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Professional Musician Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ... About Music & Arts Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our ...

Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ... About Music & Arts Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our ...

Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ... About Music & Arts Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our ...

Music Therapist 2

Rochester, NY · On-site

$25.60 - $35.84/hr

Uses music therapeutically by incorporating professional expertise and knowledge related to human development and healthcare experiences. Continually evaluates effectiveness of interventions. Adheres ...

Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ... About Music & Arts Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our ...

Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ... About Music & Arts Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our ...

Be Seen First

Music Therapist

Penfield, NY · On-site

$43K - $55K/yr

Overview Harmony Creative Therapy is seeking a Board Certified Music Therapist to join our incredible team of professionals starting August or September of 2026. The therapist will be responsible for ...

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Professional Musician information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$5

$21

$48

How much do professional musician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional musician in Rochester, NY is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $28.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are good careers for professional musicians?

Professional musicians can pursue careers such as music teachers, session musicians, composers, music producers, or work in the entertainment industry. These roles often require strong technical skills, knowledge of music theory, and proficiency with recording and production tools. Many also find opportunities in musical theater, film scoring, or arts administration.

What is a professional musician?

Professional musicians are individuals who earn their living by performing, composing, recording, or teaching music. They may work as solo artists, members of bands or orchestras, or session musicians for various projects. Their work often includes live performances, studio recordings, collaborating with other artists, and continuous practice to maintain and improve their skills. Professional musicians may specialize in one or more instruments, vocals, or genres of music. Many also engage in teaching music lessons or workshops.

What are some common challenges professional musicians face when balancing practice, performances, and personal life?

Professional musicians often navigate the challenge of maintaining a rigorous practice schedule while managing frequent performances, travel, and personal commitments. Balancing these demands requires strong time management skills, the ability to adapt quickly to changing schedules, and self-discipline to ensure consistent practice. Collaboration with band members or ensembles also means coordinating rehearsals and performances, which can further complicate personal planning. Many musicians find success by establishing routines, setting clear priorities, and maintaining open communication with colleagues and loved ones.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional musician?

To thrive as a Professional Musician, you need advanced musical proficiency, performance experience, and often formal training in music theory or a relevant instrument or voice. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), music notation software, and recording equipment is typically expected. Creativity, discipline, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills help musicians collaborate and succeed in diverse settings. These skills and qualities enable musicians to perform at a high level, adapt to industry demands, and maintain a sustainable career.

What is the difference between Professional Musician vs Session Musician?

AspectProfessional MusicianSession Musician
CredentialsOften formal training or degrees in musicMay have similar training but focus on studio work
Work EnvironmentPerforming live, touring, recording, teachingStudio recordings, live sessions, remote work
Employer & Industry UsageOrchestras, bands, solo acts, teaching institutionsRecording studios, production companies, artists
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for versatile performers for live and recordingSeeking specialized studio performers for recordings

While both Professional Musicians and Session Musicians are skilled performers, Professional Musicians often engage in live performances, tours, and teaching, whereas Session Musicians primarily focus on recording sessions for various artists and projects. The roles overlap in skills and credentials, but their work environments and typical employment differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Musician jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Musician jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Professional Musician jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Professional Musician job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Musician job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,257 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Music Teacher Store 7333

Music & Arts

Rochester, NY • On-site

$10 - $20/hr

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Music & Arts rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 731 rated retailers


Job description

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching and inspiring students. With robust benefits, a commitment to innovation, and opportunities to grow your career, you’ll find a rewarding and impactful role here. We are looking for educators who are not only skilled musicians but also dedicated to empowering learners.
We believe that private lessons are the building blocks to a lifelong relationship with music. Our strong commitment to music education is fundamental to our business, and we work hard to find instructors who are experts in their instrument. We take care of all the administrative work so you can do what you do best: inspire learning and creating the next generation of musicians!

What You’ll Do:
As a Music Teacher, you will create an engaging, supportive, and safe learning environment where students thrive. You will:

  • Teach music lessons to students of varying ages and skill levels.
  • Build positive relationships with students and parents through regular communication, goal-setting, and progress updates.
  • Partner with store teams to schedule lessons and encourage student retention.
  • Share your musical expertise to inspire students and foster their growth.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or equivalent experience.
  • 2 years of music teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced degrees (Master’s or Doctoral) in Music.
  • Professional teaching memberships or certifications.
  • 8+ years of teaching experience, especially with multiple instruments (banjo, baritone, bass clarinet, bass guitar, bassoon, cello, clarinet, flute, French horn, guitar, mandolin, oboe, percussion, piano, piccolo, saxophone, string bass, trombone, trumpet, tuba, ukulele, viola, violin, and voice).

About Music & Arts

Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to create lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.
The first Music & Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD and run by founder Benjamin O'Brien. When Music & Arts opened its doors in 1952, we offered printed music, music lessons, dance lessons, and art supplies. Ben decided shortly after opening his business that he wanted to focus on music to better serve his customers -- a decision that remains intact to this day.
Since the 1990's, Music & Arts has expanded nationwide through organic growth and a series of acquisitions and mergers with other music dealers. In 2005, Music & Arts joined forces with American Music to become the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD, Music & Arts is now part of the Guitar Center enterprise and comprises 225+ retail stores, 200+ educational representatives, and 250+ affiliate locations.

Why Music & Arts? Here's just some of the rewards:
Pay Rate: $16.00/hr Non-Teaching Rate + $10-20/hr Teaching Rate depending on background and experience.

For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave--take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour! Music & Arts offers robust benefits and perks, including 401K plus company match, employee discount program, and more.


The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.


Additional Information:

Music & Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job? related requirements.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by sending an email to recruiting@guitarcenter.com


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