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Professional Music Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provide consistent professional music therapy in accordance with company protocols and accepted certification practices * Effectively inform and educate our patients, staff, and facility partners ...

Berklee's Professional Music major provides students with the opportunity to blaze their own path, and synthesize a variety of skills, ranging from performing and songwriting to production and ...

Professional Music Teaching Association membership preferred. * Multiple instrument experience preferred. Love this gig and want to apply? Send your resume and cover letter today along with salary ...

Professional Music Teaching Association membership preferred. * Multiple instrument experience preferred. Love this gig and want to apply? Send your resume and cover letter today along with salary ...

Professional Music Teaching Association membership preferred. * Multiple instrument experience preferred. Love this gig and want to apply? Send your resume and cover letter today along with salary ...

Professional Music Teaching Association membership preferred. * Multiple instrument experience preferred. Love this gig and want to apply? Send your resume and cover letter today along with salary ...

Provide consistent professional music therapy in accordance with company protocols and accepted certification practices * Effectively inform and educate our patients, staff, and facility partners ...

Our programs are designed to harness the power of music therapy to enhance the lives of our clients, and we are seeking a dedicated professional who is capable of crafting unique and tailored music ...

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Professional Music information

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How much do professional music jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional music in the United States is $24.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional musician?

A professional musician is someone who earns a living by performing, composing, recording, or teaching music. This can include instrumentalists, vocalists, composers, arrangers, conductors, and music educators. Professional musicians may work independently, join bands or orchestras, or collaborate on various projects across genres. Their work often involves live performances, studio recordings, and sometimes writing or arranging music for themselves or others.

What is the difference between Professional Music vs Music Teacher?

AspectProfessional MusicMusic Teacher
Required CredentialsMusic degree, performance experienceMusic degree, teaching certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentConcert halls, recording studios, personal studiosSchools, private lessons, community centers
Employer & Industry UsageMusic industry, entertainment, freelanceEducational institutions, private clients
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Professional Music involves performing, recording, or composing music for entertainment or commercial purposes, often in a freelance or industry setting. Music Teachers focus on instructing students in music theory, instrument skills, and performance, typically within educational or private settings. While both roles require musical expertise and similar credentials, their work environments and career goals differ significantly.

What are some common challenges professional musicians face when collaborating with other artists or ensembles?

Professional musicians often collaborate with a wide range of artists, ensembles, and production teams. One common challenge is aligning creative visions and adapting to different musical styles or interpretations, which requires flexibility and strong communication skills. Scheduling rehearsals and performances can also be difficult, given the varied commitments among collaborators. Additionally, effective collaboration often involves navigating feedback and constructive criticism in a way that maintains a positive and productive working environment.

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

To thrive as a Professional Musician, you need advanced musical proficiency, a strong understanding of music theory, and often formal education or training in your instrument or vocal specialty. Familiarity with audio recording software, digital instruments, and music notation programs like Sibelius or Finale is typically required. Creativity, discipline, and strong collaboration skills set outstanding musicians apart in both solo and group settings. These skills ensure consistent high-quality performances, adaptability in diverse musical environments, and successful career management in a competitive industry.
What cities are hiring for Professional Music jobs? Cities with the most Professional Music job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Music jobs? The most popular types of Music jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Music jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Music jobs include:
Infographic showing various Professional Music job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,418 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Assistant Chair, Professional Music

Assistant Chair, Professional Music

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Berklee College Of Music rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description:
Berklee College of Music is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Chair of the Professional Music Department.The Professional Music Department at Berklee includes 5 full-time and 5 part-time faculty, 2 adjunct faculty, 1 full time staff employee, and over 330 Berklee students. As one of the largest majors at the College, Professional Music is an established program that offers a "design-your-own major/entrepreneurial approach" for students. The Department works closely with students to individualize their undergraduate program of study to be directly aligned with career goals. Further, the Department offers innovative instruction, regularly engages with music industry professionals, sponsors visiting artists and annual events, oversees Berklee Revelation Records (a student-run initiative), engages in community development, and provides opportunities for experiential learning.
Working under the direction and supervision of the Chair, the Assistant Chair provides leadership in the practical implementation of artistic and educational goals of the Division, with a focus on student support, as well as operations and augmented curricular offerings (e.g. guest artists, special presentations and events, etc.). The Assistant Chair reports to the Chair, as well as the Dean, and works closely with Division faculty, staff, and the Berklee academic and artistic community.
This is a 12-month administrative position with an expected start date of August 2026. Initial appointment is for three years.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Represent the department in administrative settings both within Berklee and externally, modeling professionalism and serving as a liaison among internal and external stakeholders.
  • Provide collaborative leadership in advancing departmental goals and initiatives that align with Berklee's academic mission, artistic vision, and student success priorities.
  • Support departmental operations and day-to-day logistical coordination to ensure smooth delivery of programs.
  • Advise students on academic progress, career goals, and artistic development, fostering an environment where all students feel seen, supported, and challenged.
  • Assist with faculty and staff recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, development, and evaluation, supporting an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture that fosters professional growth.
  • Support curriculum development, implementation, and review, ensuring academic rigor, industry relevance, and alignment with college-wide learning outcomes.
  • Promote student success and recruitment by participating in admissions outreach, prospective student engagement, and recruitment events, both on and off campus.
  • Coordinate and implement strategic projects that enhance the student experience, support innovation, and strengthen departmental systems or offerings.
  • Assist with faculty and staff recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, development, and evaluation, supporting an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture that fosters professional growth.
  • Organize and facilitate department-sponsored events, including guest artist/scholar visits, masterclasses, and community engagement opportunities.
  • Assist with the development of class schedules and teaching assignments for faculty
  • Advance Departmental goals
  • Assist with the management of Department budgets
  • Serve on Department, Division, and College committees
  • Facilitate Department-sponsored guest artists and events
  • Teach a minimum of one course per fall/spring semester
  • Maintain professional engagement
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
  • Expertise in Popular Music (R&B, Hip-Hop, K-Pop, Afrobeats, Latin, "World" etc.)
  • Strong administrative and leadership background in education, non-profit, or industry settings.
  • Proven ability to support a welcoming and collaborative community where all individuals feel valued and respected.
  • Effective interpersonal and communication skills, fostering relationships within academia, industry, and professional organizations.
  • Proficiency in technology for both administrative and instructional functions.
  • Ongoing professional engagement and leadership in the industry.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor, advise, and support students.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous teaching experience at college or university level.
  • Experience in curriculum development, assessment, and program management.
    Experience managing faculty and staff, including within a unionized environment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices.
  • Success in developing external partnerships or community engagement.
  • Experience in budget oversight and strategic planning.
  • Record of innovation and leadership in academia or the arts sector.

SUBMISSION PROCESS
Electronic applications only. Address your cover letter to: Professional Music Department Assistant Chair Search Committee, Attn: Toki Wright, Chair, Professional Music Department, Berklee College of Music. Candidates should submit:
  • A cover letter of interest outlining how background and qualifications meet position requirements
  • A curriculum vitae (including contact information for at least three references)
  • Note: Supporting materials may be requested as the search progresses-and may not be returned.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. This search will remain open for applications until the position is filled.
Hiring Rangre: $125,000 - $151,210
Berklee College of Music is committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:
We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.
*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*
Employee Type:
Chair