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Music Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The applicant shall work closely with other choir directors and musicians, and pastoral team to continually upgrade the music library and repertoires used in the service. * The applicant shall ...

Music Director

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Maintain the music library and attend meetings with the pastor. * Volunteer Communication: Recruit and maintain the volunteer base in our music ministries. Hours: This is a part-time, salaried ...

The applicant shall continually upgrade and maintain the music library and songs used in the worship service. * The applicant shall ensure that all facilities and musical equipment are properly ...

Music Student Worker

Nashville, TN

$13.50 - $15.25/hr

Job Duties: To staff the Music Library in the evenings To provide tutoring for homework To provide access to practice venues in the School of Music To manage music equipment and set up classroom ...

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Music Library information

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How much do music library jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for music library in the United States is $72,983.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $85,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Music Library?

A music library is a collection of recorded music, sheet music, or related resources that is organized and maintained for easy access by musicians, researchers, or the general public. Music libraries can be found in academic institutions, broadcasting companies, and public spaces, serving as valuable resources for study, performance, and enjoyment. Music librarians manage these libraries, cataloging music, assisting users, and preserving rare or historical materials. Some music libraries also provide digital access to their collections, making music more accessible to a wider audience.

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

To thrive as a Music Librarian, you need expertise in musicology, library science (often with an MLIS degree), and cataloging standards for music collections. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital archives, and music-specific cataloging tools like MARC and RDA is typically required. Excellent organizational abilities, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help in managing collections and assisting patrons. These competencies ensure accurate music resource management, accessibility, and effective support for musicians, researchers, and the public.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a music library, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a music library often face challenges such as cataloging diverse formats (scores, recordings, digital files), staying current with rapidly changing music technology, and managing user requests from a wide variety of patrons (students, faculty, performers). Addressing these challenges often involves ongoing professional development, collaborating closely with IT departments, and implementing efficient digital cataloging systems. Additionally, strong interpersonal skills and adaptability help music librarians respond effectively to the evolving needs of their users.

What is the difference between Music Library vs Music Archivist?

AspectMusic LibraryMusic Archivist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in music, library science, or related fieldRequires a degree in music, library science, or archival studies
Work EnvironmentLibraries, media companies, educational institutionsMuseums, archives, cultural institutions
Industry UsageUsed for organizing and providing access to music collectionsFocused on preserving and cataloging historical music collections
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare for roles involving music organization and accessPeople compare for roles involving preservation and archival work

While both roles involve working with music collections, a Music Library primarily manages and provides access to music resources in libraries or media companies. A Music Archivist focuses on preserving and cataloging historical music collections in archives or museums. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment but differ in their primary focus—access versus preservation.

More about Music Library jobs
What cities are hiring for Music Library jobs? Cities with the most Music Library job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Library jobs? The most popular types of Music Library jobs are:
What states have the most Music Library jobs? States with the most job openings for Music Library jobs include:
Infographic showing various Music Library job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,983 per year, or $35.1 per hour.
Youth Orchestra Music Librarian

