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Orchestra Conductor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Minnesota Orchestra

Staff Accountant

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Early in the 1920s, the orchestra was one of the first to be heard on recordings and on the radio, playing a nationally broadcast concert with guest conductor Bruno Walter in 1923. In 1968, the ...

MN Orchestra

Staff Accountant

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Early in the 1920s, the orchestra was one of the first to be heard on recordings and on the radio, playing a nationally broadcast concert with guest conductor Bruno Walter in 1923. In 1968, the ...

FB Society

General Manager

Dallas, TX · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

The Mexican Sugar GM is like a skilled orchestra conductor - they understand that the strength of the performance lies in the talents of each musician. They approach their work with a strategic ...

MEXICAN SUGAR, LLC

General Manager

Dallas, TX · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

The Mexican Sugar GM is like a skilled orchestra conductor - they understand that the strength of the performance lies in the talents of each musician. They approach their work with a strategic ...

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Orchestra Conductor information

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How much do orchestra conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for orchestra conductor in the United States is $22.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an orchestra conductor do?

An Orchestra Conductor leads and directs a musical ensemble, ensuring that musicians perform in harmony and follow the intended interpretation of a piece. They set the tempo, cue musicians, and shape the overall sound through gestures and expressions. Conductors also rehearse with the orchestra, provide artistic direction, and collaborate with composers or soloists. Their role is crucial in bringing out the best performance from the musicians and delivering a cohesive musical experience to the audience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an orchestra conductor?

To thrive as an Orchestra Conductor, you need comprehensive musical expertise, advanced score-reading skills, and typically a degree in music or conducting. Familiarity with notation software, digital audio workstations, and often proficiency on a primary instrument are important technical assets. Leadership, emotional intelligence, and exceptional communication skills help conductors inspire and guide orchestra members. These abilities are crucial for unifying performances, achieving artistic excellence, and efficiently managing rehearsals and concerts.

What are the common challenges faced by orchestra conductors during rehearsals and performances?

Orchestra conductors often face the challenge of managing musicians with diverse personalities and skill levels while ensuring everyone works cohesively toward a unified artistic interpretation. Balancing the technical precision of the music with expressive direction, and addressing unforeseen issues like scheduling changes or last-minute adjustments, can require quick decision-making and adaptability. Additionally, conductors must provide clear, constructive feedback to help musicians improve while maintaining motivation and morale. These challenges make strong leadership and interpersonal skills essential for success in this dynamic, collaborative environment.

How much do orchestra conductors make?

Orchestra conductors typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, with top professionals in major orchestras earning higher salaries. Salaries vary based on experience, location, the size of the orchestra, and the conductor's reputation and credentials.

How to be an orchestra conductor?

To become an orchestra conductor, one typically earns a bachelor's degree in music or conducting, gains experience as a musician or assistant conductor, and develops strong leadership, score analysis, and communication skills. Many conductors also pursue advanced training or mentorship programs and build a reputation through performances and networking within the classical music community.

What qualifications do you need to be an orchestra conductor?

To become an orchestra conductor, individuals typically need a strong background in music, often with a bachelor's or master's degree in music or conducting. Extensive experience performing as a musician and developing leadership, score study, and conducting skills are essential, along with a good ear for music and the ability to interpret and communicate musical ideas effectively.
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Orchestra Conductor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Orchestra Conductor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 41% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,671 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Education Programs Host

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$5.5K/yr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Serve as the onstage host and narrator for education and family concerts.

  • Present scripted material in an engaging, age-appropriate manner and lead audience participation and interactive learning experiences.

  • Collaborate with conductors, musicians, and production staff during rehearsals and performances, and contribute to the development of scripts, educational programming, and the host character.

Job description

Education Programs Host Position Summary

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra seeks an engaging and charismatic Education Programs Host to serve as the consistent public face of BSO education and family concerts. The host will act as the onstage narrator and audience guide, helping elementary-aged audiences connect with orchestral music through storytelling, audience participation, and interactive educational experiences.

