Music Director Jobs
Music Director jobs are open across arts organizations, houses of worship, schools, and entertainment companies, from assistant and associate levels to executive director, with specializations in choral, orchestral, theatrical, and liturgical music. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 56+ Music Director jobs
POSITION ADVERTISEMENT
VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MUSIC & DIRECTOR OF BANDS
The Visual and Performing Arts Department at Graceland University is seeking a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music serving as Director of Band, 9-month contract, starting August 2026 on the Lamoni, Iowa, campus. The successful candidate will join our supportive music and theatre faculty efforts to grow the fledgling Performing Arts major and will be considered for renewal as tenure-track, full-time Assistant Professor of Music & Director of Band upon successful completion of their first year.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Conducting, Music Education, or an allied field is preferred. Doctoral candidates who are finishing up their dissertation are also welcome to apply.
- Keyboard skills a plus.
- Evidence of artistic programming that demonstrates knowledge in diverse band repertoire for varying skill levels.
- Record of successful teaching and commitment to undergraduate teaching of Performing Arts majors and non-majors at a liberal arts institution.
- Record of or interest in collaborating with Performing Arts areas such as Theatre and Dance.
- Evidence of developing and growing instrumental programs with engagement in community and regional outreach to support recruitment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Coordinate and direct all bands in rehearsal and in concert.
- Responsible for concert programming and managing band budget.
- Teach 12 credits per semester (Fall and Spring). Courses taught will be dependent on candidate’s strengths and interests; subjects taught might include Music History, Music Theory, Orchestration & Arranging, and Music Technology.
- All members of the Visual and Performing Arts Department contribute to and participate in student advising, department assessment and evaluation, program development, recruiting, and academic citizenship.
Application Process
Qualified applicants should complete the employment application and include:
- Cover letter or letter of interest
- Current curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts from all institutions of higher education
- Statement of teaching philosophy
- Three references (at least two which speak to the candidates teaching ability).
- Links to performance and/or conducting videos required.
Review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Electronic submissions are required and can be submitted online through the application process or can be sent directly to: Kimberly Manuel, Division Chair, Department of Visual and Performing Arts, kmanuel@graceland.edu.
Graceland is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Graceland welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We’re looking for candidates who share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Graceland University is a small, historic, private, liberal arts institution situated in south central Iowa, approximately 70 miles south of Des Moines, IA and 120 miles north of Kansas City, MO.
POSITION ADVERTISEMENT
VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MUSIC & DIRECTOR OF BANDS
The Visual and Performing Arts Department at Graceland University is seeking a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music serving as Director of Band, 9-month contract, starting August 2026 on the Lamoni, Iowa, campus. The successful candidate will join our supportive music and theatre faculty efforts to grow the fledgling Performing Arts major and will be considered for renewal as tenure-track, full-time Assistant Professor of Music & Director of Band upon successful completion of their first year.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Conducting, Music Education, or an allied field is preferred. Doctoral candidates who are finishing up their dissertation are also welcome to apply.
- Keyboard skills a plus.
- Evidence of artistic programming that demonstrates knowledge in diverse band repertoire for varying skill levels.
- Record of successful teaching and commitment to undergraduate teaching of Performing Arts majors and non-majors at a liberal arts institution.
- Record of or interest in collaborating with Performing Arts areas such as Theatre and Dance.
- Evidence of developing and growing instrumental programs with engagement in community and regional outreach to support recruitment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Coordinate and direct all bands in rehearsal and in concert.
- Responsible for concert programming and managing band budget.
- Teach 12 credits per semester (Fall and Spring). Courses taught will be dependent on candidate’s strengths and interests; subjects taught might include Music History, Music Theory, Orchestration & Arranging, and Music Technology.
- All members of the Visual and Performing Arts Department contribute to and participate in student advising, department assessment and evaluation, program development, recruiting, and academic citizenship.
Application Process
Qualified applicants should complete the employment application and include:
- Cover letter or letter of interest
- Current curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts from all institutions of higher education
- Statement of teaching philosophy
- Three references (at least two which speak to the candidates teaching ability).
- Links to performance and/or conducting videos required.