Youth Orchestra Music Librarian

SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Youth Orchestra Music Librarian
Civic Engagement Department
Youth Orchestra Program
Work Status:
Part-Time
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Location of Job:
Davies Symphony Hall
San Francisco, CA
Hourly rate:
$25.00-30.00 hourly, depending on experience
Schedule:
Hybrid, majority in-person - Weekend hours in conjunction with SFSYO services and periodic evening services
- 1-2 in-office days midweek, schedule negotiable
Regular Hours:
- August through April:
20-25 hours/week
- May through July:
5-10 hours/week
Reports To:
Director, Youth Orchestra Program
Supervisory:
No
THE ORGANIZATION
The San Francisco Symphony is among the most adventurous and innovative arts institutions in the United States, celebrated for its artistic excellence, creative performance concepts, award-winning recordings, and standard-setting education and community engagement programs. Since it was established in 1911, the Symphony has grown in acclaim under a succession of distinguished music directors: Henry Hadley, Alfred Hertz, Basil Cameron, Issay Dobrowen, Pierre Monteux, Enrique Jordá, Josef Krips, Seiji Ozawa, Edo de Waart, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Esa-Pekka Salonen. In May 2026, the Symphony announced Elim Chan as the 13th Music Director in its 115-year history, beginning with the 2027-28 season. One of the most sought-after artists of her generation, Elim Chan embodies the spirit of contemporary orchestral leadership with her crystalline precision and expressive zeal.
The San Francisco Symphony presents more than 200 concerts and presentations annually for an audience of nearly 350,000 in its home of Davies Symphony Hall and around the Bay Area. As a cornerstone of its mission, the San Francisco Symphony provides some of the most extensive education and community programs offered by any American orchestra. The Symphony's free music education experiences engage students in grades 1-12 throughout the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), serving more than 25,000 students annually.
In 2001, the SF Symphony became the first American orchestra to launch its own in-house record label, SFS Media. Recorded live in concert and engineered at Davies Symphony Hall, SFS Media recordings showcase music by contemporary composers as well as core classical masterworks. San Francisco Symphony radio broadcasts, the first in the nation to feature symphonic music when they began in 1926, today carry the Orchestra's concerts across the country. In 2004, the SF Symphony launched the groundbreaking multimedia Keeping Score series on PBS-TV and the web; the series was made available for unlimited free streaming on the Symphony's YouTube channel in 2020. In 2014, the San Francisco Symphony inaugurated SoundBox, an experimental and eclectic live music series, which takes place in an alternative performance space located backstage at Davies Symphony Hall. In 2023, the San Francisco Symphony partnered with Apple for the launch of a new classical music streaming app, Apple Music Classical, and has since released 17 spatial audio recordings of live concert performances through the app. For its adventurous programming, the Symphony has been honored 19 times by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, and the Symphony's recordings have garnered France's Grand Prix du Disque and Britain's Gramophone Award, as well as 17 Grammy® Awards.
JOB SUMMARY
The Youth Orchestra Music Librarian will support the SFS Youth Orchestra by managing all orchestral materials and ensuring timely, accurate preparation for rehearsals and performances. This position works under the guidance of the YO Director. The Music Librarian will interact frequently with SFSYO members, the SFSYO Music Director, SFSYO Apprentice(s), SFS musicians who serve as faculty, and other SFS staff on a limited basis. The position will also take direction from the SFS Music Library staff as necessary.
The YO Music Librarian is a part-time role (up to 25 hours per week) aligned with YO rehearsals, performances, and other events. The schedule includes most Saturdays during the season, with occasional Sunday and evening commitments, plus some weekday hours as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage all orchestral performance materials for the SFS Youth Orchestra
  • Coordinate acquisition timeline with SFS Principal Librarian; catalog and return materials in a timely manner after each cycle
  • Maintain an extensive performance library of approximately 300 works
  • Enforce library policies with SFSYO musicians, consulting with YO Director as necessary
  • Consult with SFSYO faculty on bowings
  • Prepare digital and physical performance materials (orchestra parts, scores, and coach books)
    • Errata correction, printing and binding
    • Fix page turns
    • Copy bowings/fingerings/articulations, etc.
  • Manage and distribute digital practice parts
  • Assemble and prepare folders for rehearsals and performances
    • Build/stuff/decollate folders

Rehearsal Support
  • Distribute and collect folders for all services
  • Field questions from SFSYO musicians and faculty

Audition Support
  • Coordinate annual seating and entrance auditions in collaboration with YO Director
  • Consult with SFSYO faculty to select audition excerpts
  • Assemble excerpt packets and distribute to SFSYO musicians
  • Proctor entrance and seating auditions

Administrative Support
  • Assist YO Director with other administrative tasks if/when needed
  • Provide onsite rehearsal coverage for YO Director as needed
  • Assist with administration of biennial Bay Area Youth Orchestra Festival
  • Support YO Director in tracking library expenses, managing budget
  • In tour years, additional duties would be assigned in consultation with YO Director and CCEO

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum 1-2 years of experience working in an orchestral music library
  • Strong knowledge of orchestral repertoire is essential; prior orchestral performance experience strongly preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in music or library science preferred.
  • Experience working collaboratively with diverse groups, including youth (ages 11-21), professional musicians, families, and administrators.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None
EEO STATEMENT
In alignment with the values statement above, the San Francisco Symphony is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.