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Music Director Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching and inspiring students. With robust benefits, a commitment to innovation, and opportunities to grow ...

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching and inspiring students. With robust benefits, a commitment to innovation, and opportunities to grow ...

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching and inspiring students. With robust benefits, a commitment to innovation, and opportunities to grow ...

Our mission is to develop and nurture lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the joy that comes from creating music. Why ...

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Music Director information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$12.3K

$47.5K

$76.5K

How much do music director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for music director in Rochester, NY is $47,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,900.00 and $57,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do you do as a music director?

A music director oversees the musical aspects of a production, organization, or institution, including selecting repertoire, conducting performances, and managing musicians or choir members. They often collaborate with other staff, plan rehearsals, and ensure performances meet artistic standards, using skills in conducting, music theory, and leadership.

How much do music directors get paid?

Music directors' salaries vary based on experience, location, and the type of organization they work for. According to industry data, the median annual wage for music directors is around $50,000 to $70,000, with higher earnings possible in larger organizations or with advanced credentials. Many also supplement income through freelance work, teaching, or conducting performances.

How to become a music director?

To become a music director, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in music or a related field, along with extensive experience performing and conducting. Developing strong leadership, communication, and musical skills, as well as proficiency with musical instruments and software, is essential. Gaining experience through internships, assistant roles, or conducting smaller ensembles can also help advance to a music director position.

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

To thrive as a Music Director, you need a strong background in music theory, conducting, and performance, often supported by a degree in music or a related field. Familiarity with music notation software (such as Sibelius or Finale), digital audio workstations, and sound equipment is typically required. Outstanding leadership, communication, and organizational skills help you inspire and coordinate musicians effectively. These competencies ensure that musical ensembles perform cohesively and achieve high artistic standards in rehearsals and performances.

What Do Music Directors Do?

A music or musical director leads an ensemble of musicians such as a band, orchestra, or in live performance, recordings, and film. Their responsibilities may include auditioning potential musicians, choosing or arranging music to perform, leading rehearsals, and conducting performances or recordings.

How does a Music Director typically collaborate with performers and other creative staff during a production?

A Music Director works closely with performers, choreographers, stage directors, and technical teams to ensure musical elements align seamlessly with the overall vision of a production. They lead rehearsals, provide artistic guidance, and often adjust arrangements or tempos based on the needs of the cast and staging. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the Music Director must balance musical integrity with practical considerations and the input of various creative contributors.

What does a Music Director do?

A Music Director is responsible for overseeing the musical aspects of a performance, ensemble, or organization. They select and arrange music, lead rehearsals, and guide musicians to achieve the desired artistic vision. Music Directors often work with orchestras, choirs, theaters, or media productions, coordinating with performers and other staff to ensure a cohesive and high-quality performance. Their role also includes interpreting musical scores, making creative decisions, and sometimes composing or arranging music.

What is the difference between Music Director vs Conductor?

AspectMusic DirectorConductor
CredentialsMusic degree, conducting experience, leadership skillsMusic degree, conducting skills, rehearsal experience
Work EnvironmentOrchestras, choirs, musical theater, churchesOrchestras, choirs, ensembles during performances and rehearsals
Industry UsageLeads artistic vision, selects repertoire, oversees performancesDirects rehearsals, leads performances, interprets music

While both roles involve conducting, a Music Director typically has broader responsibilities, including artistic planning and leadership, whereas a Conductor focuses primarily on leading rehearsals and performances. The Music Director often makes creative decisions and manages the ensemble's overall direction, making it a more comprehensive leadership role in the music industry.

What is the highest paid job in music?