Working closely with conductors, musicians, and production staff, the host will present scripted material, lead audience engagement activities, and help connect educational themes to the music being performed.

In addition to performing, the host will collaborate with BSO Education staff on the development of the host character, performance style, script revisions, audience engagement strategies, and the overall execution of the role. We envision this position becoming a recurring presence across BSO education programming, allowing audiences and educators to develop familiarity with a consistent host and educational voice.

Services are performed primarily at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore. Occasional performances may occur at partner venues throughout the region.

Responsibilities
  • Serve as the onstage host and narrator for education and family concerts.
  • Present scripted material in an engaging, age-appropriate manner.
  • Lead audience participation and interactive learning experiences.
  • Collaborate with conductors, musicians, and production staff during rehearsals and performances.
  • Participate in planning meetings and other preparation activities as needed.
  • Contribute creatively to the ongoing development of the host character, scripts, and educational programming.
  • Represent the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra with professionalism, enthusiasm, and artistic excellence.
Qualifications

Candidates should demonstrate:

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  • Strong musicianship, including music-reading ability and the ability to follow a conductor.
  • Ability to follow an orchestral score highly desired.
  • Strong vocal performance and storytelling skills.
  • Ability to memorize and perform scripted material.
  • Strong improvisational skills and comfort interacting with live audiences.
  • Ability to communicate naturally and effectively with elementary-aged students.
  • Strong stage presence and public speaking skills.
  • Ability to be a team player, accept constructive feedback, and make adjustments.
Engagement Terms

This is a seasonal position supporting the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's education and family programming throughout the concert season.

Approximately 20 services are available annually. In addition to scheduled services, the selected host will be expected to participate in planning meetings, script development, and other preparation activities necessary to support the successful delivery of the programs.

Seasonal stipend: $5,500

Most services take place on weekday mornings or Saturday mornings.

Preference will be given to candidates who are available to participate in all or most of the scheduled services throughout the season. If additional performances are added beyond 20, they will be compensated on a per-service basis.

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit the following materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter 

Please include links in your resume to all required video submissions described below. You may submit:

  • One video containing all three required submissions,or
  • Separate videos for each submission. 

Videos may be hosted on YouTube or another accessible video-hosting platform. If using YouTube, applicants are encouraged to set videos to Unlisted. Regardless of the platform used, applicants are responsible for ensuring that the selection committee can access the videos using the provided links.


Required Video Submissions

1. Singing Reel (approximately 3 minutes)

Submit a full-body video demonstrating a variety of vocal styles.

Requirements:

  • Material does not need to be written for children. 
  • At least one selection should demonstrate how youwould singfor an elementary-aged audience. 


2. Scripted Performance Excerpt (approximately 2 minutes)

Using the provided script, score, and recorded accompaniment, submit a recorded performance of the assigned excerpt from The Dead Composers Society.

This submission will be evaluated on:

  • Musical literacy 
  • Timing and cue awareness 
  • Script interpretation 
  • Ability to integrate spoken and musical elements 

Please perform the excerpt with the included recorded music. All materials can be found at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1H1W30XeT9s8VwPbEj0Bp9b5eklCIKg4V?usp=sharing. Please note that the recording was created by extracting the voice from a recording. You may hear some artifacts in the recording but it should not impede your ability to perform with the recording. 


3. Improvisation Exercise (no more than 2 minutes)

Record an original introduction that prepares an audience of elementary-aged students to hear the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra perform Holst's The Planets.

Imagine you are standing onstage immediately before the orchestra begins the piece. Your goal is to spark curiosity, build excitement, and help young listeners know what to listen for during the performance.

There is no single "correct" approach. Applicants are encouraged to use their own personality, creativity, storytelling style, and audience engagement techniques while communicating in an age-appropriate and engaging manner.

This submission will be evaluated on:

  • Creativity and originality 
  • Audience engagement 
  • Age-appropriate communication 
  • Ability to explain musical ideas in an accessible and engaging way 
  • Overall stage presence and presentation 


Audition Process

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Finalists will be invited to participate in a live audition at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in late August, where they will perform additional material and interview with members of the BSO staff.