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Percussion Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Advanced technique and strong musicality on one's primary instrument (piano or percussion) * Ability to communicate effectively with the teacher, making necessary adjustments in tempo/rhythmic or ...

Advanced technique and strong musicality on one's primary instrument (piano or percussion) * Ability to communicate effectively with the teacher, making necessary adjustments in tempo/rhythmic or ...

Sign out equipment, open cabinets, and provide special gear (vibraphones, percussion instruments, microphone boxes, keyboards) to classrooms. * Assist faculty members with any class needs throughout ...

Signing out equipment, opening cabinets, providing special gear needs such as vibraphones, percussion instruments, microphone box and keyboards to classrooms. * Assisting faculty members with any ...

Leads clients through recovery sessions using techniques like assisted stretching, hypervolt percussion, and breathing drills * Reads, watches, and engages in all required training's associated with ...

Leads clients through recovery sessions using techniques like assisted stretching, hypervolt percussion, and breathing drills. * Reads, watches, and engages in all required training's associated with ...

Leads clients through recovery sessions using techniques like assisted stretching, hypervolt percussion, and breathing drills. * Reads, watches, and engages in all required training's associated with ...

Leads clients through recovery sessions using techniques like assisted stretching, hypervolt percussion, and breathing drills. * Reads, watches, and engages in all required training's associated with ...

Leads clients through recovery sessions using techniques like assisted stretching, hypervolt percussion, and breathing drills. * Reads, watches, and engages in all required training's associated with ...

Leads clients through recovery sessions using techniques like assisted stretching, hypervolt percussion, and breathing drills. * Reads, watches, and engages in all required training's associated with ...

Leads clients through recovery sessions using techniques like assisted stretching, hypervolt percussion, and breathing drills. * Reads, watches, and engages in all required training's associated with ...

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Percussion information

See Boston, MA salary details

$34.2K

$72K

$123.8K

How much do percussion jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for percussion in Boston, MA is $71,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $82,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Percussion jobs in Boston, MA?

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

What job categories do people searching Percussion jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Percussion jobs in Boston, MA are:

Infographic showing various Percussion job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,997 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Percussion Services Lab Monitor Temp

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA • On-site

$16.45/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Berklee College Of Music rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

588th of 623 rated colleges and universities


Job description

In order to participate in Berklee Student Employment, a student must fulfill the following requirements:
  • Current student at Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
  • Enrolled at least half-time in a degree, diploma, or certificate-seeking undergraduate or graduate program. Summer is the only semester in which a student can maintain employment without being enrolled. In this case, the student must be pre-registered for the upcoming fall semester. This exception does not apply to fall or spring semesters.
  • Have a valid United States Social Security Number (SSN).
  • Remain in "valid" Visa status as applicable.
  • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Students in their first semester can work, even though they do not have an official GPA until the completion of their first semester.
  • Federal Work Study student may apply.
  • In good disciplinary standing.
  • Must be located in the U.S.

For complete program details, please go to our website: www.berklee.edu/se.
*Please note that this position will be working on-campus and all students will have to adhere to the safety guidelines.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • signing in and out of practice rooms/gear and basic security of areas
  • hold student ID's during the time period of use, and check all rooms/instruments for damage or theft upon return
  • maintain log of room/gear use and report all damage to the Manager
  • clean and maintain all the percussion instruments and rooms
  • assist faculty and visiting artists with gear moves etc

Possible Additional Duties and Responsibilities:
Work-study will help clean, re-head, repair, transport, percussion department items during semester breaks or other times if available. Work-study may be called upon to work other Percussion Work-study shifts around the percussion department and help with the Percussion Festivals.
Knowledge and Skills Required:
Must be a Percussionist of some sort at the college. Basic skills of cleaning, repairing, tuning, maintenance, etc of drums, various percussion and mallet instruments, plus basic computer and organization skills.
Hourly Rate: $16.45
Hiring Manager: Matthias Lupri

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