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On Call Session Musician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Color Assist

New York, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Employee will be required to be in the weekend on-call rotation. * Work with many different media ... Ensure that artists add their session time to the work order. * Prep and add any FX drop-in shots ...

Color Assist

New York, NY · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Employee will be required to be in the weekend on-call rotation. * Work with many different media ... Ensure that artists add their session time to the work order. * Prep and add any FX drop-in shots ...

Non-Exempt CLASSIFICATION: Part Time, On Call, Hourly GENERAL STATEMENT: The Salvation Army is a ... session of teaching. • Assist instructor with class supervision. • Provide assistance to ...

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On Call Session Musician information

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$5

$21

$48

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

As of Aug 16, 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.

How do on call session musicians get hired?

On call session musicians are typically hired through networking, referrals, or by submitting demos and resumes to recording studios, production companies, or music agencies. They often need to demonstrate proficiency on their instrument, have a professional portfolio, and be flexible with scheduling to secure on-demand work.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an on call session musician?

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 does an on call session musician 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 is an on call session musician?

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 find work as an on call session musician?

To find work as an on call session musician, build a strong network by connecting with local studios, producers, and artists, and create a professional demo to showcase your skills. Register with talent agencies or online platforms that connect musicians with recording projects, and maintain a versatile skill set to adapt to different genres and session needs.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% 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.

Per-Diem Studio Operations & Support Consultant

Boston Conservatory

Boston, MA • On-site

$26 - $27.81/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Reporting to the Studio Operations and Support Manager, the Studio Operations and Support Consultant provides engineering support and technical assistance to faculty and students on an array of highly specialized audio technologies, software, and equipment. They perform essential functions to maintain the correct and consistent operation of the studio facilities: inspecting equipment at start and close of operations, assisting faculty with any course and setup needs, assisting students with any technical or operational issues, providing effective tier 1 and tier 2 technical support, maintaining the established protocols for logging students in and out of facilities in order to maintain inventory and ensure proper facility usage, and following up on any issues either directly or via a ticketing system. They also regularly create and update both user-facing and internal technical documentation as well as perform semesterly project work to implement upgrades to spaces and test hardware and software. These functions ensure classes and sessions can operate with minimal disruption. The Studio Operations and Support Consultant collaboratively oversees a group of 50 studio assistants hired through Student Employment. The 32 recording studios and suites are in operation 22 hours per day, seven days per week and serve thousands of music technology students, visiting artist events, faculty, visiting artists, faculty and chair grant recordings, events, major residencies, special programs, college service and community outreach projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provides in-person, on-call, and remote support for a variety of technologies, systems and services; specialized music technology equipment (audio consoles, mix controllers, monitor systems, microphones, recording equipment, audio interfaces), network audio systems, computer systems, music technology software, audio and video components, sound and projection systems, screens and displays/monitors, video and web cameras, and amplifiers
    • Provides support, technical assistance, and troubleshooting for classes, student sessions, daytime recording ensembles, grant sessions, and visiting artist events in the recording studios and production suites
    • Provides proactive monitoring and testing of systems and equipment.
    • Troubleshoots unresolved technical issues
    • Identifies and escalates recurring issues so they may be addressed and resolved
    • Collaborates with Distributed Systems and Technical Maintenance teams to document and follow up as needed
    • Advises on areas for improved service offerings
  • Conducts semesterly software and hardware testing: executes test plans, documents results, updates and trains in revised technical support techniques for new installations
  • Participate in project teams for implementation of various technology related projects such as room upgrades, new technology rollouts, etc.
  • Provides support for events occurring in the technology facilities. Performs setup, operation, troubleshooting, and breakdown of any needed technology equipment for these events
  • Maintains continuity and flow of the studio operation by ensuring that sessions start and end on time and that all proper protocols and rules pertaining to studio use are adhered to
  • Monitors the status of equipment and curricular assets in all recording studios and production suites
  • Supervises Studio Assistants during scheduled shifts and trains new Studio Assistants on policies, day-to-day procedures, and troubleshooting methods
  • Keeps detailed records and submits reports of facility and equipment use, technical issues, and policy infractions using FileMaker Pro databases and web-based administrative software
  • Supervises access to student/faculty media assets and check-out equipment
  • Audit and verify student submissions to a security log to monitor facilities and ensure the safety of valuable equipment
  • Monitors 160 Percussion room, processes daytime requests and scheduling of percussion equipment for all divisional recording sessions
  • Coordinates with the Booking Office to update and maintain an accurate session schedule
  • Introduces new users to the facilities and ensures the proper handling and care of equipment
  • Reports non-standard practices to the Manager
  • Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

  • B.M. in Music Production and Engineering or an undergraduate degree in a similar music technology program
  • 1-2 years of experience in a commercial recording facility
  • Experience working at a higher education institution or within online education is preferred

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

  • Highly developed skills in DAW operation, audio recording and mixing, signal flow, microphone techniques, console workflow, analog and digital multitrack recording formats, MIDI, modern audiovisual systems, Dante and surround sound
  • Proficiency with audio software technologies such as, but not limited to, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Reason, Ableton Live, Nuendo, Finale as well as various audio plug-ins and virtual instruments
  • Experience using recording/mixing consoles, interfaces, and controllers such as, but not limited to, the Neve 88RS; SSL Duality SE; API Legacy Plus and 1608; Avid HDX systems, S3, S6, XMon, MTRX, Artist Control and Artist Mix
  • Ability to function well under pressure and maintain stellar customer service
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize assignments, meet deadlines, and work on multiple projects simultaneously with great efficiency and attention to detail
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Exceptional leadership and motivational skills
  • Promotes courtesy, sensitivity and respect
  • Fosters an inclusive workplace, advance engagement and team building
  • Experience with Mac and Windows operating systems and software testing, including writing test plans and documenting results
  • Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and FileMaker Pro
  • Robust knowledge of web browsers, caching issues, multimedia plug-ins, and conferencing software
  • Familiarity with video creation and editing, and/or screen capture software such as iMovie, Final Cut Pro X, Premiere Pro, or ScreenFlow
  • Experience with Workday, Colleague, Informer, and Google Data Studio is preferred

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Supervision of on-shift Studio and Suite Assistants

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, ETC.

  • This is a coverage and vacation relief position.
  • Shifts are scheduled overnight and on weekends.
  • Ability to carry 70 lbs.

Hiring Range:

$26.00 - $27.81 per hour; hourly rate dependent on relevant experience and education.

Please visit theTotal Rewardspage to learn more about the benefits of working at Berklee.


External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.


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:Casual