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Music Trumpet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leading Note Studios

Music Teacher

Magnolia, TX

$21/hr

Actively looking for Trumpet Teachers with a schedule of students available. Music Teachers are responsible for performing a variety of duties related to the relationship of the student experience ...

Leading Note Studios

Music Teacher

Magnolia, TX · On-site

$21/hr

Actively looking for Trumpet Teachers with a schedule of students available. Music Teachers are responsible for performing a variety of duties related to the relationship of the student experience ...

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How much do music trumpet jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for music trumpet in the United States is $50,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,000.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional trumpet player called?

A professional trumpet player is typically referred to as a trumpeter or a professional musician specializing in trumpet performance. They often perform in orchestras, bands, or as solo artists, and may require formal training, practice, and sometimes certification or auditions to join professional ensembles.

How much money do trumpet players make?

Trumpet players' earnings vary based on experience, location, and employment type. Professional musicians in orchestras or bands typically earn between $30,000 and $80,000 annually, while freelance or session players may have variable income depending on gigs and demand.

What is the difference between Music Trumpet vs Music Cornet?

AspectMusic TrumpetMusic Cornet
Required CredentialsMusic degree or certification, instrumental proficiencyMusic degree or certification, instrumental proficiency
Work EnvironmentOrchestras, bands, studio recordingsBrass bands, marching bands, jazz ensembles
Industry UsageClassical, jazz, studio workBrass bands, marching, jazz

Music Trumpet and Music Cornet share similar credentials and are used in comparable environments, but the trumpet is more common in classical and studio settings, while the cornet is favored in brass and marching bands. Both require similar skills and certifications, making them closely related roles in the music industry.

Who is the richest trumpet player?

The richest trumpet player is often considered to be Louis Armstrong, whose influential career in jazz spanned several decades and included recordings, performances, and endorsements. Other highly successful trumpet players include Wynton Marsalis and Miles Davis, who also accumulated significant wealth through their music careers. Earnings can vary based on performances, recordings, and licensing deals.

What is the highest paid job in music?

The highest paid jobs in music often include roles such as music directors, composers for film and television, and top-tier session musicians, especially those with extensive experience and industry connections. Conductors and music producers working on major projects can also earn substantial salaries, often supplemented by royalties and licensing fees.

What does a music trumpet player do?

A music trumpet player is a musician who specializes in playing the trumpet, a brass instrument known for its bright, powerful sound. Trumpet players perform in various settings such as orchestras, bands, jazz ensembles, and as soloists. Their responsibilities include practicing regularly, reading and interpreting music, collaborating with other musicians, and performing in concerts or recordings. They may also be involved in teaching, composing, or arranging music for trumpet.

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

To thrive as a Trumpet Musician, you need advanced trumpet performance skills, a strong understanding of music theory, and often a degree in music or equivalent professional experience. Familiarity with music notation software, recording equipment, and digital audio workstations is also valuable. Discipline, creativity, and excellent collaboration skills help musicians excel in rehearsals and performances. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality musical performances, adapting to diverse ensembles, and sustaining a successful career.

What are some typical challenges trumpet players face when performing in a professional orchestra setting?

Trumpet players in professional orchestras often face challenges such as maintaining endurance during long rehearsals or performances, blending their sound with other brass and wind instruments, and quickly adapting to the conductor's interpretations. The role frequently requires switching between different trumpet types (e.g., B♭, C, piccolo), and managing the physical demands of high-register passages. Effective communication and collaboration with section members and other musicians are essential for achieving a cohesive performance.
More about Music Trumpet jobs
What cities are hiring for Music Trumpet jobs? Cities with the most Music Trumpet job openings:
What states have the most Music Trumpet jobs? States with the most job openings for Music Trumpet jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Music Trumpet jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Music Trumpet jobs are:
Music Trumpet jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Trumpet job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% Full Time, 90% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 25% Physical, and 75% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,596 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Music - Trumpet - #000821

Assistant Professor of Music - Trumpet - #000821

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Western Carolina University rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number FAC876P Quick Link for Internal Postings https://wcu-sb.peopleadmin.com/postings/32459 Classification Title Assistant Professor Working Title Assistant Professor of Music - Trumpet - #000821 Department School of Music About WCU
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary
The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus.
The Western Carolina University School of Music invites applications for Assistant Professor of Music - Trumpet. This is a nine-month, tenure-track position. Anticipated begin date of August 2026.
We seek a dynamic teacher and accomplished trumpet performer who can engage and inspire students while modeling the depth and breadth of musical experiences essential to success in today's evolving arts landscape.
Responsibilities
  • Teach applied trumpet lessons to majors and minors across performance, music education, and commercial music degree programs, encompassing a wide range of performance styles.
  • Lead weekly studio classes and coach chamber ensembles; assist with large ensembles as appropriate.
  • Recruit and retain a high-quality trumpet studio, including participation in School of Music recruiting events and auditions.
  • Coordinate all aspects of the applied trumpet studio, including private instruction, ensemble participation, and student mentoring.
  • Contribute to curriculum development, student advising, assessment, and service at the school, college, and university levels.
  • Maintain an active professional profile as a performer, scholar, and educator.
  • Participate in departmental concerts, juries, festivals, and outreach activities.
  • Depending on the candidate's expertise, additional teaching may include courses in music education methods, core musicianship, music technology, as assigned by the School of Music Director.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position Minimum Qualifications
  • DMA or PhD in trumpet performance. ABD candidates will be considered, but the degree must be completed prior to the start of the Fall 2026 semester.
  • Demonstrated excellence in trumpet teaching and performance indicative of the capacity to excel in fulfillment of the above responsibilities.
Preferred Qualifications
  • At least two years of collegiate teaching experience in applied trumpet.
  • Proven expertise as an innovative performer and teacher, fluent in contemporary music and a wide range of trumpet pedagogies, with performance and teaching experience across both Classical and Jazz/Commercial styles.
  • Potential for national recognition as a trumpet performer and collaborator in professional and educational settings.
  • Evidence of the ability to recruit, retain, and inspire students across multiple areas of interest.
  • A commitment to being part of a highly motivated and student-centered faculty that prioritizes student learning and engagement.
Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week Number of Months Per Year 9
Posting Text
Open Date 12/09/2025 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin January 20, 2026 and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include the following:
  1. Letter of application/cover letter that addresses the listed responsibilities and requirements of the position and outlines a vision for teaching an undergraduate studio at a regional comprehensive university.
  2. Current CV
  3. Document with links to recordings of live performances within the past 3 years, displaying a variety of repertoire and styles
  4. List of three professional references with complete contact information
  5. Unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master's degree level and higher.*
For questions or additional information please contact Travis Bennett at tbennett@email.wcu.edu

*All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master's degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master's degree transcript must have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

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