Music Director Jobs in California
Music Director jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in performing arts organizations, K-12 and higher education, houses of worship, and entertainment production, with openings at every level from associate director to executive artistic leader. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego account for the largest share of hiring, where anchor institutions like the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, and major school districts across the state maintain ongoing demand. Choral conducting, orchestral direction, and music education leadership are the most consistently sought specialties. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 17+ Music Director jobs
INTRODUCTION
MUSIC·TEAM is a leading global agency representing prominent artists across all genres for live performance, touring, brand partnerships, and beyond. We are long-term career development strategists who work with artists to expand their reach and deepen their impact with audiences around the world.
MUSIC·TEAM is part of THE·TEAM. THE·TEAM operates at the epicenter of sports, music and entertainment, serving talent, brands and properties on a global scale. Headquartered in Los Angeles, THE·TEAM's presence spans 28 countries and more than 70 cities, including New York, London, Nashville, Chicago, Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Madrid, Mexico City, Toronto, Paris and Sydney.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Director, Tour Marketing (US) is responsible for developing & executing THE TEAM’s comprehensive, growth centric tour marketing program, as well as establishing and managing department responsible for achieving programmatic objectives, with an emphasis on driving sales around clients’ events.
Primary duties include developing, implementing and evaluating marketing and ticketing strategies focused on a variety of audiences with a primary goal of selling tickets and maximizing marketing budgets. Working with internal agent teams, managers, labels, tech partners, ticketing vendors and national and local marketing individuals to build timelines, organize & execute artist specific marketing including but not limited to digital, print, radio, tv and outdoor.
Position Overview & Job Description:
- Define the strategy of the overall tour marketing campaign w/ agents, managers, and partners (ie. Labels, consultants) and formulating the goals, strategy, and timeline as in relation to tour marketing
- Communicate the strategy, timeline, and additional marketing initiatives to national and local promoters and ticketing agencies in an organized and clear fashion, available to all partners internally and externally (i.e. promoter/marketing letter, tracking grids, etc.)
- Review and approve marketing plans/budgets by promoters in each market, monitor and adjust marketing strategy as needed in conjunction w/ local promoter & artist marketing teams
- Review and approve radio plans (if applicable) by promoters in each market in coordination w. label, management, and outside radio consultants. This includes, but not limited to, creation of radio spots where appropriate
- Review and approve localized artwork by promoters in coordination w/ agent and management. This includes, but not limited to, creation of assets, if needed, by various partners (ie. Global Tour Creative, Bill Young Productions, Tour Design, etc.)
- Oversee execution of marketing plans by each promoter, national and local, from announce to closeout. This includes, but not limited to, ticketing, radio, digital ad buying, social media, PR, and tech.
- Advise and execute on tour focused VIP initiatives where appropriate.
- Serve as a central point of contact and liaison for various stakeholders (promoters, labels, management, consultants etc.) for tour marketing purposes to communicate and execute initiatives and streamline marketing requests via a set timeline.
- Establish and manage relationships with national, regional, local promoter marketing teams + additional marketing partners (content/asset creation, on/off platform presale and ticketing vendors, tour listing & email marketing, credit card companies, media partners, etc.)
- Monitor and create institutional knowledge base around digital, marketing, and technology trends, as well as be a part of agency's relationship with digital & marketing service companies, products, and platforms to better serve our client tours in relation to tour marketing
- Work in tandem w/ SVP, Marketing (Head of Marketing) and full tour marketing team on developing new systems and processes to better and make our department more efficient
- Serve as a tour marketing consultant to various agent teams to advise on best practices and turnkey systems to execute tour marketing campaigns when department is not directly involved.
- Managing the interns that work in the tour marketing department (if applicable)
Other tour marketing department duties may be assigned.
