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Session Musician Jobs in San Rafael, CA (NOW HIRING)

The position is available during the summer 2018 session, located on the campus of Mills College in ... This may include poetry, literature, art, music, etc. Qualifications The successful candidate ...

Music and performing arts * Beauty and personal care * First aid, safety, and instructional ... Reliability and availability for a multi-session project * Relevant license or certification where ...

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Music and performing arts * Beauty and personal care * First aid, safety, and instructional ... Reliability and availability for a multi-session project * Relevant license or certification where ...

New

The position is available during the summer 2019 session, located on the campus of Mills College in ... This may include poetry, literature, art, music, etc. In addition to the salary, lodging and a ...

The positions are available during the summer 2019 session, located on beautiful Mills College ... Ability to teach a cultural /interdisciplinary module such as music, poetry, arts, calligraphy ...

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Session Musician information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$5

$24

$54

How much do session musician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for session musician in San Rafael, CA is $24.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

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 and reliability are essential in studio settings and live sessions.

What is a session musician's job?

A session musician is a professional hired to perform music for recording sessions, live performances, or broadcasts. They typically play instruments or sing, often working with producers, composers, or artists to achieve specific sound requirements, and must be skilled in reading music or improvisation. Their work is usually temporary and project-based, requiring flexibility and proficiency with various musical styles and equipment.

What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Session Musician jobs?

Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Session Musician job openings:

Infographic showing various Session Musician job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, 68% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 38% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 61% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,001 per year, or $24 per hour.

Teacher Special Programs (TSP) - Department of Music

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$120/hr

Other

Posted 24 days ago


University Of California Berkeley rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position overview
Salary range: $120/hr
Percent time: Part-Time at 10%
Anticipated start: Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Fall 2027
Review timeline: Appointments for Fall semester are usually reviewed in March, Spring semester in October, and Summer Session in February.
Please note: The use of a Teacher Special Programs pool does not guarantee that an open position exists. See the review date specified in AP Recruit to learn whether the department is currently reviewing applications for a specific position. If there is no future review date specified, your application may not be considered at this time.
Position duration: Semester
Application Window
Open date: July 28, 2026
Most recent review date: Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Tuesday, Jul 27, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Department of Music at the University of California, Berkeley invites applications for a pool of qualified temporary, part-time instructors to teach a range of instruments for one-on-one and/or group instruction. Teachers of Special Programs are hired as needs arise during the fall, spring and/or summer.
The majority of Teachers Special Programs positions are part of our private instruction program. It is a directed program of study, open mostly to music majors, by audition, which includes opportunities for large and small music ensembles, and private instruction. The student's program will be worked out in consultation with the supervising faculty, who will assist in finding an appropriate private instructor. The components of the private instruction program include providing lessons in the following areas:
• Instrumental Performance
• Jazz Performance
• Vocal Performance
• Basic Voice
• Vocal Technique
• Basic Piano for intending and current music majors
• Beginning Piano for Non-Music Majors
• Advanced Beginning Piano for Non-Music Majors
Other courses Teachers Special Programs may serve:
• Chorus and/or Chamber Chorus
• Early Music Performance
• Songs and Song-Writing
• Various Musical Practices Performance - Non-Western Instruments
Further positions include instruction on non-Western instruments in our Ethnomusicology labs, such as Music of Japan, Music of East Asia, Music of the Caribbean, Music of Bali, etc.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Individuals who may have had non-traditional career paths, may have taken time off for family reasons (e.g., children, disabled, or elderly), or have achieved excellence in careers outside academia (e.g., in professional or industry service) are encouraged to apply.
Department: http://music.berkeley.edu/job-opportunities/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
MA (or equivalent international degree), or 5 years of professional experience by date of application.
Preferred qualifications
Ability to support the success of all students through inclusive curriculum, classroom environment, and pedagogy.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Cover Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05469
Help contact: musichr@berkeley.edu
About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy ( APM 210 1-d ). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community , which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy .
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Berkeley, CA

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