ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

On Call Session Musician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOn Call Session Musician Jobs

On Call Session Musician information

See salary details

$5

$21

$48

How much do on call session musician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for on call session musician in the United States is $21.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an On Call Session Musician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an On Call Session Musician, you need exceptional instrumental proficiency, strong sight-reading ability, and versatility across musical genres, often supported by formal music education or significant professional experience. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), studio recording equipment, and quick adaptation to various musical arrangements is essential. Reliability, professionalism, and effective communication are standout soft skills that help build strong relationships with producers and fellow musicians. These abilities ensure you can deliver high-quality performances under pressure, quickly adapt to different projects, and maintain a strong reputation in the competitive music industry.

How do on call session musicians typically prepare for last-minute recording sessions?

On call session musicians often receive music or instructions with very little notice, so preparation involves maintaining a high level of sight-reading ability and familiarity with a wide range of musical styles. They regularly practice versatility and quick adaptation to different artists’ expectations. It's also common to keep their instruments and gear ready for transport, and to communicate proactively with producers or music directors to clarify session requirements. This readiness allows them to deliver professional results even in fast-paced, unpredictable environments.

What are on call session musicians?

On call session musicians are professional instrumentalists or vocalists who are hired to perform or record music on a temporary, as-needed basis. They are often called in for recording sessions, live performances, or tours when a regular band member is unavailable or when specific musical expertise is required. These musicians are expected to quickly learn and perform a wide variety of music styles, adapt to different group dynamics, and deliver high-quality performances, often with little rehearsal time. Their work can range from studio recordings for albums and commercials to live gigs and television appearances.

What is the difference between On Call Session Musician vs Freelance Musician?

AspectOn Call Session MusicianFreelance Musician
CredentialsTypically requires professional experience, sometimes specific instrument certificationsVaries; often self-taught or with formal training, no specific certifications needed
Work EnvironmentStudio recordings, live performances, scheduled sessionsFlexible locations, events, personal projects
Employer/Industry UsageHired by studios, producers, or bands for specific sessionsWorks independently for multiple clients or projects

On Call Session Musicians are hired for specific recording or performance sessions, often through agencies or direct contacts, and work in controlled environments. Freelance Musicians operate independently, managing their own schedules and clients, offering more flexibility but less consistent work. Both roles require strong musical skills, but the On Call Session Musician typically works within a more structured setting.

How much do session musicians charge per hour?

On call session musicians typically charge between $50 and $200 per hour, depending on their experience, the complexity of the music, and the location. Rates can vary based on the project's scope, the studio environment, and whether the musician is hired for a single session or multiple engagements.

How to get hired as a session musician?

To get hired as a session musician, build a strong portfolio of recordings and perform live to showcase your skills. Network with producers, artists, and recording studios, and be proficient with relevant tools and equipment. Professionalism, reliability, and versatility are key to securing session work.

Is there a job that pays you to listen to music?

An on call session musician is a job that involves listening to, performing, and recording music for various projects, often requiring a good ear and musical skills. While they do listen to music as part of their work, they are paid for performing, recording, or providing musical expertise rather than simply listening. Other roles like music reviewers or playlist curators also involve listening to music professionally, but they may not be classified as on call session musicians.

How much money do session musicians make?

On call session musicians typically earn between $100 and $500 per session, depending on their experience, the project, and the location. Rates can vary widely, with some highly experienced musicians earning more for high-profile recordings or live performances. Payment may also include royalties or licensing fees for certain projects.
More about On Call Session Musician jobs
What cities are hiring for On Call Session Musician jobs? Cities with the most On Call Session Musician job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Session Musician jobs? The most popular types of Session Musician jobs are:
What job categories do people searching On Call Session Musician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for On Call Session Musician jobs are:
On Call Session Musician jobs near you
Infographic showing various On Call Session Musician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,855 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Music Therapist and Licensed Clinician

Music Therapist and Licensed Clinician

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA • On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Berklee College Of Music rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

359th of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Description:
The Office of Counseling & Advocacy Services is seeking an empathetic, culturally sensitive, and dual-credentialed Music Therapist & Licensed Clinician. Reporting directly to the Director, this unique position blends traditional clinical mental health frameworks with specialized music therapy modalities to serve our world-class student body of musicians, dancers, and actors. At Berklee, your work directly supports the next generation of creative leaders.
This position is a 1-year temporary role with full benefits and a strong potential for permanent conversion, subject to your performance and our business needs.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Clinical & Music Therapy Services:
  • Caseload Management: Maintain an active clinical caseload using an intentional short-term therapy model, with direct clinical services capped at 65% of total time per AUCCCD guidelines.
  • Integrated Modalities: Deliver clinical mental health services alongside music therapy interventions, adapting musical styles and activities dynamically to match the therapeutic needs of students.
  • Assessments & Crisis Intervention: Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments, coordinate outpatient community referrals for long-term care, and provide immediate stabilization during daytime on-call crisis rotations.

Consultation & Community Outreach:
  • Post-Discharge Planning: Serve as clinical consultant to the Assistant Vice President of Student Support Services to manage care integration and essential post-discharge planning for students returning from hospitalizations, as requested.
  • Preventative Programming: Design, develop, and execute preventative community-facing mental health initiatives and psycho-educational outreach across campus, in collaboration with teammates..
  • Campus Consultation: Provide professional guidance and consultation to faculty, staff, and student leaders to foster a supportive, trauma-informed ecosystem.
  • Administration: Maintain meticulous clinical documentation within the electronic medical records database and attend weekly individual, group, and peer supervisions.

What You'll Bring
  • Education & Licensure: Master's degree and active clinical licensure in Massachusetts (LCSW/LICSW, LMFT, LMHC, or Licensed Clinical Psychologist).
  • Music Therapy Credentials: Graduation from an accredited music therapy program and active Board Certification (MT-BC).
  • Experience: Minimum of 1 year of post-licensure experience providing counseling services, ideally with historical experience in college student health or directly supporting performing artists.
  • Clinical Specializations: Strong crisis intervention instincts and specialized experience treating substance use and eating disorders are highly preferred.
  • Interpersonal Agility: Exceptional consultation, presentation, and multicultural competencies, with a proven ability to validate and engage with highly diverse student populations.

Schedule & Hybrid Work Environment
  • Hybrid Model: Our team operates on a hybrid structure that flexes with the academic calendar. You will work primarily in person during high-demand windows like the start of semesters. When classes are in session, the role includes one remote day per week, expanding to two remote days per week during lower-demand periods (breaks and summer).
  • Availability: Requires professional liability insurance and the flexibility to cover occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays to fulfill on-call or marquee campus event needs (e.g., Orientation, Parent/Family Weekend).
  • While not prohibited, applicants should carefully consider these expectations before beginning or maintaining a private practice, or accepting/maintaining other part-time employment before accepting an offer of employment at Berklee.

Why Choose Berklee?
  • Mission-Driven Impact: Guide and support the well-being of the world's most inspired young performers using innovative, expressive clinical tools.
  • Cultural Access: Enjoy nightly, unrivaled access to world-class music, theater, and dance performances across our campus venues.
  • Total Rewards: Exceptional health and dental packages, a 403(b) retirement system with matching contributions, generous PTO, and a paid winter break to rest and recharge.

Hiring Range: $45.00 to $50.00 per hour; salary dependent on experience and education.
Please visit the Total Rewards page to learn more about our benefits.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:
We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.
*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*
Employee Type:
Staff

What Berklee College Of Music employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply