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Percussion Performance Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Perform administrative tasks associated with students' attendance and performance records. * Manage CSPA percussion inventory. * Work closely with Community School staff to give support and guidance ...

Perform administrative tasks associated with students' attendance and performance records. * Manage CSPA percussion inventory. * Work closely with Community School staff to give support and guidance ...

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Percussion Performance information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$67.4K

$110.5K

How much do percussion performance jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for percussion performance in California is $67,355.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,300.00 and $81,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical career paths and advancement opportunities for a Percussion Performance professional?

Percussion Performance professionals often start their careers performing in orchestras, bands, or as part of live ensembles, and may also find opportunities in recording studios or as touring musicians. Over time, many expand their roles to include teaching, composing, or arranging music, while others may pursue leadership positions within ensembles or music organizations. Some percussionists also develop solo careers or specialize in unique genres or world percussion styles. Advancement often depends on building a strong reputation, networking within the industry, and continually developing your skill set. This wide range of possibilities makes Percussion Performance a dynamic and rewarding career path for those passionate about music.

What is a Percussion Performance job?

A Percussion Performance job involves playing percussion instruments in live or recorded settings, such as orchestras, bands, theater productions, or studio sessions. Percussionists may perform with drum sets, mallet instruments, hand percussion, or orchestral percussion. They often collaborate with other musicians, interpret sheet music, and sometimes improvise. Professional percussionists must maintain strong technical skills, timing, and versatility across different musical styles. Many also teach, compose, or arrange music as part of their career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Percussion Performance position, and why are they important?

To excel in Percussion Performance, strong musicianship, rhythmic precision, and proficiency in a variety of percussion instruments are essential, typically demonstrated through formal music training or a degree in music performance. Familiarity with percussion notation, metronomes, and digital audio workstations (DAWs) is often required for rehearsals and recordings. Collaboration, adaptability, and effective communication are key soft skills for working within ensembles and orchestras. Mastery of these abilities ensures high-quality performances and seamless integration within musical groups or production settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Percussion Performance jobs in California? The most popular types of Percussion Performance jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Percussion Performance jobs in California? For Percussion Performance jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Percussion Performance jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Percussion Performance jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Percussion Performance jobs? Cities in California with the most Percussion Performance job openings:
Infographic showing various Percussion Performance job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% Full Time, and 77% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,355 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

CSPA Percussion Faculty

Colburn

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$60 - $85/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
Teach group/percussion classes and individual lessons to percussion students at elementary through advanced levels. Lessons and group classes will take place for 32 weeks at a mutually agreeable time.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Teach percussion to students at elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels.
  • Actively participate as needed in recruiting students new to the Colburn School and work to foster relationships in the community.
  • Coach sectionals as needed for both the bands and orchestras on Sunday.
  • Encourage student participation in Colburn ensembles as appropriate.
  • Select appropriate repertoire for students.

  • Hold parent meetings/conferences to address student problems or issues, as needed.
  • Provide counseling related to students' musical development.
  • Perform administrative tasks associated with students' attendance and performance records.
  • Manage CSPA percussion inventory.

  • Work closely with Community School staff to give support and guidance to students on their musical path.

  • Assist students with recording sessions for auditions, competitions, etc.
  • Participate in activities such as, but not limited to, Friday Night Recital adjudication, faculty recitals, departmental auditions and juries, workshops, and meetings.

  • Other related duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Education and/or Experience:
  • An undergraduate or graduate degree in music. Combined experience/education may be substituted for minimum education.
  • Prior experience teaching percussion students is required in a group and individual setting.

  • Ability to contribute to a positive, supportive team environment required.
  • Ability to work with a diverse student population required.

  • Ability and desire to network with faculty and those in the community to recruit students from the greater Los Angeles community.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with very diverse faculty, staff, and students.

  • Ability to contribute to a positive, supportive team environment required.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Highly organized.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Physical:
Must be able to see, hear, feel, and use hands to type and grasp objects with fingers. Primarily sedentary with intermittent standing, walking, bending, and stooping; occasional light lifting and carrying of objects weighing 25 pounds or less; light to heavy repetitive use of hands, wrists and forearms while working on a computer.
Emotional:
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships involving interactions and communications personally, by phone and in writing with a variety of individuals and/or groups of individuals from diverse backgrounds on a regular, on-going basis; ability to concentrate on detailed tasks for extended periods of time and/or intermittently while attending to other responsibilities; ability to work effectively under pressure on multiple tasks concurrently while meeting established deadlines and changing priorities.
Working conditions:
Primarily indoor office environment; frequent contact with and interruptions by individuals in person or by phone.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a part-time, non-exempt, onsite position. The hourly pay range is $60.00 to $85.00 commensurate with skills, experience, and ability level. The Colburn School offers paid sick leave and a 403(b)-retirement plan, subject to eligibility requirements.
TO APPLY
Applicants should submit the following materials through the Colburn School's Careers portal at www.colburnschool.edu/careers.
  • Cover letter
  • Statement of Teaching Philosophy
  • CV

ABOUT THE COLBURN SCHOOL
The Colburn School is a world-renowned performing arts institution located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Its mission is to provide the highest quality performing arts education at all levels of development in music and dance, and to foster a vibrant community through a wide range of performances, events, and educational activities.
The Colburn School trains students, from beginners to those about to embark on professional careers. Each year, more than 2,000 students from around the world come to Colburn to benefit from the renowned faculty, exceptional facilities, and focus on excellence that unites the community.
The academic units of the school provide a complete spectrum of music and dance education:
Conservatory of Music - The diploma- and degree-granting Conservatory of Music is distinguished by a unique all-scholarship model, renowned faculty, and outstanding performance opportunities. It prepares the highest level of collegiate musicians for professional careers.
The Music Academy is a highly selective training program for gifted young pre-collegiate musicians, designed to prepare students for conservatory study and performing careers at the highest levels of achievement. This residential program balances performance, musical instruction, and academics.
The Community School of Performing Arts welcomes students of all ages, from seven months old to adults. It offers over 120 classes each year in orchestral instruments, piano, guitar, voice, jazz, music theory, drama, and ensembles including orchestra, choir, and chamber music.
The Trudl Zipper Dance Institute develops performers of all levels, from the pre-professional ballet program in the Dance Academy to beginners starting in Youth Dance. Students of all levels receive training in ballet, tap, and modern genres as part of a comprehensive dance education.
Center for Innovation and Community Impact was created to empower the musical and dance leaders of tomorrow by nurturing students' passion and ability to serve their communities, preparing them for sustainable careers, and embracing the development of innovative ideas. The Colburn School partners with 15 Los Angeles Unified School District schools, 13 of which receive Title I funding, to provide interactive and engaging concerts and instructional sessions to 5,000 students every year.
The Colburn School is currently constructing a transformational addition to our downtown Los Angeles campus, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry with acoustics by acclaimed Nagata Acoustics. This monumental project reflects a deep commitment to both the community and our students and will feature world-class performance venues and innovative learning spaces that foster collaboration and interdisciplinary partnerships throughout the region.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.