Music Librarian

Handel and Haydn Society; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

The Handel and Haydn Society seeks a Music Librarian to manage music procurement, preparation, and distribution for performances. The role requires close collaboration with musicians and artistic staff, ensuring all concert materials are accurate, timely, and meet high standards of music quality.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years' professional experience as a music librarian.
• Extensive knowledge of orchestral and choral repertoire.
• Demonstrated ability to work positively under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee acquisition of orchestra and chorus parts and scores.
• Ensure prompt return of rented materials and adherence to copyright laws.
• Assist in music preparation, including editing and distribution.

Skills

Ability to read music

Strong organizational skills

Strong communication skills

Creative issue resolution

Ability to prioritize work

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance, Education, Composition, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Acrobat

Music notation software

Job description

Handel and Haydn Society | Music Librarian

Reports to: Vice President of Artistic Planning and Concert Production

Summary

The Music Librarian is responsible for providing and organizing all of the music needed for performances to the orchestra, chorus, and conducting staff and for maintaining and curating H+H's music library of parts and scores. As a member of the Artistic Department, the Music Librarian works closely with conductors, musicians, and staff, and is critical to the successful artistic operations of the Handel and Haydn Society. The duties of the position involve work in several areas, including but not limited to:

• Music Procurement
• Music Preparation & Distribution
• Music Distribution
• Library Maintenance
  
  

Core Responsibilities

• Oversee the acquisition of all orchestra and chorus parts and scores for each season
• Arrange for the purchase or rental of materials to meet program needs for the orchestra and chorus
• Take delivery of and track incoming music, pack and ship outgoing music, and maintain shipping records
• Check all incoming and outgoing performance materials for accuracy, condition, and completeness
• Ensure prompt return of rented or borrowed materials and adherence to copyright laws
• Assist in all aspects of music preparation, including but not limited to editing, proofreading, distribution, and marking of parts and scores
• Work with Artistic Director, guest conductors, and soloists to prepare music according to their specific requirements, including checking editions of music performed and recommending new revised/Urtext editions
• Review all music to determine if parts and scores meet acceptable standards: legibility and adequate and accurate rehearsal letters, numbers, and measure numbers. Take the necessary steps to correct problems that potentially could disrupt rehearsals.
• Provide parts in advance to the concertmaster and other designated string principals as needed for bowing
• Ensure that bowings, rehearsal letters/numbers, and measure numbers are compatible between the conductor's score and the musicians' parts.
• Scan parts and scores as needed in order to provide digital versions to conductors and musicians.
• Assemble and arrange music in orchestra folders.
• Distribute and collect music at concerts and rehearsals.
• Work with Vice President of Artistic Planning and Concert Operations and Orchestra & Chorus Personnel Manager to prepare a complete list of instrumentation requirements for each concert season
• Maintain the orchestra's collection of scores and parts; repair and maintain music and folders.
• Catalogue and file music purchased for the orchestra library, maintain accurate inventory, and ensure adequate security. Return orchestra music to shelves immediately following performances.
• Track all items borrowed from the library, i.e., individual parts, scores, reference materials; ensure their timely return.
• Provide accurate and appropriate program book information, including but not limited to program pages and texts and translations, and proofread all draft program books.
• Report to appropriate performance licensing organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) music performed on all concert series, as needed,
• Assist in developing annual music rental/purchase budgets.
• Create and update paperwork for electronic media projects, including video credits, AFM reporting, and others.
• Maintain a current file of publisher catalogues, research availability and cost of music to be ordered.
• Prepare music for all auditions.
• When needed, procure and prepare chamber music for donor events and private concerts.
  
  

Skills And Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance, Education, Composition, or related field
• Minimum of three year's professional experience as a music librarian at the conservatory or professional level. Experience as a professional musician preferred.
• Ability to read music
• Extensive knowledge of orchestral and choral repertoire and musical notation, including all major clefs and transpositions
• Strong organizational and communications skills
• Ability to anticipate and resolve issues creatively
• Ability to independently prioritize and complete work in a complex environment
• Demonstrated ability to work positively with a variety of people under pressure.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat products, music notation software)
• Knowledge of and experience working with binding and photocopying equipment.
  
  

H+H respects every individual's unique journey through life and will welcome personal statements which can deepen our understanding of any candidate's qualifying experiences. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may satisfy these minimum qualifications. We appreciate all interest in this opportunity and look forward to responding to candidates whose experience most closely aligns with this position description.

Compensation: $40/hr - (hours vary based on concert season and time of year)

The Handel and Haydn Society is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace by maintaining a staff that represents the traditions and voices of contemporary Boston.

Salary: $40 - $40 per hour

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