5 answers
Lucas
Student
Sylvania, Ohio
1
Question
Updated
745 views
How do aspiring symphony musicians find gigs to freelance or auditions to take??
I am an aspiring music performance major and am wondering how to find gigs and auditions. Is it mostly word of mouth, or are there special places to look?
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5 answers
Amy Sarno
Manager, Philanthropy & Volunteerism
26
Answers
Corning, New York
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hi! One of my favorite websites is musicalchairs.info. This website has postings for competitions, performance jobs, teaching jobs, etc. for roles in the United States and around the world.
Steven Wright
Drummer
3
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Being an A list player is the key. Symphonies hire the best at their instrument(s) for the music that will be played. I'm sure you know your notes, but being a quick study with the ability to read music notation on the spot is instrumental. Auditions (cattle calls) can be brutal, so knowing beforehand what is expected of you is important. If possible, watch concert videos, study past performances. The better the prep, the less the stress. Attitude is also very important. Know your chosen instrument well, walk with upright confidence, and be humble about it. Be honest, but don't oversell yourself. Don't undersell yourself either. Like was mentioned, be confident, be honest, and play to the best of your ability. With a positive attitude and quality musicianship, even if you don't get the gig the first time, you will leave them with a good outlook, and you might get a call back or a referral. In this industry, things can very change quickly.
As was previously stated, the AFM (musicians union) is well worth looking into. Networking, jam sessions, getting your name out amongst your peers, and getting positive recognition. All those will work well in your future musical journey. Best of luck.
As was previously stated, the AFM (musicians union) is well worth looking into. Networking, jam sessions, getting your name out amongst your peers, and getting positive recognition. All those will work well in your future musical journey. Best of luck.
Larry Tasse
Pianist, Composer, Songwriter, Sound Designer
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Check out your local Musician Union or the Musicians Union of a Major City in your state.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lucas !
Your talent makes many people happy ! It is super awesome that you are taking an academic route for Music !
You should first ask your music professors about when you would be doing shows or concerts. Music Departments in college normally have projects for the students to do and this could be on campus or off campus, so you would have to work with your on campus Music Department about performances.
It sounds as though you are taking the right road towards preparing for the career, but right now may not be the best time to audition for symphony orchestras. You need to make the full commitment to obtaining your degree and going to a higher level with your performance which majoring in music will do. You may have to quit college if you get chosen for a symphony which sometimes requires travel. You'd have to sign a contract and who knows if you'd ever get back to college and how often you'd be chosen for symphonies ? You're doing the right thing right now by being in college.
Since you do not know how to start this career, I am guessing that you are in your first semester as a Music Major. A huge, enormous part of going to college for music is that your academic path teaches you how to start your career and everything about the music world. This is why one should wait till after graduation to start making commitments to companies. If your college is not providing you with practicums, concerts, shows, etc., think about transferring to a strong college music department. You may want to consider going to a Music Conservatory School where many orchestral musicians attend. College helps you develop technical proficiency, ensemble skills, and a deep understanding of music theory and history, all of which are essential for informed performance.
The career you have in mind requires many years of experience and practice, and you'll need to get lots of experience before auditioning. freelance playing, participation in summer festivals, and auditioning for orchestras at your own expense, including travel and accommodation costs. Auditions themselves are highly competitive, with dozens or even hundreds of applicants vying for a single position, and require mastery of challenging orchestral excerpts from the standard repertoire. It's a bit like the Acting career, but do not worry, if you give it time, you will reach your goals.
I would suggest that you stay local and do local fairs or events on the weekends or during the summer when school is not in session. I am not aware of the Sylvania, Ohio music world, but now may be a good time for you to start networking in your Music Department and out in the community. Connect with Sylvania Community Arts Commission, Sylvania Community Orchestra, Centennial Terrace, Maple & Main Art Festival, and Sylvania Arts.
Even in your first semester of majoring in Music, your professors give you feedback on your performances and could let you know if you're ready to audition anywhere. But it's not just talent for playing, it's endurance, too, as orchestral performance is very demanding.
By the time you reach your junior year in college, you are going to know all about auditions and how to start a career for symphony orchestra performance. Take it step by step. Connect with the community places I've mentioned and make stronger connections within your Music Department at college. Stay in college, graduate and get lots of practice, experience and build contacts for this career. You can do it if you use patience and give it time.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Your talent makes many people happy ! It is super awesome that you are taking an academic route for Music !
