Music Archivist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of digital proliferation, the role of music archivists has become increasingly significant.

As our musical heritage continues its migration into digital realms, there’s a growing demand for skilled professionals who can collect, preserve, and interpret our rich musical history.

But what exactly does a music archivist do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager trying to delineate the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the preservation of musical legacies,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable music archivist job description template, designed for simple posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Music Archivist Duties and Responsibilities

Music Archivists manage, preserve, catalog, and make accessible music collections and related materials.

They provide research assistance and ensure the integrity of music history by preserving relevant documents and media.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Acquiring, cataloging, and preserving a wide variety of music materials including audio, video, manuscripts, and digital files
• Assessing and evaluating music materials for their historical or cultural importance
• Providing access to music collections for researchers, students, artists, and the public
• Planning and implementing preservation strategies for music collections
• Digitizing music materials to ensure their longevity and accessibility
• Conducting research and providing consultation on music history
• Developing and managing music databases, ensuring their accuracy and consistency
• Collaborating with other archivists, librarians, and professionals in related fields
• Presenting or exhibiting music collections to promote public awareness and appreciation
• Securing funding and managing budgets for music archive projects

 

Music Archivist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Music Archivist to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for cataloguing, preserving, and managing our extensive music collection.

This role requires a deep understanding of various genres of music, as well as an appreciation for the historical significance of various recordings.

The ideal candidate has a background in music history or library sciences, a meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for preserving musical heritage.

 

Responsibilities

• Acquire, catalog, and preserve music materials in various formats, including records, CDs, tapes, and digital files
• Maintain a systematic, accurate, and up-to-date database of the music collection
• Research and authenticate music materials and their historical significance
• Facilitate access to the music collection for research and public use
• Work with other professionals in digitizing the music collection
• Manage the storage and preservation conditions of the music collection
• Develop and implement policies for music acquisition and preservation
• Conduct presentations and exhibitions showcasing the music collection

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Library Sciences, or related field
• Experience working in an archive, library, or museum environment
• In-depth knowledge of music and its historical context
• Proficiency in cataloging and archival best practices
• Excellent organizational and research skills
• Proficiency in database management
• Ability to handle delicate and valuable items with care

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Music Archivist
• Work Environment: Climate-controlled archive setting. Occasional travel may be required for acquisitions or conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Archives.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Music Archivist Do?

Music Archivists work primarily in cultural institutions such as museums, libraries, universities, and government agencies.

They can also work in the music industry for record labels, music publishers, or artist management companies.

Their key role is to collect, organize, preserve, and make accessible collections of musical recordings, scores, and memorabilia.

This could range from original music compositions, commercial releases, live concert recordings to personal collections of notable musicians.

Music Archivists often conduct research to authenticate and appraise historical music items and documents.

They may also develop catalogs, indexes, and guides to make the music collections easily accessible for researchers, students, artists, and the public.

Additionally, Music Archivists work closely with musicologists, historians, and curators to create exhibits or presentations related to their collections.

They play a crucial role in the preservation and understanding of musical history and heritage.

Depending on the nature of the collection, a Music Archivist may also need to have expertise in audio and video restoration and digitalization techniques, to ensure the long-term survival of music in various formats.

They may also be required to oversee copyrights and permissions related to the music collection.

 

Music Archivist Qualifications and Skills

A music archivist should have a unique blend of technical knowledge, musical understanding, and organizational skills, such as:

• Strong understanding of music history, genres, and artists to accurately categorize and label archived materials
• Technical knowledge in digital archiving and data management techniques to maintain, restore, and preserve digital and physical music records
• Exceptional organizational skills for cataloging and systematizing the music archive, ensuring easy access and retrieval
• Research skills to validate the authenticity and significance of music materials and to stay updated on new music trends and releases
• Attention to detail to handle delicate physical materials and to ensure accuracy in digital conversion and cataloging processes
• Interpersonal and communication skills to liaise with musicians, record companies, and institutions, and to present findings or explain archives to interested parties
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot any issues related to the archiving process such as technical difficulties or missing information
• Passion for music and cultural preservation to continually drive the collection and preservation of valuable musical artifacts

 

Music Archivist Experience Requirements

The role of a Music Archivist typically requires a degree in music, musicology, library science, or a related field, paired with some years of practical experience in the field of music archiving.

