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On Call Session Musician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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On Call Session Musician information

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

As of Jun 12, 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 to make 10k a month as a musician?

On call session musicians can reach a 10k monthly income by diversifying their work across multiple clients, recording sessions, live performances, and teaching. Building a strong network, developing versatile skills, and using professional recording tools can increase earning potential. Consistent work and reputation management are essential for sustained high income.

How much do session musicians make per session?

On call session musicians typically earn between $100 and $500 per session, depending on factors such as experience, the complexity of the music, and the project's budget. Rates can vary widely based on the location, the artist or producer hiring, and whether the musician is paid hourly or a flat fee for the session.

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. Networking with producers, artists, and studio owners, as well as having proficiency with recording software and versatile playing abilities, increases your chances of 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, but it does not typically pay solely for listening. Some roles, like music reviewers or playlist curators, may pay for listening and evaluating music, but these are separate from session musician work. Most music-related jobs require active performance or production skills rather than passive listening alone.
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:
Infographic showing various On Call Session Musician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 33% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,855 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Music Instructor II - Voice & Piano ($16 - $30 hourly)

Music Instructor II - Voice & Piano ($16 - $30 hourly)

The Salvation Army

Ewa Beach, HI

$16 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


Salvation Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 344 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

472nd of 682 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

The Salvation Army

Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division

Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

Job Description rev: 08/26/2025

POSITION TITLE:         Music Instructor II – Voice & Piano

DEPARTMENT:             Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center (RJKCCC)

SUPERVISOR:               Creative Arts & Education Manager

FLSA STATUS:               Non-Exempt

CLASSIFICATION:       Part Time, On Call, Hourly

GENERAL STATEMENT:  The Salvation Army is a branch of the Christian Church, and the ultimate goal of all programs is a spiritual, emotional, and physical regeneration of all people.

MISSION STATEMENT:  The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.  Its message is based on the Bible.  Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.  Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

KROC CENTER HAWAII Vision:  Kroc Center Hawaii is a community center where families, individuals, and relationships thrive in the name of Jesus.

 

POSITION SUMMARY:  The Music Instructor will provide private and/or group instruction for students of all ages and levels in support of the Kroc Center Hawaii Creative Arts & Education department’s mission to provide quality educational programs and training in the arts while pointing students to Jesus.

The Music Instructor will have a deep commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army, which will be evident in his or her professional life and the manner in which he or she represents The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in the community.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in music or related degree, or equivalent teaching experience.
  • At least two years’ experience teaching music.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work and interact with a diverse group of people in a positive and productive manner.
  • Demonstrated classroom management skills.

Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be accepted.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Prep all necessary syllabi, homework, and lesson plans, tailored to everyone, group or program.
  • Selects appropriate music, books and instructional aides to enhance learning; communicates program supply needs to Creative Arts & Education Manager
  • Teach all scheduled music lessons for each individual, group or program, beginning and ending on time. Classes will be taught in-person or virtually.
  • Display interest, dedication, and enthusiasm for improving the community through music education.
  • Evaluate each student’s musical growth, performance, and musical understanding. Provide corrective and positive feedback to ensure learning.
  • Assists with the planning and coordination of end-of-the-session events and special performances; evaluates student and group skill level for performance readiness.
  • Be present for and assist during end-of-session events and special performances.
  • Maintain student attendance records and other required records.
  • Answer questions and interact with students, parents, volunteers and staff, displaying positive and proactive attitudes, behaviors and language.
  • Greet, introduce and welcome participants. Acquaint new students with class procedures.
  • Maintain consistent communication with parents and students including but not limited to scheduling, programming changes, and upcoming performances.
  • Upholds care and responsibility for program owned instruments, music, and equipment to prevent loss or abuse. Makes minor adjustments and requests repairs to instruments as needed.
  • Able to work independently with minimal oversight.
  • Maintain regular and punctual work attendance.
  • Assume a schedule of flexible working hours, including weekends, holidays and evenings.
  • Attend staff meetings as required.
  • Follow and ensure adherence to The Salvation Army Policies and Procedures.
  • Maintain the Code of Ethics policy, which has been established for the Kroc Center Hawaii.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Music Instructor may be required to perform duties away from the Kroc Center Hawaii campus (i.e. performances, rehearsals, etc.).

MENTAL DEMANDS:

This position requires to maintain a positive and upbeat attitude in order to provide excellent customer service. Need to appreciate individual uniqueness and diversity. Able to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment for all participants. This position must maintain a self-motivated and self- directed schedule, able to work with limited supervision, and in a team setting with other professionals. Must exercise good judgement, show strong organizational skills and be able to multitask. Must be detail orientated and able to take projects from beginning through completion.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The position requires sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, standing, walking, and use of vision, pushing/pulling/lifting/carrying 25-50 pounds and occasionally more than 50 pounds with assistance. 

COMMUNICATION DEMANDS:

The position requires talking to co-workers, clients, vendors; requires written communication to and from co-workers, clients, vendor; talking on the telephone; requires responding to written or verbal requests of co-workers, clients, and vendors; requires training/giving verbal and written instructions; requires receiving verbal and written instructions; requires writing/composing written language; requires reading; requires visiting/working at other worksites; requires communication via the latest technologies.

EQUIPMENT NEEDS:

Equipment used includes general office equipment such as computers, photocopiers, scanners, printers, fax machines, telephones (office and cell), video projectors, sound-systems, microphones, audio-visual and lighting equipment, 10-key calculator.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Most work at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in West Oahu.  Extensive travel is possible, including air travel, driving long distances, night driving, and extended travel of three days or more.

CLEARANCES:

The candidate chosen for this position will be required to pass a criminal history information check. Conviction of a crime will not automatically preclude employment. The circumstances involved in the conviction(s) will be considered.

The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this classification.  It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory, or all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job.  Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this description.  Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.  Employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by management.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.


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About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US