1

Opera Chorus Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Music, Chorus, Band, Instrumental Music, Music Education, Piano, Opera * Eligibility for the residency license must be established prior to a contract offer. Teacher Scale Y Minimum Educational ...

Music, Chorus, Band, Instrumental Music, Music Education, Piano, Opera * Eligibility for the residency license must be established prior to a contract offer. Teacher Scale Y Minimum Educational ...

Music, Chorus, Band, Instrumental Music, Music Education, Piano, Opera * Eligibility for the residency license must be established prior to a contract offer. This position has an end date of 6/1/2027.

Opera Chorus information

See salary details

$5

$21

$42

How much do opera chorus jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for opera chorus in the United States is $21.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Opera Chorus member, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opera Chorus member, you need strong vocal technique, sight-reading abilities, and proficiency in multiple languages, often supported by formal music education or conservatory training. Familiarity with musical scores, rehearsal software, and sometimes knowledge of stage direction systems is typical. Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and stage presence are vital soft skills for blending harmoniously and responding to dynamic stage environments. These skills ensure cohesive performances, artistic integrity, and seamless coordination within large-scale operatic productions.

What is an opera chorus?

An opera chorus is a group of singers who perform together as an ensemble in an opera production. They typically portray crowds, townspeople, soldiers, or other groups of characters, providing vocal and dramatic support to the principal soloists and the overall story. Members of the opera chorus must be skilled in both singing and acting, and they often perform in a variety of languages and musical styles. The chorus adds depth, emotion, and spectacle to operatic performances, playing a vital role in creating a rich theatrical experience.

How does an opera chorus member typically collaborate with the principal singers and the conductor during a production?

Opera chorus members work closely with principal singers and the conductor to ensure seamless musical and dramatic integration on stage. They attend joint rehearsals where timing, movement, and vocal blending are refined, often following precise cues from the conductor. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as adjustments may be made throughout the rehearsal process based on the needs of the production. Collaborating in this way fosters a unified performance, making the collective storytelling more compelling for the audience.
More about Opera Chorus jobs
What states have the most Opera Chorus jobs? States with the most job openings for Opera Chorus jobs include:
Infographic showing various Opera Chorus job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,830 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Rehearsal Department Assistant

Rehearsal Department Assistant

THE METROPOLITAN OPERA

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$53K - $63K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

The Rehearsal Department Assistant reports directly to the Rehearsal Department Director and assists in the creation, editing, and publication of various schedules for the entire company including principal artists, music staff, chorus, dancers, staff performers/actors, and children. This position also works collaboratively with the rest of the department and others within the company to support rehearsals, performances, and various other activities throughout the year.
Primary Responsibilities

  • Assist in the creation, editing, and publication of Advance and Revised Weekly and Daily Rehearsal schedules
  • Proof and correct departmental schedules for chorus, dancers, staff performers/actors, and children
  • Liaise with various departments within the company as well as with principal artists, music staff, conductors, directors, and managers on a variety of issues, including cancellations and cast changes
  • Track artist and music staff overtime payments and free day assignments
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned
Skills and Qualifications
  • B.A. or equivalent, OR commensurate experience in a similar capacity at a comparable arts organization
  • Knowledge of opera and theater, arts administration, or stage management experience
  • Ability to handle complex and last-minute situations in a calm and professional manner
  • The ability to prioritize and multi-task
  • Exceptional written and spoken communication skills
  • Meticulous proofreading ability
  • Foreign language skills (especially in Italian and German) are a plus
  • General knowledge of collective bargaining agreements is helpful but not required
  • Must have a working knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, and general knowledge of and/or past experience with databases
Physical Demands
  • Self-motivation combined with ability to work as part of a team. Willingness to take direction and apply constructive feedback along with judgment of when to take initiative
  • Ability to interact and communicate with people of varied social and cultural backgrounds
  • Flexibility to work extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, regularly

$53,000 - $63,000 a year
The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.