mysteries. Therefore, the Director of Sacred Music must have a thorough understanding of the Church's sacred liturgy and sacred music tradition. He/she must also excel at recruiting, motivating, and training adults and students of various ages and skill levels as well as possessing the ability to relate and work well with auxiliary organists and to teach and train organ scholars.
The Director of Sacred Music is responsible for ensuring that every weekend, Holy Days, and special Masses have music available. Our Mass times currently are 4:00pm on Saturday, as well as the 8:30, 10:30, 12:30pm and 5pm Masses on Sunday. Mass times are subject to change. Due to the nature of the position, the music director will need to be willing to work with a non-traditional schedule.
This job description reflects management's assignment of essential job responsibilities; it does not prescribe or
restrict the tasks that may be assigned. All the duties and standards within this job description will be performed
according to the established policies, procedures and guidelines outlined in the Parish policy and procedures
manuals.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Play the organ for weekend liturgies (Saturday 4:00 pm, Sunday 8:30, 10:30, 12:30pm and 5pm), Holy Days, Funerals, Weddings, and other special liturgies
  2. Direct and rehearse choirs/cantors for various liturgies (usually on Thursday evenings at 7pm and perhaps before each Mass as well as some additional weekday rehearsals)
  3. Recruit and develop choirs/scholas/cantors on a regular basis
  4. Implement and recruit School students' choir
  5. Prepare music for choir
  6. Coordinate schedules for each liturgy (cantors)
  7. Train and Mentor student singers
  8. Organize periodic music programs for students and the wider community
  9. Attend all Staff Meetings
  10. Ensure all music is used/reprinted in compliance with copyright laws
  11. Arrange for regular maintenance of organ, soundboard, speakers, and other equipment
  12. The ability with easy to work well auxiliary organists and to teach and train organ scholars

WEDDINGS
  1. Schedule individual meetings with bridal couples to select music, cantor, and instrumentalist
  2. Compile music for cantor and instrumentalists
  3. Schedule rehearsals with cantor and instrumentalist
  4. Approve all music requested to be performed by musicians outside the parish.
  5. Complete a wedding music planning form and provide copy to cantor
  6. Maintain wedding music file

FUNERALS
  1. Provide accompaniments for all funerals
  2. Contact cantor and/or choir members
  3. Provide music in folder for cantor and/or choir members
  4. Rehearse with cantor and instrumentalist
  5. Provide liturgy planning for cantor

OTHER POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Comply with federal, state and local safety laws
  2. Maintain a neat and safe work area
  3. Maintain organ, conducting and vocal skills
  4. Engage and pay instrumentalist for special occasions
  5. Maintain computer skills
  6. Perform other duties as assigned

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Organist, choral conductor, vocal instructor, teacher of sacred music, liturgical knowledge and program booklet design software (Adobe InDesign).
Please apply here and send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Dr. Nicole Simental; nicole.simental@gmail.com. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Apply