The highest paid jobs in music often include roles such as music executives, record label CEOs, and successful touring artists, with top executives earning several million dollars annually. Highly experienced music directors working in major orchestras or large productions can also earn substantial salaries, especially with additional bonuses and endorsements. These roles typically require extensive industry experience, strong leadership skills, and a network of professional connections.
What are the most commonly searched types of Music jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Music jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Music Director jobs in Rochester, NY? For Music Director jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Music Director jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Music Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Music Director job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,466 per year, or $22.8 per hour.
Eastman School of Music Director, Advancement

Eastman School of Music Director, Advancement

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • On-site

$86K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 185 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

26 Gibbs Str, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14604

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

100006 Ofc Sr Vice Pres Advancement

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 114

Compensation Range:

$86,900.00 - $130,300.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

GENERAL PURPOSE
The Director of Advancement will develop and manage a portfolio of principal, major gift, and leadership annual giving prospects. The Director will develop sufficient knowledge of Eastman to effectively represent the school at local, regional, and national events and to provide guidance and assistance to regional University officers representing Eastman.
Working independently, the Director of Advancement will serve as prospect manager in several of Eastman's top markets, ensuring that an appropriately sized prospect pool is strategically qualified, cultivated, and solicited both personally and by liaising with key regional gift officers. The Director will be expected to effectively track and manage prospect "moves," short- and long-term strategies, and next steps, including identifying and recommending opportunities for Decanal and Presidential engagement. In addition, the Director will drive prospect engagement strategy in their designated geographic regions; manage advancement projects within assigned areas of responsibility, including events in designated geographic regions; and cultivate and promote prospects for volunteer roles at Eastman. This position will require frequent regional and national travel.
The Director will also be responsible for overseeing the Eastman Dean's Circle, the school's Rochester-based annual giving circle, including creating and overseeing a multi-year strategic plan and creating annual opportunities for engagement, stewardship, and communication. The Dean's Circle is also a pipeline for leadership annual giving, as well as major and principal gifts, and the Director will be expected to appropriately manage this pipeline with peer Eastman and regional gift officers. Members of the Eastman Dean's Circle will also overlap with the University's George Eastman Circle (GEC), and the Director is responsible for liaising with the GEC team to complement their calendar of Rochester-based events and stewardship opportunities.
An Ability to work self-sufficiently in a fast-paced environment is crucial, as is understanding prioritization and time management. This position requires an individual who excels at cultivating and soliciting in an organized fashion, as well as prioritizing based on campaign timetables, competing priorities, and return on investment.
This position will report to the Executive Director of Advancement at Eastman. Given the changing demands of executing a comprehensive fundraising and engagement campaign, responsibilities within this position may change.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Major Gift Portfolio Management

  • Manage a prospect solicitation pipeline by initiating and/or strengthening relationships, with an emphasis on major gift prospects ($100K+)
  • Initial work will likely involve a high number of identification and qualification visits

Major Gift Solicitation Management

  • Create strategies for, and solicit, donors based on a thorough knowledge of both the stewardship process and the sophisticated cultivation process of Eastman's donor base; strategize with the Executive Director on Presidential and Decanal engagement, as appropriate

Major Gift Moves Management

  • Manage a robust moves management strategy within Advancement databases and resources, including planning for travel and documenting donor interactions, correspondence, and proposals

Dean's Circle Management

  • Create and oversee a strategic plan for the Eastman Dean's Circle, as well as manage its implementation
  • Identify and cultivate Dean's Circle members for Eastman's major and principal gift pipeline
  • Create and oversee quarterly updates to the membership base

Other duties as assigned.


MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's Degree. Required
  • A minimum of 7 years of advancement/development experience at an institution of higher education, a multi-faceted arts organization, and/or other community-based non-profit is required.
  • Experience in a similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Required
  • Experience with volunteers and/or boards and working on high-level events is necessary. Required


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Exceptional communication and organizational skills; ability to work both independently and as part of a team in fast-paced, multi-faceted environment. Required
  • Equal ease with creating, managing, and maintaining both internal and external relationships, including high-priority donors, alumni, and volunteers, as well as University leadership. Required
  • Superb oral, written, and interpersonal skills required. Required
  • Proactive relationship-building skills, with an ability to create nuanced and thoughtful relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, faculty, administrators, and trustees. Required
  • Excellent organization and project management skills, with an ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and deadlines with keen attention to detail. Required
  • Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising and ability to participate in all aspects of the gift cycle. Required
  • Ability to work as a member of a team to accomplish stated objectives
  • Flexibility, thoughtfulness, and proactivity; ability to think strategically but accommodate real-time input and feedback. Required
  • A personal belief in the mission, goals, and objectives of the Eastman School of Music. Required
  • Experience with annual giving circles preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status,or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.


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