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Percussion Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Colburn

CSPA Percussion Faculty

Los Angeles, CA

$60 - $85/hr

  • Retirement

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.

Colburn

CSPA Percussion Faculty

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$60 - $85/hr

  • Retirement

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.

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All JobsPercussion JobsPercussion Jobs in California

Percussion information

See California salary details

$31.1K

$65.4K

$112.5K

How much do percussion jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for percussion in California is $65,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,400.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a percussionist typically collaborate with other musicians in an ensemble or orchestra setting?

Percussionists play a crucial role in ensembles and orchestras by providing rhythm, texture, and special effects. They work closely with conductors to ensure precise timing and often coordinate with other sections, especially the rhythm section and brass. Communication and adaptability are vital, as percussionists may switch between different instruments during a single performance and must be attentive to cues from both the conductor and fellow musicians. Collaboration is essential to achieve a cohesive sound and a successful performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a percussionist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Percussionist, you need strong musical proficiency, rhythm, and coordination, often supported by formal music education or specialized training. Familiarity with various percussion instruments, sheet music, and sometimes digital audio workstations or recording equipment is essential. Excellent teamwork, discipline, and adaptability are key soft skills for collaborating with other musicians and adjusting to different styles or performance settings. These skills ensure high-quality performances, effective collaboration, and professional versatility in diverse musical environments.

What is the difference between Percussion vs Drummer?

AspectPercussionDrummer
Required SkillsKnowledge of various percussion instruments, rhythm, and timingSpecialized in drum set playing, rhythm, and coordination
Work EnvironmentOrchestras, bands, studios, live performancesBands, orchestras, studio recordings, live shows
CertificationsNone typically required, but percussion-specific training helpfulNone typically required, but drum certifications or lessons common
Industry UsageBroadly used across genres, including classical, jazz, and popular musicPrimarily in bands, ensembles, and popular music settings

While both percussionists and drummers play rhythm instruments, percussionists have a broader focus on various percussion instruments, whereas drummers specialize in drum sets. Percussionists often work in diverse musical settings, while drummers are more common in band and ensemble contexts. Understanding these differences helps clarify job roles and expectations in the music industry.

What is a percussion?

Percussionists are musicians who play percussion instruments, which include drums, cymbals, xylophones, marimbas, tambourines, and many other instruments that produce sound when struck, shaken, or scraped. They play a crucial role in musical ensembles, providing rhythm, texture, and special effects. Percussionists often need to be versatile, as they may be required to play multiple instruments during a single performance or recording session.

What are the most commonly searched types of Percussion jobs in California?

The most popular types of Percussion jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Percussion jobs in California?

For Percussion jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Percussion jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Percussion jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Percussion jobs?

Cities in California with the most Percussion job openings:

Percussion jobs near you
Infographic showing various Percussion job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 32% Full Time, 64% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,403 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Percussion Teacher

Porterville Unified School District

Porterville, CA • On-site

$69K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Porterville Unified School District rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 631 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Job Summary
The Percussion Teacher works with assigned Middle/High School Band Director to coordinate the preparations, exercises, and activities of the percussion sections of marching, concert, and jazz bands and the winter percussion ensemble as assigned.
Requirements / Qualifications
Comments and Other Information
The District will correspond with all applicants via EMAIL ONLY.
PLEASE PROVIDE A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS.
1. Please read job description carefully, as there are minimum qualifications required to be considered for this position.
2. We appreciate and consider all applications, but will only contact candidates who are selected for a personal interview.
3. If offered employment with the District the candidate will be required to submit proof of negative TB test and LIVESCAN at their own cost.
4. Drug testing is required.
Porterville Unified School District Is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Porterville Unified School District does not discriminate in employment or any program on the basis the employee's/applicant's ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religious creed, color, mental or physical disability or genetic information age, religious creed, pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy or lactation, including related medical conditions and recovery; parental, family, or marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran or military status, sex, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

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