Orchestra Librarian Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of music, the role of the orchestra librarian is becoming increasingly important.

As orchestras become more complex and varied, there is a growing demand for knowledgeable individuals who can manage, organize, and maintain our musical collections.

But what is exactly expected from an orchestra librarian?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the specifics of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to define the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes world of orchestras,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable orchestra librarian job description template, tailored for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive into the details.

Orchestra Librarian Duties and Responsibilities

Orchestra Librarians are responsible for managing all of the sheet music used by an orchestra.

This includes acquiring, preparing, and maintaining the music, as well as ensuring that the musicians have the correct parts for each performance.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Acquire and prepare music for all orchestra concerts, rehearsals, and tours
• Mark bowings, cuts, and other changes in the music as required by the conductor and concertmaster
• Ensure each musician has the correct part for each piece of music in a timely manner
• Maintain the orchestra’s library, which includes cataloging music, repairing damaged parts, and keeping the library organized
• Communicate with music publishers and rental agencies to obtain rights and copies of music
• Work with the conductor and musicians to handle any issues or requests related to the music
• Provide program information to the operations and marketing departments for publicity and program printing
• Adhere to copyright laws and regulations related to sheet music
• Manage the orchestra’s budget for purchasing and renting music

 

Orchestra Librarian Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a detail-oriented and organized Orchestra Librarian to join our team.

The Orchestra Librarian is responsible for acquiring, preparing, and maintaining all musical scores for performances and rehearsals.

The ideal candidate is familiar with a wide range of orchestral music and is able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

The role includes working closely with conductors and musicians to ensure accurate and timely distribution of scores and parts.

 

Responsibilities

• Acquire all necessary scores and parts for rehearsals and performances.
• Prepare and distribute music to musicians in a timely manner.
• Mark bowings, cuts, and other changes in scores and parts as directed by the conductor.
• Maintain a thorough inventory of the orchestra’s music library.
• Communicate effectively with conductors and musicians about music preparation and distribution.
• Ensure proper licensing for the performance of copyrighted works.
• Organize and catalog new music acquisitions.
• Coordinate with stage management to ensure correct placement of music stands and chairs.

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Orchestra Librarian or in a similar role.
• Strong knowledge of orchestral repertoire.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to read music and mark bowings for string instruments.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of music copyright laws.
• Experience with music cataloging systems is a plus.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Orchestra Librarian
• Work Environment: This role typically works in a concert hall or theater setting, with some office work required. Some travel may be necessary for performances in different locations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Music Director or Orchestra Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 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 an Orchestra Librarian Do?

An Orchestra Librarian primarily works with orchestras, music ensembles, and other musical groups.

Their main responsibility is to manage and organize the orchestra’s music library.

This involves selecting, ordering, preparing, and maintaining all the musical scores used by the orchestra.

Orchestra Librarians work closely with conductors to prepare for performances.

They ensure that the correct versions of scores are acquired and that they are in the right order for the musicians.

They may also be responsible for marking bowing instructions on the string parts under the direction of the conductor or the string section leaders.

Orchestra Librarians also handle administrative tasks related to the music library, such as keeping records of music loaned out to musicians, ensuring copyright laws are followed, and even negotiating with music publishers.

They are expected to be highly knowledgeable in musicology, instrumentation, and music history to fulfill their role effectively.

Their job is critical to the smooth operation of the orchestra and the successful performance of the music.

 

Orchestra Librarian Qualifications and Skills

An Orchestra Librarian should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Deep knowledge about various types of music, composers, and orchestral works to aid in the selection and acquisition of music scores
• Strong organizational skills to manage the orchestra’s library of sheet music, archives, and recordings efficiently
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy in music scores, including amendments and corrections as needed
• Good communication skills to liaise with conductors, musicians, and publishers, ensuring that the right music is available at the right time
• Technical knowledge to prepare and arrange music scores based on the conductor’s requirements
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, often managing multiple concerts or performances at once
• Experience in handling copyright matters, including permissions and licensing related to the use of music scores
• Problem-solving skills to find, acquire, or produce hard-to-find or rare music scores

 

Orchestra Librarian Experience Requirements

An Orchestra Librarian is expected to have a strong background in music, preferably with a Bachelor’s degree in Music or a related field.

This is due to the nature of the role, which involves managing, organizing, and preparing sheet music for all the instruments in the orchestra.

Aspiring Orchestra Librarians should have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience working in a music library or in a similar capacity.