You should first ask your music professors about when you would be doing shows or concerts. Music Departments in college normally have projects for the students to do and this could be on campus or off campus, so you would have to work with your on campus Music Department about performances.
It sounds as though you are taking the right road towards preparing for the career, but right now may not be the best time to audition for symphony orchestras. You need to make the full commitment to obtaining your degree and going to a higher level with your performance which majoring in music will do. You may have to quit college if you get chosen for a symphony which sometimes requires travel. You'd have to sign a contract and who knows if you'd ever get back to college and how often you'd be chosen for symphonies ? You're doing the right thing right now by being in college.
Since you do not know how to start this career, I am guessing that you are in your first semester as a Music Major. A huge, enormous part of going to college for music is that your academic path teaches you how to start your career and everything about the music world. This is why one should wait till after graduation to start making commitments to companies. If your college is not providing you with practicums, concerts, shows, etc., think about transferring to a strong college music department. You may want to consider going to a Music Conservatory School where many orchestral musicians attend. College helps you develop technical proficiency, ensemble skills, and a deep understanding of music theory and history, all of which are essential for informed performance.
The career you have in mind requires many years of experience and practice, and you'll need to get lots of experience before auditioning. freelance playing, participation in summer festivals, and auditioning for orchestras at your own expense, including travel and accommodation costs. Auditions themselves are highly competitive, with dozens or even hundreds of applicants vying for a single position, and require mastery of challenging orchestral excerpts from the standard repertoire. It's a bit like the Acting career, but do not worry, if you give it time, you will reach your goals.
I would suggest that you stay local and do local fairs or events on the weekends or during the summer when school is not in session. I am not aware of the Sylvania, Ohio music world, but now may be a good time for you to start networking in your Music Department and out in the community. Connect with Sylvania Community Arts Commission, Sylvania Community Orchestra, Centennial Terrace, Maple & Main Art Festival, and Sylvania Arts.
Even in your first semester of majoring in Music, your professors give you feedback on your performances and could let you know if you're ready to audition anywhere. But it's not just talent for playing, it's endurance, too, as orchestral performance is very demanding.
By the time you reach your junior year in college, you are going to know all about auditions and how to start a career for symphony orchestra performance. Take it step by step. Connect with the community places I've mentioned and make stronger connections within your Music Department at college. Stay in college, graduate and get lots of practice, experience and build contacts for this career. You can do it if you use patience and give it time.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Priyanka Olikshetri
Real Estate Agent and Social Media Marketing Manager
4
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Priyanka’s Answer
Hi Lucas,
Finding gigs or auditions as an aspiring symphony musician can feel tricky at first, but it's definitely possible once you know where to look. A lot of opportunities actually come from networking and word of mouth, especially among musicians and teachers. Still, there are a few great places to start exploring:
Websites: Check platforms like Musical Chairs, Backstage, and Indeed (Music & Arts section) - they often post orchestra and freelance performance openings.
Networking: Attend local recitals, workshops, or masterclasses. Meeting other musicians and conductors often leads to unexpected chances ,people remember faces and dedication.
Social Media: Stay active on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn. Share clips of your performances or practice sessions; it helps others discover your talent and keeps you visible for potential collaborations.
Stay Prepared: Always keep an updated bio, resume, and audition video ready, sometimes opportunities appear last minute.
In this field, consistency and connection matter just as much as skill. Keep showing up, keep playing, and the right doors will start to open naturally.
Finding gigs or auditions as an aspiring symphony musician can feel tricky at first, but it's definitely possible once you know where to look. A lot of opportunities actually come from networking and word of mouth, especially among musicians and teachers. Still, there are a few great places to start exploring:
Websites: Check platforms like Musical Chairs, Backstage, and Indeed (Music & Arts section) - they often post orchestra and freelance performance openings.
Networking: Attend local recitals, workshops, or masterclasses. Meeting other musicians and conductors often leads to unexpected chances ,people remember faces and dedication.
Social Media: Stay active on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn. Share clips of your performances or practice sessions; it helps others discover your talent and keeps you visible for potential collaborations.
Stay Prepared: Always keep an updated bio, resume, and audition video ready, sometimes opportunities appear last minute.
In this field, consistency and connection matter just as much as skill. Keep showing up, keep playing, and the right doors will start to open naturally.