Job Requirements
- Extensive experience in related role (minimum of 5 years of experience)
- Strong organizational and project-management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Solid knowledge of market and media buying, planning, digital marketing & social media marketing
- Ability to work with limited supervision and with multiple individuals in a fast paced and dynamic environment
- Ability to adapt to working with various stakeholders in a variety of environments
- Highly organized, detail oriented and comfortable working in a fast-paced and deadline driven environment while managing multiple priorities
- Must be always discrete and professional and maintain absolute confidentiality as this position regularly handles sensitive information
- Understanding of publicity, digital, radio, social media, tech as it pertains to tour marketing a must
- Knowledge of radio around tour marketing and promotions
- Experience in working in multiple genres in related role
- Tour marketing experience in APAC, South America and AUS/NZ a plus
WHAT WE OFFER
- Professional Development: Take advantage of our learning and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement support.
- Generous Time Off: Enjoy generous paid time off and holiday allowances to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
- Parental Leave: We provide paid parental leave to support your family during important life events.
- Retirement Plan: 401k plan including contribution matching.
- Healthcare: Medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, life and disability coverage options.
- Ancillary: Critical illness, identity protection, pet insurance, 529 plans and more
- Commuter Benefits: Access support for travel and commuting needs, where available
BASE SALARY: $80,000-$100,000, negotiable based on level of experience and qualifications.
THE·TEAM does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
INTRODUCTION
MUSIC·TEAM is a leading global agency representing prominent artists across all genres for live performance, touring, brand partnerships, and beyond. We are long-term career development strategists who work with artists to expand their reach and deepen their impact with audiences around the world.
MUSIC·TEAM is part of THE·TEAM. THE·TEAM operates at the epicenter of sports, music and entertainment, serving talent, brands and properties on a global scale. Headquartered in Los Angeles, THE·TEAM's presence spans 28 countries and more than 70 cities, including New York, London, Nashville, Chicago, Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Madrid, Mexico City, Toronto, Paris and Sydney.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Director, Tour Marketing (US) is responsible for developing & executing THE TEAM’s comprehensive, growth centric tour marketing program, as well as establishing and managing department responsible for achieving programmatic objectives, with an emphasis on driving sales around clients’ events.
Primary duties include developing, implementing and evaluating marketing and ticketing strategies focused on a variety of audiences with a primary goal of selling tickets and maximizing marketing budgets. Working with internal agent teams, managers, labels, tech partners, ticketing vendors and national and local marketing individuals to build timelines, organize & execute artist specific marketing including but not limited to digital, print, radio, tv and outdoor.
Position Overview & Job Description:
- Define the strategy of the overall tour marketing campaign w/ agents, managers, and partners (ie. Labels, consultants) and formulating the goals, strategy, and timeline as in relation to tour marketing
- Communicate the strategy, timeline, and additional marketing initiatives to national and local promoters and ticketing agencies in an organized and clear fashion, available to all partners internally and externally (i.e. promoter/marketing letter, tracking grids, etc.)
- Review and approve marketing plans/budgets by promoters in each market, monitor and adjust marketing strategy as needed in conjunction w/ local promoter & artist marketing teams
- Review and approve radio plans (if applicable) by promoters in each market in coordination w. label, management, and outside radio consultants. This includes, but not limited to, creation of radio spots where appropriate
- Review and approve localized artwork by promoters in coordination w/ agent and management. This includes, but not limited to, creation of assets, if needed, by various partners (ie. Global Tour Creative, Bill Young Productions, Tour Design, etc.)
- Oversee execution of marketing plans by each promoter, national and local, from announce to closeout. This includes, but not limited to, ticketing, radio, digital ad buying, social media, PR, and tech.
- Advise and execute on tour focused VIP initiatives where appropriate.
- Serve as a central point of contact and liaison for various stakeholders (promoters, labels, management, consultants etc.) for tour marketing purposes to communicate and execute initiatives and streamline marketing requests via a set timeline.
- Establish and manage relationships with national, regional, local promoter marketing teams + additional marketing partners (content/asset creation, on/off platform presale and ticketing vendors, tour listing & email marketing, credit card companies, media partners, etc.)
- Monitor and create institutional knowledge base around digital, marketing, and technology trends, as well as be a part of agency's relationship with digital & marketing service companies, products, and platforms to better serve our client tours in relation to tour marketing
- Work in tandem w/ SVP, Marketing (Head of Marketing) and full tour marketing team on developing new systems and processes to better and make our department more efficient
- Serve as a tour marketing consultant to various agent teams to advise on best practices and turnkey systems to execute tour marketing campaigns when department is not directly involved.
