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Music Orchestration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Philadelphia Ballet

Music Director

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

The Music Director rehearses and leads the orchestra to realize the artistic vision, guide strategic goals aligned with the organization's plans, and represent the Ballet and Orchestra in leadership ...

Philadelphia Ballet

Music Director

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

The Music Director rehearses and leads the orchestra to realize the artistic vision, guide strategic goals aligned with the organization's plans, and represent the Ballet and Orchestra in leadership ...

Philadelphia Ballet

Music Director

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

The Music Director rehearses and leads the orchestra to realize the artistic vision, guide strategic goals aligned with the organizations plans, and represent the Ballet and Orchestra in leadership ...

LHP MUSIC

Music Teacher

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Nick Rail Music is a Santa Barbara original and has served local musicians since 1986 ... We are looking for teachers for a variety of instruments in all instrument families: orchestral ...

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Music Orchestration information

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$30.5K

$57.7K

$121.5K

How much do music orchestration jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for music orchestration in the United States is $57,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $64,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Music Orchestration, and why are they important?

To excel in Music Orchestration, a deep understanding of music theory, harmony, and instrumentation is essential, often supported by a degree in music composition or related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), music notation software like Sibelius or Finale, and sample libraries is commonly required. Strong creativity, attention to detail, and collaborative communication skills help orchestrators interpret composers' intentions and work with performers or production teams. These abilities are crucial to creating compelling, balanced orchestral arrangements that enhance the emotional impact and technical quality of musical productions.

What are some of the main collaborative aspects of a music orchestrator's role within a production team?

Music orchestrators work closely with composers, conductors, and sometimes arrangers to bring musical scores to life for live performances or recordings. This role often involves interpreting the composer's vision, making decisions about instrument assignments, and adapting arrangements to fit the ensemble's strengths. Orchestrators may attend rehearsals, provide feedback, and adjust orchestrations based on input from the conductor or performers. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as orchestrators must ensure the music is both playable and artistically aligned with the production's goals.

What is music orchestration?

Music orchestration is the art and technique of arranging a musical composition for an orchestra or other ensemble. This process involves assigning different musical parts to various instruments, balancing textures, and enhancing the overall sound and emotion of the piece. Orchestrators need a deep understanding of instrument ranges, timbres, and how different sections interact. Their work is essential in transforming a simple melody or piano score into a dynamic, full-scale orchestral performance.

What is the difference between Music Orchestration vs Music Composition?

AspectMusic OrchestrationMusic Composition
CredentialsMusic degrees, orchestration coursesMusic degrees, composition courses
Work EnvironmentOrchestras, film studios, recording sessionsComposing studios, film scoring, personal studios
Industry UsageUsed by arrangers, orchestrators, composersUsed by composers, songwriters, film scorers

Music orchestration involves arranging a composed piece for an orchestra or ensemble, focusing on instrument roles and textures. Music composition is the creation of original music, including melodies, harmonies, and structures. While both roles require musical expertise and similar credentials, orchestration emphasizes arranging existing compositions for performance, whereas composition involves creating new music from scratch.

More about Music Orchestration jobs
What cities are hiring for Music Orchestration jobs? Cities with the most Music Orchestration job openings:
Music Orchestration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Orchestration job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,731 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
Adjunct Instructor in Music - Commercial Music (Recording, Engineering, and Producing)

Adjunct Instructor in Music - Commercial Music (Recording, Engineering, and Producing)

Union University

Jackson, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Adjunct Instructor in Music - Commercial Music (Recording, Engineering, and Producing)
Division
College of Arts & Sciences (DIV)
Department
Music
Location
Jackson
Job Summary
Union University seeks a qualified individual for the position of Adjunct Instructor in Music - Commercial Music (Recording, Engineering, and Producing).
About Union University
Founded in 1823, Union University is a private, coeducational liberal arts-based university offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, with a total enrollment of about 2,600. The main campus is located in Jackson, Tenn., with additional campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville. A national leader among colleges and universities in promoting a Christian worldview and a Christ-centered approach to education, Union is consistently ranked among the nation's premier Christian universities.
Essential Job Duties
  • Teach Recording Engineering, Mixing, Pre and Post-Production Principles and Techniques. Candidate must have the ability to teach ProTools, Logic, mixing control surfaces, and Commercial Music Business principles.
    • Courses include:
      CMU 210 Commercial Music Theory
      CMU 230 ProTools I: Fundamentals
      CMU 231 ProTools II: Production
      CMU 305 Commercial Music Business
      CMU 300/400 Commercial Music Lab
      CMU 362 Studio Producing, Mixing & Audio
      CMU 462 Advanced Digital Audio Production
      CMU 463 Music Mixing and Post Production
      CMU 391 Practicum I
      CMU 392 Practicum II
      Emphasis in: Recording Engineering and Producing Techniques
  • Provide direction and supervision for commercial student recording technology practicums as assigned.
  • Perform in Faculty and University ensembles as directed.

Other Job Duties
Required Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master of Music degree in Commercial Music, Music Technology, Studio Producing, Jazz Studies, or M.A. in Worship, and experience teaching college-level music and technology is required. This position also requires the ability to work in a team leadership setting and strong collaborative skills. The candidate must also have the ability to perform in a variety of music styles and venues, such as: classical music (orchestral, choral, and chamber music), popular and rock music styles, Contemporary Worship, and jazz or blues.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants with a Ph.D. or D.M.A. in Commercial Music, Music Technology, Studio Producing, Jazz Studies, or Worship Studies. Extensive credits recording and mastering in various styles and venues, as well as teaching experience at the college level and/or the commercial industry is also preferred.
Christian Requirement
Successful candidates must be professing Christians who are active members of a local church, enthusiastically support Union University's Identity, Mission, and Core Values, and articulate a Christian worldview in their work and life. More information may be found at https://www.uu.edu/about/what-we-believe.cfm/.
Physical Requirements
The work performed by this position is of a general office/administrative/teaching nature. It requires the ability to operate a computer, and communicate on the telephone and in writing. Work performed does require some walking on campus, extended periods of time sitting, and some daily instances of bending, stooping, and carrying items up to 25 pounds.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F007P
Special Instructions to Applicants

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