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Orchestral Music information

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$30.5K

$57.7K

$121.5K

How much do orchestral music jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for orchestral music in the United States is $57,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $64,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is orchestral music?

Orchestral music is a genre of music composed to be performed by an orchestra, which is a large ensemble of musicians typically including string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. This style of music encompasses a wide range of forms, such as symphonies, concertos, and overtures, and is often associated with classical composers like Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky. Orchestral music can be performed in concert halls, for ballet or opera, and even as soundtracks for films and video games. It is known for its rich textures, dynamic range, and the ability to convey complex emotions through the interplay of many instruments.

How does an orchestral musician typically collaborate with other sections during rehearsals and performances?

Orchestral musicians work closely with both their own section and other sections to achieve a cohesive sound. During rehearsals, musicians frequently communicate with the conductor and section leaders to synchronize timing, dynamics, and articulation. Collaboration is key—players must listen attentively, adjust their playing in response to others, and sometimes offer or receive constructive feedback. This teamwork fosters a harmonious performance and helps resolve challenges such as balance and intonation within the ensemble.

What is the difference between Orchestral Music vs Orchestral Musicians?

AspectOrchestral MusicOrchestral Musicians
CredentialsMusic degrees, performance experienceMusic degrees, audition success
Work EnvironmentConcert halls, recording studiosRehearsals, live performances
Industry UsageRefers to the genre or repertoireRefers to the performers
Search IntentUnderstanding orchestral repertoireFinding professional orchestral players

Orchestral Music describes the genre or body of music performed by orchestras, while Orchestral Musicians are the professionals who perform this music. The two are closely related but focus on different aspects: one on the art form itself, the other on the performers involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an orchestral musician?

To thrive as an orchestral musician, you need advanced proficiency on your instrument, strong sight-reading abilities, and often a degree in music performance. Familiarity with professional sheet music software, metronomes, and sometimes digital recording tools is important, and auditions may require specialized certifications or union membership. Exceptional teamwork, discipline, and the ability to take direction set outstanding orchestral musicians apart. These skills ensure precise ensemble performance, artistic interpretation, and seamless collaboration, which are crucial for delivering high-quality concerts.
More about Orchestral Music jobs
What cities are hiring for Orchestral Music jobs? Cities with the most Orchestral Music job openings:
What states have the most Orchestral Music jobs? States with the most job openings for Orchestral Music jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Orchestral Music jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Orchestral Music jobs are:
Orchestral Music jobs near you
Infographic showing various Orchestral Music job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,731 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Director of Instrumental Music

Willamette University

Salem, OR

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Willamette University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

ABOUT WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY:

Willamette University, founded in 1842, is a nationally-renowned private university enrolling 2800 students across five colleges. Our historic campus, adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol, hosts a distinguished undergraduate liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon. Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). We offer a wide range of professional graduate programs, including Oregon's top-ranked MBA program, the Northwest's oldest law school, as well as MA/MFA programs at PNCA and master's degrees in data science and computer science.

Willamette University provides a high-value and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our Benefits Summary includes options for health, dental, life insurance, retirement, substantial paid time off, tuition and more. If you need assistance applying for a job or have any questions on recruitment at Willamette, please contact our HR Department, hr@willamette.edu or call us at 503-370-6210.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Instrumental Music is a part-time position responsible for organizing, preparing, and conducting the orchestral ensemble during the Fall and Spring semesters, as well as working with faculty in the Music Department to recruit potential student-musicians to Willamette.

The position requires: the ability to effectively recruit, organize, and teaching instrumental, orchestral music to college-level musicians; the ability to help students improve their playing and performance skills across a range of orchestral instruments; the ability to conduct an orchestral ensemble at a high level of quality and proficiency; music literacy appropriate to college-level instruction; and willingness and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in the Music Department.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Organizes, prepares, and conducts the orchestra in Fall and Spring, which includes appropriate practice and performance time.

  • Oversees chamber music within the Music Department, which includes holding auditions, helping to organize playing groups, and working with faculty.

  • Participates in recruitment activities for both prospective students and Artist Associates.

  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • A Masters degree in Music; Doctorate preferred.

  • 5 years of experience teaching and conducting orchestral music and ensembles at least at the high school level; college-level conducting experience preferred.

  • Demonstrated success developing young musicians and helping them to improve their musicianship, playing skills, and ensemble performance abilities.

Typical Work Schedule: Monday through Friday on a part-time basis; possibility of occasional necessity for weekend work related to recruiting and tryouts.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions: Typical work is performed indoors in a normal office environment.

Salary: $30,000 (0.43 FTE on adjunct salary scale)

You will need to upload the following two documents as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section labeled Resume:

  • Cover letter addressing qualifications

  • Current resume

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT:
All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:

Please read the following carefully before beginning the online application process. To be considered for employment at Willamette University, please complete our online employment application. Your application and all required attachments -- listed at the bottom of the page -- must be submitted for each individual job post that you are interested in applying. Once you submit your application you will not be able to edit your application.

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