- Managing the interns that work in the tour marketing department (if applicable)
Other tour marketing department duties may be assigned.
Job Requirements
- Extensive experience in related role (minimum of 5 years of experience)
- Strong organizational and project-management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Solid knowledge of market and media buying, planning, digital marketing & social media marketing
- Ability to work with limited supervision and with multiple individuals in a fast paced and dynamic environment
- Ability to adapt to working with various stakeholders in a variety of environments
- Highly organized, detail oriented and comfortable working in a fast-paced and deadline driven environment while managing multiple priorities
- Must be always discrete and professional and maintain absolute confidentiality as this position regularly handles sensitive information
- Understanding of publicity, digital, radio, social media, tech as it pertains to tour marketing a must
- Knowledge of radio around tour marketing and promotions
- Experience in working in multiple genres in related role
- Tour marketing experience in APAC, South America and AUS/NZ a plus
WHAT WE OFFER
- Professional Development: Take advantage of our learning and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement support.
- Generous Time Off: Enjoy generous paid time off and holiday allowances to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
- Parental Leave: We provide paid parental leave to support your family during important life events.
- Retirement Plan: 401k plan including contribution matching.
- Healthcare: Medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, life and disability coverage options.
- Ancillary: Critical illness, identity protection, pet insurance, 529 plans and more
- Commuter Benefits: Access support for travel and commuting needs, where available
BASE SALARY: $80,000-$100,000, negotiable based on level of experience and qualifications.
THE·TEAM does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
See All 17 Music Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Music Director JobsMusic Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Music Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Sony Music Entertainment6
- Warner Music6
- Universal Music2
- Archdiocese of Los Angeles1
- Wasserman Media Group1
Top Industries Hiring
- Music10
- Media & Entertainment4
- Consulting & Professional Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in music director jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in music, conducting, or music education from an accredited institution
- Active California Commission on Teacher Credentialing authorization for school-based positions
- Demonstrated conducting experience with ensembles at the professional or pre-professional level
- Proficiency in score reading, orchestration, and rehearsal planning across multiple musical genres
- Strong organizational and budget management skills for programming and production oversight
- Experience collaborating with boards, development staff, or community partners on programming strategy
Music Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a music director in California?
The path depends on the sector. For K-12 or community college positions, California requires a valid credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, typically a Music Single Subject Teaching Credential, earned through an approved preparation program and the relevant subject-matter exam. For performing arts organizations and houses of worship, no state license is required, but a graduate degree in conducting or orchestral studies and documented ensemble leadership experience are standard expectations among California employers.
How much do music directors make in California?
Music directors in California earn a median of about $93,090 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $48,600 for the lowest 10% to over $175,670 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire music directors in California?
Employers hiring music directors in California right now include Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music, and Universal Music, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's density of professional orchestras, opera companies, large unified school districts, and faith communities means the hiring pool is broader and more varied here than in most other states.
Which California cities have the most music director jobs?
Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Ventura have the most music director openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its concentration of entertainment studios, a large unified school district, and major performing arts institutions, while San Francisco and San Diego anchor demand in Northern and Southern California respectively through their established symphony, opera, and choral organizations.
Are there remote music director jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 12% of music director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting that most of the role requires in-person rehearsal, performance, and ensemble leadership. The portions most likely to shift to remote or hybrid arrangements are administrative duties such as programming planning, grant writing coordination, and stakeholder communications.
How can I get hired as a music director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an associate conductor, assistant director, or section leader role within a community orchestra or large school district. California's major unified districts, including Los Angeles Unified and San Diego Unified, regularly post entry-level music staff positions that provide a foot in the door. Building a conducting portfolio through community ensembles, university choral groups, or summer festival programs strengthens applications significantly. Completing a California Single Subject Music Credential, even before a full-time opening appears, signals readiness to school-based employers and opens a parallel pipeline into education-sector director roles.
Where can I find and apply to music director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to music director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across performing arts organizations, school districts, houses of worship, and entertainment employers. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly.
See All 17 Music Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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