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Tuba Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Tuba information

See Tennessee salary details

$28.3K

$124.3K

$261.4K

How much do tuba jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for tuba in Tennessee is $124,263.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,710.00 and $146,860.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tuba?

Tubists are musicians who specialize in playing the tuba, the largest and lowest-pitched brass instrument. They perform in a variety of settings, including orchestras, concert bands, brass ensembles, and sometimes jazz or popular music groups. Tubists are responsible for providing the bass foundation in ensembles and often play both melodic and harmonic roles. Their skills include strong breath control, musicality, and the ability to blend well with other instruments.

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

To thrive as a Tuba Player, you need strong musical proficiency, sight-reading ability, and a solid understanding of music theory, usually backed by formal music education or training. Familiarity with ensemble performance, various tuba models, and music notation software like Sibelius or Finale is typical. Discipline, teamwork, and strong listening skills set outstanding tuba players apart. These skills are essential for delivering high-quality musical performances and collaborating effectively within orchestras or bands.

What are some common challenges a professional tuba player faces when performing in an orchestra?

Professional tuba players in orchestras often encounter challenges such as maintaining endurance during long pieces with sporadic entries, blending seamlessly with other low brass and woodwind sections, and adapting to various musical styles and conductors’ interpretations. They may also be responsible for transporting and caring for a large, delicate instrument. Additionally, tuba players frequently collaborate with other brass musicians to ensure a cohesive sound, making teamwork and clear communication essential.

What is the difference between Tuba vs Trumpet?

AspectTubaTrumpet
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized music trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; beginner to advanced music training
Work EnvironmentOrchestras, bands, studio recordingsOrchestras, bands, jazz ensembles, studio recordings
Industry UsageClassical, marching, jazzClassical, jazz, pop, marching

The Tuba and Trumpet are both brass instruments used in similar musical settings, but they differ in size, pitch range, and role within ensembles. The Tuba provides the bass foundation, while the Trumpet often carries the melody. Both require similar training and are common in orchestras and bands, but their sound and function are distinct.

Are tuba players in demand?

Tuba players are in demand primarily in orchestras, marching bands, and educational settings, but overall demand is limited compared to other instruments. Employment opportunities often depend on regional needs, experience, and the ability to perform in multiple musical roles or ensembles.
Infographic showing various Tuba job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 32% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 31% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,263 per year, or $59.7 per hour.

Part-time Instructor - Tuba Euphonium (Pool)

APSU, Inc.

Clarksville, TN • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Austin Peay State University invites applications for an adjunct professor of applied tuba and euphonium position. This is a part-time, 9-month teaching position commencing in August 2026.

The Department of Music at Austin Peay State University, an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music, enjoys a vital presence on campus, in the Clarksville community, and in the region. The Department boasts a nationally recognized and acoustically superior concert hall, along with outstanding performance, practice, rehearsal, and studio spaces. The Department of Music is an integral member of the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA https://apsu.edu/ceca/). A long-established state-funded initiative, CECA is designed to enhance the cultural environment of the university, community, and region through a diverse range of imaginative arts experiences.

The following degrees are offered: Bachelor of Music with concentrations in Performance, Music Education, Composition, and Music Therapy; Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Music; Master of Music with concentrations in Music Education, Performance, Collaborative Piano, Instrumental Conducting, and Choral Conducting. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

The successful candidate will:

  • Teach private tuba/euphonium lessons in all music degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

  • Teach other courses (Brass Methods, Music Theory, Introduction to Music, etc.) as appropriate depending on departmental needs and the candidate's expertise.

  • Participate in the assessment of juries, junior level hearings, and recital hearings.

  • Maintain an active and ongoing recruiting agenda for the department.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Organization

  • Attention to detail

  • Ability to work independently

  • Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated commitment to a collegial environment. 

Physical Requirements

  • Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Required Minimum Qualifications

- Master's degree with appropriate performing and teaching experience.

- Prior studio teaching experience. 

- A commitment to developing strong relationships with area schools and studio teachers.  

- Demonstrated aptitude for classroom teaching and personal concern for students and their achievement. 
 

Preferred Qualifications

Doctorate in an appropriate music field. 
 

Special Instructions to Applicants:

  • Each applicant must include a cover letter, CV, links to videos of recent performances, a list of three professional references, and unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts are required upon hire.

  • You will not be able to attach your letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts or any other supplemental document(s) nor modify your application after it has been submitted.

  • Review of materials will begin on June 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. 

  • A background check will be required of the successful applicant.

  • Please refer all questions to hr@apsu.edu 

Application Documents:

Required Documents

  1. Cover Letter

  1. CV

  1. Links to Recent Performances

  1. Unofficial Transcripts

  1. List of three professional references 


 

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 11,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 150,287 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.

Austin Peay State University is a proud supporter of hiring veterans. We hire veterans with equivalent experiences and pay grades from their military service, rather than requiring or preferring only college degrees. Please visit our website for more information on how veterans can qualify for additional employment opportunities at APSU: https://www.apsu.edu/human-resources/hiring-veterans/.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) prohibits discrimination in all employment, programs, and activities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. For Title IX inquiries or complaints, contact: Chief of Institutional Culture & Title IX Coordinator, LaNeeca R. Williams at williamslr@apsu.edu | 931-221-7690, Browning Building, Room 140, Clarksville, TN 37044. For other non-discrimination concerns, contact: Director of Institutional Culture & Title VI & Title VII Coordinator, Dr. Jo Baldwin at baldwinjapsu.edu | 931-221-7178 or Associate Director of Accessibility Compliance & ADA/504 Coordinator, Jayme Glover at gloverj@apsu.edu | 931-221-7160. View APSU's full nondiscrimination policy at Policy 6:001.