Review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Electronic submissions are required and can be submitted online through the application process or can be sent directly to: Kimberly Manuel, Division Chair, Department of Visual and Performing Arts, kmanuel@graceland.edu.
Graceland is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Graceland welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We’re looking for candidates who share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Graceland University is a small, historic, private, liberal arts institution situated in south central Iowa, approximately 70 miles south of Des Moines, IA and 120 miles north of Kansas City, MO.
See All 56+ Music Director Jobs
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Find Music Director JobsMusic Director Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Sony Music Entertainment16
- Warner Music9
- Berklee College of Music6
- Wasserman Music4
- The Archdiocese of Philadelphia3
Top Industries Hiring
- Music23
- Education17
- Media & Entertainment7
- Government & Public Sector1
- Healthcare & Medical Services1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in music director jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in music, conducting, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated conducting experience with ensembles, orchestras, or choral groups
- Proficiency in score reading and arranging across multiple styles and genres
- Experience planning and executing full concert or liturgical seasons
- Strong rehearsal leadership skills with the ability to manage professional and volunteer musicians
- Familiarity with music production software and digital audio workstations
Tips for Your Music Director Job Search
Tailor your resume to the sector
A music director resume for a symphony reads differently than one for a church or a theater. Lead with repertoire depth for orchestral roles, community programming for nonprofits, and production coordination for theater. Swapping the emphasis takes thirty minutes and raises your callback rate.
Build a conducting portfolio that travels
Most music director searches require a video audition before any in-person call. Record two contrasting works, one choral or ensemble and one full orchestra or pit, so committees can assess your baton technique, cueing style, and stage presence without scheduling a visit.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists music director openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target openings by ensemble size
Filter your search by ensemble or congregation size before applying. Community orchestras and small houses of worship expect you to recruit and retain volunteer players, while larger institutions want proven experience managing paid musicians, union contracts, and multi-week season planning.
Prepare a programming philosophy statement
Many music director postings ask for a written or spoken programming philosophy before the first interview. Draft a concise statement that ties repertoire choices to audience development and community engagement, so you're not writing it cold when the posting asks for it in the materials.
Negotiate beyond base compensation
Music director offers often include housing allowances, recording budgets, guest artist fees, or professional development funds that are more flexible than base pay. Ask specifically about those line items during final discussions, especially at nonprofits and religious institutions where salary bands are tightly constrained.
Music Director Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most music directors?
The companies hiring the most music directors right now include Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music, and Berklee College of Music, with the largest share of openings in California, New York, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Demand is concentrated at arts nonprofits, religious organizations, school districts, and regional theater companies.
How many music director jobs are remote?
About 11% of music director openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, which is lower than many professional roles given the rehearsal and performance requirements of the job. Remote-friendly positions are most common in music supervision, music production direction, and educational curriculum leadership, where in-person ensemble presence is not required every week.
How do you become a music director?
Start by completing a degree in music or conducting, then build podium experience through community orchestras, youth ensembles, church choirs, or pit orchestras for local theater productions. Seek assistant or associate director roles to learn season planning and ensemble administration. Develop a conducting video, a programming philosophy, and professional references from conductors or artistic directors who can speak to your leadership in rehearsal and performance settings.
Can you get hired as a music director with little experience?
Yes, entry points exist, though they typically come through smaller organizations. Community choirs, houses of worship, school music programs, and youth orchestras regularly hire first-time directors who show strong musicianship, clear communication in rehearsal, and a credible plan for the ensemble's repertoire. Starting in an assistant or associate capacity at a larger institution is another common path that builds the resume before a lead director search.
What does the music director interview process look like?
Most searches begin with a materials review that includes a resume, a conducting video, and a written programming or artistic vision statement. Finalists are typically invited to lead a guest rehearsal with the ensemble and meet with a search committee, board members, or congregational leadership. A second visit or a public trial concert sometimes follows before an offer is extended, particularly for established orchestras or large religious institutions.
Where can I find and apply to music director jobs?
You can find and apply to music director jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find the roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing. No third-party redirects or extra steps are involved in the application process.
See All 56+ Music Director Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any music director role that fits.
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