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Session Musician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Berklee College of Music

Session Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$20.64/hr

Current student at Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee. * Enrolled at least ... The Professional Writing and Music Technology Division is seeking engineers to join our Session ...

Berklee

Session Engineer

Boston, MA

$20.64/hr

Current student at Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee. * Enrolled at least ... The Professional Writing and Music Technology Division is seeking engineers to join our Session ...

La Musica Therapy

Music Therapist

La Crescenta, CA · On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Group Session Rate: $75 - $90 * Flexible Work Schedule: * Monday - Friday: 2 PM - 8 PM * Saturday ... Qualifications * Bachelor's degree or higher in Music Therapy * Board Certification from the ...

La Musica Therapy

Music Therapist

La Crescenta, CA · On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Group Session Rate: $75 - $90 * Flexible Work Schedule: * Monday - Friday: 2 PM - 8 PM * Saturday ... Qualifications * Bachelor's degree or higher in Music Therapy * Board Certification from the ...

LA Musica Therapy

Music Therapist

La Crescenta, CA · On-site

$35 - $55/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Group Session Rate: $75 - $90 * Flexible Work Schedule: * Monday - Friday: 2 PM - 8 PM * Saturday ... Qualifications * Bachelor's degree or higher in Music Therapy * Board Certification from the ...

HealthPartners

Therapist, Music

Stillwater, MN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Documents each patient music therapy session in the electronic medical record, EPIC, in a timely manner (same day of service). Documentation includes entering patient data which helps to establish ...

Compassus Hospice

Music Therapy

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

A healthcare provider called a music therapist talks to patients to learn more about their needs, music preferences and experiences, and designs each session specifically for the patient. They also ...

Lakeview Hospital

Therapist, Music

New Richmond, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Documents each patient music therapy session in the electronic medical record, EPIC, in a timely manner (same day of service). Documentation includes entering patient data which helps to establish ...

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Session Musician information

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How much do session musician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for session musician in the United States is $21.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a session musician do?

A typical day for a session musician often involves arriving at a recording studio, reviewing the music to be played, and performing tracks either solo or alongside other musicians under the guidance of producers or composers. You may be asked to sight-read new material, improvise, or adapt to last-minute changes in arrangements. Flexibility is key, as assignments can vary in musical style and length, sometimes requiring sessions at different studios or remote recording setups. Collaboration is common, so being able to communicate effectively and work efficiently with a variety of creative professionals is crucial for success in this role.

Are session musicians in demand?

Session musicians are generally in steady demand, especially in the recording, film, and live performance industries, where their skills are needed for studio recordings, concerts, and broadcasts. Opportunities often depend on industry trends, networking, and proficiency with various instruments and recording technology.

What is a session musician?

A session musician is a professional instrumentalist or vocalist hired to perform in studio recordings, live performances, or other musical projects without being a permanent band member. They are skilled in adapting to different styles and genres, often playing backing tracks for artists, commercials, film scores, or TV shows. Session musicians must learn material quickly and perform precisely, sometimes improvising or reading sheet music. Their work can range from short-term gigs to long-term collaborations, depending on the project.

How to get a job as a session musician?

To become a session musician, develop strong technical skills on your instrument, build a diverse portfolio by recording or performing with different artists, and network with industry professionals. Creating a demo reel and maintaining a professional online presence can also help attract opportunities. Flexibility, reliability, and the ability to read music or follow arrangements are important qualities for securing session work.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a session musician?

To thrive as a Session Musician, you need excellent musicianship, sight-reading ability, versatility across genres, and a strong understanding of music theory, often supported by formal training or extensive professional experience. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), recording studio equipment, and sometimes music notation software is common in the field. Reliability, adaptability, and strong interpersonal communication help session musicians collaborate effectively with producers, artists, and other musicians. These combined skills ensure that session musicians can quickly adapt to diverse recording projects and deliver high-quality performances on tight deadlines.

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Session Musician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Session Musician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 27% Full Time, 69% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 48% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 51% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,855 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Session Musician (Orchestral & Contemporary Instrumental)

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA • On-site

$20.60/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Berklee College Of Music rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

361st of 618 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.
As a student at Berklee, you're already passionate about music and eager to develop your skills. The Professional Writing and Music Technology Division is seeking musicians to join our Session Musician program that offers a unique opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience working with faculty and fellow musicians in a real-world recording studio environment.
This role is a direct pathway to a career as a professional session musician, providing invaluable experience that you can't get in a classroom alone. You will sharpen the critical skills that define a working pro, flawless reading, stylistic versatility, and studio etiquette, while building a network of musicians, composers, producers, and engineers. This is your chance to build your reputation and become a go-to player within the Berklee community.
This posting is for players with a classical/contemporary instrumental or orchestral skillset. Traditional orchestral instruments and playing techniques will be required, as well as some knowledge of modern extended techniques for your instrument.
What You'll Do (Responsibilities):
  • Collaborate with faculty and students on recording sessions, delivering high-quality performances.
  • Demonstrate excellent sight-reading and improvisational skills, adapting to orchestral and chamber music.
  • Maintain a professional demeanor and adhere to studio etiquette, ensuring smooth and efficient sessions.
  • Log session hours in Workday and adhere to scheduled times, developing reliable time-management skills.
  • Contribute to the creative process by offering ideas on phrasing, dynamics, and interpretation when appropriate.
  • Work closely with composers, producers, engineers, and conductors to capture the desired sound and feel.

What You Bring (Qualifications):
  • Must be eligible to work in the US and possess a social security number.
  • Excellent sight-reading skills are essential.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Willingness to work evening hours (typically 5:30pm-12am, depending on instrument).
  • Good communication skills and a collaborative spirit.
  • Successful completion of an audition demonstrating strong musicianship and versatility.
  • Must not be an RA (unless pre-approved by your supervisor).

What You'll Gain (Compensation):
  • Hands-on experience recording music with top-notch musicians
  • Opportunities to work directly with Berklee faculty and industry professionals
  • Development of your technical and creative skills as a session musician
  • Network with faculty and peers, opening doors to future collaborations and career opportunities.

By taking on this role, you'll gain experience that complements your academic studies at Berklee. This opportunity is designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a career as a professional session musician.
Hourly Range: $20.60/hour
Hiring Manager: Jemmy Shen

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