Entry-level candidates may need 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships or part-time roles at music libraries, museums, or music archives.

They may have gained experience in tasks such as cataloging, digitizing music materials, and conducting archival research.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience are often expected to have developed their technical skills in music archiving, including digitization, preservation techniques, cataloging, and knowledge of copyright laws.

They might have had roles like Music Librarian or Assistant Archivist.

Music Archivists with more than 5 years of experience are often required to have leadership experience, which might include managing a team of archivists, overseeing large-scale archiving projects, or curating music exhibits.

They may also be expected to have knowledge of music history and an understanding of various music genres.

Additionally, experience with specific software and databases used in archiving can be a crucial requirement for many Music Archivist roles.

 

Music Archivist Education and Training Requirements

Music Archivists typically require a bachelor’s degree in music, musicology, history, library science, or a related field.

A strong knowledge base in music history, genres, artists, and notations is essential.

Familiarity with different types of musical recordings and formats, from vinyl records to digital files, is also necessary.

For higher positions, a master’s degree in library and information science, musicology, or archival science is usually preferred.

This provides a more specialized understanding of how to organize, preserve, and access music archives.

Training in the use of databases, digitization, and audio preservation techniques is critical.

As the field grows more digital, skills in digital archiving and the use of related software are highly desirable.

Certification programs, while not always required, could provide an advantage.

These could be in areas such as records management, archival studies, or digital curation.

Additionally, interpersonal skills are essential as music archivists may deal with musicians, researchers, and the public.

They must also stay updated on copyright laws and ethical considerations in handling and accessing archival materials.

 

Music Archivist Salary Expectations

A Music Archivist earns an average salary of $49,500 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the complexity of the work, the location, and the funding of the institution they are working for.

 

Music Archivist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are needed to become a Music Archivist?

A bachelor’s degree in library science, music history, or a related field is usually required.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in library or information science, with a concentration in archival studies.

Specialized knowledge of music and music history is also essential, and proficiency in one or more foreign languages may be beneficial.

 

What are the daily duties of a Music Archivist?

Music Archivists are responsible for the acquisition, preservation, and provision of access to music-related collections.

This includes cataloguing and organizing materials, digitizing analog recordings, maintaining databases, conducting research, and assisting researchers and patrons.

They may also present lectures or exhibitions related to the collection.

 

What skills does a Music Archivist need?

Music Archivists need to have a broad knowledge of music history, various musical genres, and archival theory and practices.

They should be familiar with library cataloguing systems and have strong computer skills, including database management and digitization techniques.

Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are also important.

 

What should you look for in a Music Archivist resume?

Look for a degree in library science, music history, or a related field, and any additional education in archival studies.

Experience working in a library, museum, or archive, especially with music-related collections, is a strong asset.

Skills in cataloguing, database management, and digitization should be highlighted, as well as any experience with public outreach or exhibitions.

 

What qualities make a good Music Archivist?

A good Music Archivist has a passion for music and music history, and is motivated to preserve this history for future generations.

They have a strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills, allowing them to effectively manage large collections of materials.

Good communication skills are also important, as they often work with researchers, patrons, and other stakeholders.

They are also adaptable and comfortable with technology, as the field is constantly evolving.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unearthed the rich symphony of responsibilities that make up the role of a music archivist.

And you know what?

It’s not just about categorizing music.

It’s about preserving the symphony of history, one score at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive music archivist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the stage.

But why stop there?

Fine-tune your understanding with our job description generator. It’s your encore performance for crafting precise job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every archived piece of music is a note in the grand composition of history.

Let’s orchestrate that history. Together.

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