This could be gained through internships, part-time roles, or volunteer work.

In these roles, they should gain hands-on experience cataloging, maintaining, and distributing music materials.

For candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience, they may have worked in orchestras, music conservatories, or academic institutions managing music libraries.

They would have a deep understanding of the orchestral repertoire and would be familiar with the operations of an orchestra.

Applicants with more than 5 years of experience may have held leading roles in managing music libraries, worked closely with conductors and musicians, and have a comprehensive understanding of copyright laws related to music.

Their experience could make them suitable for managerial roles within the orchestra’s library department.

Additionally, all applicants should demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and computer skills, necessary for managing digital and physical music resources and interacting with other staff members and musicians.

 

Orchestra Librarian Education and Training Requirements

Orchestra Librarians typically require a bachelor’s degree in music, often with a focus on musicology, music theory, or music performance.

This foundational education provides a thorough understanding of the various types of music and compositions that the librarian will handle.

A comprehensive knowledge of orchestral music, instruments, and parts is crucial, as well as an understanding of the principles of music cataloging.

Proficiency in reading music scores is also essential.

Additional coursework or a degree in library science can be beneficial, as it provides necessary skills in cataloging, organization, and archival preservation.

This becomes more important for larger orchestras with extensive music libraries.

Many Orchestra Librarians are also musicians themselves, often holding positions within the orchestra.

This dual role requires practical knowledge of how an orchestra functions and the needs of the musicians.

Although not required, certifications in music librarianship, offered by various institutions, can be a valuable addition.

This certification demonstrates a candidate’s dedication to continual learning and leadership potential within the role.

Some positions may require experience, either as a performing musician or in a library setting, with a focus on music materials.

This experience provides a practical understanding of the tasks and responsibilities of the role.

Finally, Orchestra Librarians need to be familiar with copyright laws related to music, to ensure the orchestra is in compliance when performing copyrighted works.

This knowledge can be gained through experience or specialized training courses.

 

Orchestra Librarian Salary Expectations

An Orchestra Librarian earns an average salary of $47,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ based on the size and budget of the orchestra, the location, and the individual’s level of experience and qualifications.

 

Orchestra Librarian Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Orchestra Librarian need?

An Orchestra Librarian needs a strong knowledge of music and music theory, particularly in the realm of orchestral works.

They must be proficient in reading music and should be familiar with various composers and their works.

Excellent organizational skills are essential for managing music scores and parts.

They also need strong communication skills to interact with conductors, musicians, and publishers.

 

Do Orchestra Librarians need a degree?

Typically, Orchestra Librarians are required to have a degree in music, usually with a concentration in performance, music theory, or musicology.

Some orchestras may accept equivalent experience or training in lieu of a formal degree.

It’s also beneficial for an Orchestra Librarian to have some experience playing in an orchestra themselves.

 

What should you look for in an Orchestra Librarian resume?

An ideal Orchestra Librarian resume should highlight the candidate’s knowledge of music and orchestral works.

Evidence of strong organizational and administrative skills is also essential, as this role entails maintaining an orchestra’s music library.

Experience with music copying, arranging, or orchestration is beneficial.

Any experience in playing an instrument in an orchestral setting would also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Orchestra Librarian?

A good Orchestra Librarian has a deep passion for and knowledge of music.

They are detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing a large collection of music scores and parts.

Excellent communication skills are also important, as they will need to liaise with conductors, musicians, and publishers.

Additionally, they need to be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, especially in preparation for performances.

 

What are the responsibilities of an Orchestra Librarian?

The responsibilities of an Orchestra Librarian include purchasing, renting, or otherwise obtaining scores for the orchestra.

They also prepare and distribute music to the musicians, marking string parts with bowings as indicated by the conductor or section leaders.

Furthermore, they maintain and organize the orchestra’s music library, cataloging new acquisitions and ensuring that the music is properly stored and cared for.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the magic behind the role of an orchestra librarian.

Surprised?

It’s not just about organizing sheet music.

It’s about orchestrating the symphony of sounds, one musical score at a time.

With our definitive orchestra librarian job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the baton.

But don’t rest on your laurels just yet.

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your encore to creating meticulously curated job listings or fine-tuning your resume to hit the right note.

Remember:

Every piece of sheet music contributes to the grand symphony.

Let’s create that harmony. Together.

How to Become an Orchestra Librarian (Complete Guide)

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