MightyRecruiterIt’s the job of musicians to play instruments as well as sometimes sing songs for both live audiences and during recording sessions. Musicians are needed across a variety of music genres, including jazz, gospel, electronica, heavy metal and R&B. These professionals are also expected to practice their craft so they can always perform at their best and improve upon their current skill level.
Your musician job description should include being willing to accept and learn from rejection as well as possessing the discipline necessary to better one’s technique and style. Another skill common for musicians is the ability to work with a variety of people and personalities.
You might want to point out in your musician job description that you prefer applicants who are able to handle your rehearsal and performance schedules and any traveling that might be required. Finally, you might rather work with candidates who excel at self-promotion.
Musician Job Summary
Our nightclub is in need of a musician who’s familiar with playing the tenor saxophone and some knowledge of playing the bass, or at least a willingness to learn. We’ll rely on you to accompany our other musicians and entertain our audiences with professional and thrilling performances. The job also requires candidates looking to improve their skills and work with some of the leading jazz and neo-soul acts known both locally and worldwide. Your dedication and musical talent will be well-rewarded with financial compensation, comped meals, tickets to our shows as well as shows with our sister nightclub and opportunities for occasional travel across the country and to international destinations.
Job Responsibilities
- Play and sing for studio recordings and live audiences by reading sheet music, making changes as you see fit and as the performance requires
- Rehearse with the band at least three times a week and on your own when necessary to make performances as flawless as possible and to improve your personal technique
- Travel to local and long-distance venues as needed, also making no more than five international trips a year for various festivals
- Help promote the nightclub by making occasional appearances on the radio and on local media channels, participating in social media marketing campaigns (mostly photos and interviews)
- Play and sing at occasional weddings, private parties and club functions as needed
- Write your own music to record and perform for the band and for resident singers, offering creative and constructive suggestions for improvement when you see fit
- Provide vocals for singers to add harmony and support to the lead singer as it becomes necessary during the course of a performance
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- At least three years of experience performing with a professional jazz band
- Able to sight read music
- Willingness and dedication to practicing often
Preferred:
- Completion of an undergraduate music degree program (associate’s or bachelor’s)
- Some singing ability
- Solid listening and communication skills
Musician Job Responsibilities
Has hiring a musician got you singing the blues? Change your tune and find the right candidate for your position by crafting a tight and tidy musician job description. Musicians come in all flavors and sizes, so specificity and substance in the job responsibilities section is key. For example, are you looking for a cruise ship singer, a praise and worship band drummer or a classical pianist to provide ambiance for your board meetings? Obviously, these are very different types of musicians, and you should have a clear idea yourself about what kind of musician you need.
In the responsibilities section of your musician job description, list what style of music you expect to hear, such as classical, country, show tunes, etc. Many musicians are versatile and can competently perform in many styles, so don’t be shy. Also indicate the venue where he or she will be performing. A night club will attract a different applicant than a church gig. Other responsibilities could include teaching or leading a band. Choose the most important jobs your musician will perform and organize them in a bulleted list.
Here are some example musician job responsibilities:
- Provide appropriate musical accompaniment on piano or organ for worship services
- Play drums and mixed percussion for Parks and Rec department events
- Sing 4 shows a day on cruise ship, light pop and show tunes
- Perform and rehearse on electric guitar with punk band for bar gigs
Musician Job Specifications
Some musicians have years of conservatory training and some are completely self-taught. To hire the right kind of musician for your needs, write a clear and concise job qualifications and skills section for your musician job description. Consider aspects such as experience in different styles of playing, sight-reading or note-reading ability and arranging skills. Decide which qualifications are the priority and list them with bullet points in descending order of importance.
There are some unique musician job specifications that apply to particular instruments. If you are hiring a player of that instrument, you need to be aware of these qualifications. Unique qualifications might include a drummer having a van to haul his or her gear, a saxophonist owning all his or her own doubling instruments or a harpsichordist being able to tune his or her harpsichord. If you’re not sure what the special requirements for your musician might be, do a little research to make sure to cover your bases.
Check out this list of specifications for your musician job description:
- Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent experience
- Ability to sight read
- Great interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to adapt to changing programs on short notice
- Familiarity with improvising on the spot and taking requests
