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Orchestra Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orchestra Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$26 - $40/hr

This position reports to the Music Specialist & Orchestra Director. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Model and demonstrate Sinai Akiba's Core Values of: Kehillah Kedoshah (Sacred Community)

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Orchestra Director information

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$33.5K

$117.5K

$195.5K

How much do orchestra director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for orchestra director in the United States is $117,480.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Orchestra Director Do?

As an orchestra director is separate from a conductor, in that a conductor leads performances and a director oversees the administrative duties necessary to an orchestra’s success. As an orchestra director, your responsibilities include developing a program for concerts and holding practice sessions for the musicians. You organize and promote an ensemble of orchestra musicians and are responsible for selecting and curating the musical program for every season. Other duties include budget planning, assisting with the orchestra’s fundraising efforts, and promoting community awareness for the orchestra by attending social functions with donors, participating in outreach and educational events, and contributing to promotional materials. You schedule auditions for new players and make final hiring decisions.

What does an Orchestra Director do?

An Orchestra Director, also known as a conductor or music director, leads and manages an orchestra's musical performances and rehearsals. They choose the repertoire, interpret scores, and guide musicians to achieve a unified and expressive performance. The director is responsible for setting artistic direction, collaborating with soloists, and ensuring that all sections of the orchestra work together harmoniously. Additionally, they may be involved in educational outreach and community engagement to promote orchestral music.

What is the difference between Orchestra Director vs Music Director?

AspectOrchestra DirectorMusic Director
CredentialsMusic degree, conducting experienceMusic degree, conducting experience, often additional certifications
Work EnvironmentOrchestras, concert halls, educational institutionsOrchestras, opera houses, theaters, community ensembles
Employer & IndustryOrchestras, schools, universitiesOrchestras, opera companies, arts organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve leading musical ensembles, an Orchestra Director typically focuses on managing and directing orchestras in educational or community settings, emphasizing organizational and educational responsibilities. A Music Director often has broader responsibilities, including artistic vision, selecting repertoire, and conducting performances at professional venues. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but the scope and context of their work differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Orchestra Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Orchestra Director, you need advanced musical expertise, strong conducting abilities, and typically a degree in music or conducting. Familiarity with musical notation software, score analysis tools, and rehearsal management systems is often required. Leadership, effective communication, and the ability to inspire and unify musicians are crucial soft skills. These competencies enable an Orchestra Director to interpret musical works, coordinate large groups, and deliver cohesive, high-quality performances.

What are some common challenges Orchestra Directors face when leading a diverse group of musicians?

Orchestra Directors often encounter the challenge of uniting musicians with varying skill levels, backgrounds, and personalities to achieve a cohesive sound. Balancing rehearsal time to address sections that need extra attention, while keeping the entire ensemble engaged, is a frequent task. Directors also work to interpret and communicate the composer’s vision, requiring strong leadership and excellent communication skills to inspire and motivate the group. Navigating these challenges successfully helps build a positive, collaborative environment and leads to compelling performances.
What cities are hiring for Orchestra Director jobs? Cities with the most Orchestra Director job openings:
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What states have the most Orchestra Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Orchestra Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Orchestra Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 4% Full Time, 80% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,480 per year, or $56.5 per hour.
Fine Arts Teacher - Middle School Assistant Orchestra Director - General Interest

Fine Arts Teacher - Middle School Assistant Orchestra Director - General Interest

Frisco ISD

Frisco, TX

$13 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Reports ToCampus Principal / Managing Director of Fine ArtsWork Year Days184SalaryTeacher Pay Scale + Stipend: https://www.friscoisd.org/employment/compensationPrimary Purpose

Assist the head orchestra director in the direction and management of the orchestra program for the assigned school.  Provide students with an opportunity to participate in curricular and extracurricular orchestra activities in accordance with all District, University Interscholastic League (UIL), and Texas Education Agency (TEA) requirements.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:Bachelor's degree in Music or Music Education from an accredited universityValid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements

 Special Knowledge/Skills:Extensive content knowledge

Operational knowledge of all aspects of an orchestra program

Effective leadership skills

Ability to manage budget and personnel

Knowledge of state and UIL policies pertaining to orchestra

Ability to implement policy and procedures

Ability to interpret data

Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Working knowledge of relevant technology

Strong collaborative skills

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Programming:

Assist the head orchestra director in the development of an annual calendar of student performance opportunities and events with at least three major concerts and all required region and state competitions and evaluations.

Maintain eligibility records of students as they pertain to UIL and extracurricular activities.

Prepare students for participation in Frisco ISD Solo and Ensemble and UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluations

Prepare students for participation and actively participate in the Texas Music Education Association (TMEA) All-Region orchestra audition process.

Provide opportunities for student participation in extracurricular events.

Assist the head orchestra director with the arrangement of transportation, lodging, and meals for out-of-town events.

Comply with federal and state laws, TEA rules and UIL rules and regulations, and Frisco ISD Board and Fine Arts Department policies.

Follow Frisco ISD policies regarding the oversight of Booster Organizations (where applicable).

Actively participate in campus musicals and collaborative events as determined at the campus level.

Collaborate with directors in the same feeder pattern and/or across the District.

Teaching and Learning:

Develop and implement lesson plans for orchestra rehearsals and provide written lesson plans as required.

Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for individual student differences.

Present subject matter according to guidelines established by TEA, Board policies, and administrative regulations.

Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect an understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.

Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.

Student Growth and Development:Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of all students.

Maintain educational records demonstrating student mastery and growth in curricular content.

Apply and enforce student discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and the student handbook.

Accompany and supervise students for both on campus and off campus activities.

Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.

Be a positive role model for students.

Support the mission of the Frisco Independent School District, to know each student by name and need.

Budget Management:Assist the head orchestra director in the coordination of fundraising activities and management of proceeds.

Assist the head orchestra director with maintaining current inventory of all fixed assets within the department.

Communication:Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.

Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers as needed.

Employ excellent interpersonal skills and promote collaborative teaming by working with campus and District colleagues to develop a positive school climate.

Professional Growth and Development:Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.

Keep informed of and comply with state, District, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.

Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents pertaining to professional development as required by Frisco ISD and the Texas State Board for Educator Certification.

Attend and actively participate in required District Professional Learning Communities.

Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Maintain current knowledge of innovative and effective curriculum practices related to content area.

Actively participate in official state organizations (TMEA and UIL).

Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.

Other Duties as Assigned

Frisco ISD retains the right to adjust the responsibilities and assignments of all positions as needed to meet the needs of the District.

Work Relationships

Frisco ISD is committed to fostering a collaborative work environment that honors and supports the social and emotional well-being of all.  Employees are expected to interact in a manner that is becoming of educators and promotes high levels of productivity for the benefit of the students we serve.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing. Moving and setting up equipment related to the content area. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment and supplies. Some districtwide and statewide travel. Some prolonged and/or irregular hours.

Disclosure Statements

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The Frisco Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, national origin, gender, age, religion, or disability status of otherwise qualified individuals. FISD does not discriminate on the basis of membership or application for membership in the uniformed services. 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME