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Symphony Musician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Company Description Symphony 9 School is a music-focused school based in Lake Forest, California, dedicated to providing high-quality music education to learners of various ages and skill levels. The ...

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How much do symphony musician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for symphony 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 is a symphony musician?

Symphony musicians are professional instrumentalists who perform as part of a symphony orchestra. They play a wide range of classical and contemporary music under the direction of a conductor, often collaborating with soloists and other ensembles. Symphony musicians typically specialize in one instrument, such as violin, cello, trumpet, or flute, and are usually highly trained, often with advanced degrees in music. Their work includes regular rehearsals, live performances, and sometimes studio recordings. Being a symphony musician requires technical excellence, the ability to work as part of a team, and dedication to continual improvement.

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

To thrive as a Symphony Musician, you need advanced proficiency on your instrument, a solid understanding of music theory, and often a degree from a conservatory or music school. Familiarity with standard orchestral repertoire, sight-reading, and use of digital sheet music platforms are commonly required. Teamwork, discipline, and the ability to take constructive feedback help musicians integrate effectively within the orchestra. These skills ensure precise performances, cohesive ensemble sound, and professional growth in a highly competitive field.

What are some common challenges symphony musicians face when preparing for concerts, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Symphony musicians often encounter challenges such as mastering complex repertoire within tight rehearsal schedules, blending seamlessly with the ensemble, and managing performance anxiety. To overcome these, musicians typically engage in focused individual practice, attend all scheduled rehearsals, and communicate closely with section leaders and the conductor. Additionally, many find it helpful to study scores in advance and use mental practice techniques to build confidence. Maintaining good physical health and using stress management strategies also contribute to consistent, high-level performances.

What is the difference between Symphony Musician vs Orchestra Conductor?

AspectSymphony MusicianOrchestra Conductor
Required CredentialsMusic degree, audition successMusic degree, conducting certification, leadership skills
Work EnvironmentPerforming in symphony halls, rehearsalsLeading rehearsals, conducting performances
Employer & Industry UsageOrchestras, symphony organizationsOrchestras, opera houses, concert halls
Common Search & ComparisonSymphony Musician vs Orchestra Conductor

Symphony musicians perform as part of an ensemble, focusing on mastering their instrument and playing in harmony. In contrast, orchestra conductors lead the ensemble, interpret the music, and direct rehearsals and performances. Both roles require a strong musical background, but conductors need additional leadership and conducting skills. While symphony musicians are essential performers, conductors serve as the artistic leaders of the orchestra.

Do symphony musicians have other jobs?

Symphony musicians often have other jobs or side gigs, especially during periods of low employment or to supplement income. Many also teach private lessons, conduct workshops, or perform in other musical settings to diversify their income sources.

How do you become a symphony musician?

To become a symphony musician, individuals typically complete a bachelor's degree in music or a related field, gain experience through auditions and performances, and develop advanced technical skills on their instrument. Many also participate in competitions, internships, or apprenticeships to build their credentials and network within the industry.

How much do symphony musicians get paid?

Symphony musicians' salaries vary based on experience, location, and the orchestra's size, but they typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually. Principal players and those in major orchestras tend to earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and performance bonuses.
More about Symphony Musician jobs

What states have the most Symphony Musician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Symphony Musician jobs include:

Infographic showing various Symphony Musician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,855 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Executive Assistant to the Music Director

SAN-Francisco-Symphony

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$84 - $92/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Executive Assistant to the Music DirectorArtistic OperationsArtistic PlanningWork Status:Full TimeFLSA Status:ExemptLocation of Job:Davies Symphony HallSan Francisco, CASalary:Pay Grade H$84,486 โ€“ 91,940Schedule:HybridRegular Hours:9 am-5 pm; regular evenings and weekendsReports To:Senior Director, Artistic PlanningSupervisory:NoTHE ORGANIZATIONThe San Francisco Symphony is among the most adventurous and innovative arts institutions in the United States, celebrated for its artistic excellence, creative performance concepts, award-winning recordings, and standard-setting education and community engagement programs. Since it was established in 1911, the Symphony has grown in acclaim under a succession of distinguished music directors: Henry Hadley, Alfred Hertz, Basil Cameron, Issay Dobrowen, Pierre Monteux, Enrique Jordรก, Josef Krips, Seiji Ozawa, Edo de Waart, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Esa-Pekka Salonen.The San Francisco Symphony presents more than 200 concerts and presentations annually for an audience of nearly 350,000 in its home of Davies Symphony Hall and around the Bay Area. A cornerstone of its mission, the San Francisco Symphony provides some of the most extensive education and community programs offered by any American orchestra. The Symphonyโ€™s free music education experiences engage students in grades 1โ€“12 throughout the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), serving more than 25,000 students annually.In 2001, the SF Symphony became the first American orchestra to launch its own in-house record label SFS Media. Recorded live in concert and engineered at Davies Symphony Hall, SFS Media recordings showcase music by contemporary composers as well as core classical masterworks. San Francisco Symphony radio broadcasts, the first in the nation to feature symphonic music when they began in 1926, today carry the Orchestraโ€™s concerts across the country. In 2004, the SF Symphony launched the groundbreaking multimedia Keeping Score series on PBS-TV and the web; the series was made available for unlimited free streaming on the Symphonyโ€™s YouTube channel in 2020. In 2014, the San Francisco Symphony inaugurated SoundBox, an experimental and eclectic live music series, which takes place in an alternative performance space located backstage at Davies Symphony Hall. In 2023, the San Francisco Symphony partnered with Apple for the launch of a new classical music streaming app, Apple Music Classical, and has since released 15 spatial audio recordings of live concert performances through the app. For its adventurous programming, the Symphony has been honored 19 times by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, and the Symphonyโ€™s recordings have garnered Franceโ€™s Grand Prix du Disque and Britainโ€™s Gramophone Award, as well as 17 Grammy Awards.JOB SUMMARYThe Executive Assistant to the Music Director provides executive administration for the San Francisco Symphonyโ€™s Music Director (MD). The position serves as the main point of contact for internal and external constituents and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Music Directorโ€™s Office. The position facilitates communication, troubleshoots and maintains relationships with key stakeholders and associates to support the SFSโ€™ and MDโ€™s artistic goals and objectives. The position works with the Senior Director of Artistic Planning (SDAP) and other department heads to help MD prioritize meetings and requests. This position also provides project management and administrative support to the Artistic Planning team, especially in periods when the Music Director is not present in San FranciscoESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIESProvides all executive administration for MD. Oversees daily operations of the office of the Music Director (MD) at the Symphony and liaises regularly with MDโ€™s management to ensure calendars and schedules are coordinated.Provides focused support at every SFS rehearsal, concert, and meeting involving the MD to ensure smooth participation at events.Maintains and coordinates MDโ€™s SFS and yearly calendar and schedule: rehearsals, concerts, community appearances, fundraising events, receptions, meetings with staff members, board constituents, musicians, guest artists, etc.Prepares MD for appointments, meetings and rehearsals: Manages schedule distribution among staff and departments. Maintains open and direct communication with all branches of the San Francisco Symphony on behalf of the MD.Assists MD with project notes and edits.Acts as liaison to symphony librarians and works with library to keep current the status of MDโ€™s orchestral parts and scores.Supports Artistic Operations department on semi-staged programs and other MD initiatives as assigned.Performs musical research and production assistance on special projects as needed.Serve as primary liaison with all SFS departments/staff to assist with matters such as requests for personal appearances/interviews, scheduling of auditions, meetings for various operational issues (staging, tour requirements, etc.), and related issues. Prioritizes requests to ensure most efficient use of Music Directorโ€™s time.Keeps MD informed and updated without regard to location, either onsite at the SFS or at other locations.Ensures that administrative and personal support needs are met, including correspondence, record-keeping, ticketing requests, travel arrangements, etc.Manages MDโ€™s guests and visitors.Acts as liaison with staff of other major music institutions and the MDโ€™s management, including other organizations with which the MD has artistic and business relationships.Provides secondary administrative support to SDAP and Artistic Planning team primarily in weeks when the MD is not present in San Francisco.Arrange, accompany, and facilitate seamless local ground transportation and travel logistics for the Music Director in connection with Symphony functions.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSA minimum of 3-5 yearsโ€™ experience working as part of an Artistic Planning/Operations Team, or as an Executive Assistant to a CEO/Music Director (or to someone of an equally high level), ideally in the world of classical music.Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Power Point.Ability to professionally and diplomatically communicate and interact with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.Strong situational awareness; able to work discreetly, independently and display good judgment in dealing with diverse personalities and potentially difficult situations.Valid California driverโ€™s license preferred and satisfactory results of a complete background investigation.Must be available to regularly work flexible hours, particularly weekends and evenings.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESNoneWORKING RELATIONSHIPSThe internal and external constituents with whom this position most frequently interacts include:Artistic Planning teamArtistic Operations, Development, and Communication departmentsChief Executive Officer and their Executive AssistantAll other SFS administrative departmentsMusic DirectorMusic Directorโ€™s management teamGuests and visitors of the Music DirectorSFS Board membersGuest artistsEEO STATEMENTIn alignment with the values statement above, the San Francisco Symphony is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr