Performance Librarian

Colburn School; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

Generous retirement plan matching

Job summary

Colburn School in Los Angeles seeks a Performance Librarian to manage performance library services across its various units, including orchestras and ensembles. The role involves preparing materials, ensuring timely distribution for rehearsals, and communicating with conductors and performers.

The ideal candidate will possess a degree in music, at least 3 years of experience in a similar role, and have knowledge of music history and copyright laws. This full-time position offers competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• Substantial orchestral performance experience required.
• Comprehensive knowledge of music history, theory, and performance practice required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience as a music librarian.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for performance library services for various ensembles.
• Prepares performance materials for all rehearsals and performances.
• Ensures music distribution to students and contracted players.

Skills

Orchestral performance experience

Communication and interpersonal skills

Management of music performance materials

Familiarity with office software

Education

Degree in music or equivalent

Tools

ArtsVision

Microsoft Office

Job description

200 S. Grand Ave Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

Description

Position Summary

Under general supervision, the Performance Librarian is responsible for providing performance library services across the units of the institution, including the Conservatory, Music Academy, Community School of Performing Arts and the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute. The Performance Librarian also serves as the Librarian for the Colburn Orchestra.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Functions as the performance librarian for the Colburn School - institution wide, with ensembles including the Colburn Orchestra, Contemporary Ensemble, Baroque Ensemble, Colburn Chamber Players, Academy Virtuosi, CSPA orchestras, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and for TDZI as needed. Is responsible for preparing performance materials for all rehearsals and performances as well as conducting program auditions and masterclasses.
• Works with Colburn Music Directors, Ensemble Directors, Artistic Staff and visiting conductors, to research, negotiate and procure (via purchase, rental, commission, or lending), prepare, and distribute all performance material. Ensures that all music is available for distribution at least 2 weeks prior to the first rehearsal.
• Prepares materials including conducting scholarly research and securing performing and licensing rights, checking all incoming and outgoing sets of music for quality and completeness. Maintains accurate shipping records. Ensures prompt return of rented or borrowed materials in adherence to publisher agreements and marking individual parts for performance, editing, proofreading, and fixing page turns.
• Works with the Manager of Performance Activities to facilitate music distribution to students, contracted and substitute players, including mailing, scanning, creation of practice parts, and uploading parts to secure web portal. Communicates all instrumentation and personnel needs, as well as auxiliary instrumentation and doubling needs.
• Colburn Orchestra Librarian: Arrives one hour prior to services for rehearsals and performances and distributes and collects all music at concerts and rehearsals; assists conductor and musicians with needs relating to printed music. Ensures that folders are placed on the stands 30-45 minutes prior to the start of the service. Sets and changes scores in accordance with the conductor’s needs. Follows up at every rehearsal with the conductor and principal players for any bowing changes or other needs. Ensures that music trunks are appropriately packed for run-out venues. Communicates music transportation needs with Production.
• Additionally supports other large ensemble performances, including attending dress rehearsals and concerts to ensure appropriate handling of music materials.
• Manages preparation of Conservatory, Academy, and CSPA placement audition materials.
• Hires, trains and supervises student workers to assist with librarian functions and music preparation.
• Library Management including cataloging and filing music purchased for the library, maintain and improve accuracy of collection database and performance records. Regularly assesses and maintains/repairs the orchestra’s collection of scores, parts, and folders in line with archival standards. Evaluates and estimates the long-term acquisition needs of the institution and tracks all borrowed materials from the library including scores, individual parts, and full sets.
• Prepares the annual music and library supply budget including all costs and fees for music acquisition, equipment and supplies. Provides projected expense figures for all planned repertoire.
• Is responsible for all matters related to copyright compliance/permissions for the Colburn School and any related correspondence with music licensing agencies (e.g., ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, etc.). This also includes regular reporting of information/programs to the music licensing agencies as required and copyright issues related to music streaming.
• Administers musical elements of Colburn’s database (TBD). Ensures that all repertoire, library acquisitions, instrumentation details, performance history, and other special needs are accurately noted and input. Highlights any unusual requirements proactively to Production and Ensemble Manager/Coordinator.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Degree in music or equivalent, and substantial orchestral performance experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of music history, theory, orchestration, orchestral repertoire and performance practice traditions, music publishing, licensing and current copyright law.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience as a music librarian, ensemble manager, or other arts administration.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with the management of music performance materials and electronic information resources.
• Bibliographic/musical knowledge of European languages.
• Familiarity with office software (Microsoft Office suite) including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and Internet applications, as well as music notation and orchestra management software (ArtsVision preferred).
• Position requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Physical:

Must be able to see, hear, feel, and use hands to type and grasp objects with fingers. Primarily sedentary with intermittent standing, walking, bending, and stooping; occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing 50 pounds or less; light to heavy repetitive use of hands, wrists and forearms while working on a computer.

Emotional:

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships involving interactions and communications personally, by phone and in writing with a variety of individuals and/or groups of individuals from diverse backgrounds on a regular, on-going basis; ability to concentrate on detailed tasks for extended periods of time and/or intermittently while attending to other responsibilities; ability to work effectively under pressure on multiple tasks concurrently while meeting established deadlines and changing priorities.

Working Conditions:

Primarily indoor office environment; frequent contact with and interruptions by individuals in person or by phone.

ABOUT THE COLBURN SCHOOL

The Colburn School is a world‑renowned performing arts institution located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Its mission is to provide the highest quality performing arts education at all levels of development in music and dance, and to foster a vibrant community through a wide range of performances, events, and educational activities.

The Colburn School trains students, from beginners to those about to embark on professional careers. Each year, more than 2,000 students from around the world come to Colburn to benefit from the renowned faculty, exceptional facilities, and focus on excellence that unites the community.

The academic units of the school provide a complete spectrum of music and dance education:

Conservatory of Music - The diploma‑and‑degree‑granting Conservatory of Music is distinguished by a unique all‑scholarship model, renowned faculty, and outstanding performance opportunities. It prepares the highest level of collegiate musicians for professional careers.

The Music Academy is a highly selective training program for gifted young pre‑collegiate musicians, designed to prepare students for conservatory study and performing careers at the highest levels of achievement. This residential program balances performance, musical instruction, and academics.

The Community School of Performing Arts welcomes students of all ages, from seven months old to adults. It offers over 120 classes each year in orchestral instruments, piano, guitar, voice, jazz, music theory, drama, and ensembles including orchestra, choir, and chamber music.

The Trudl Zipper Dance Institute develops performers of all levels, from the pre‑professional ballet program in the Dance Academy to beginners starting in Youth Dance. Students of all levels receive training in ballet, tap, and modern genres as part of a comprehensive dance education.

Center for Innovation and Community Impact was created to empower the musical and dance leaders of tomorrow by nurturing students’ passion and ability to serve their communities, preparing them for sustainable careers, and embracing the development of innovative ideas. The Colburn School partners with 15 Los Angeles Unified School District schools, 13 of which receive Title I funding, to provide interactive and engaging concerts and instructional sessions to 5,000 students every year.

The Colburn School is currently constructing a transformational addition to our downtown Los Angeles campus, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry with acoustics by acclaimed Nagata Acoustics. This monumental project reflects a deep commitment to both the community and our students and will feature world‑class performance venues and innovative learning spaces that foster collaboration and interdisciplinary partnerships throughout the region.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full‑time, non‑exempt, onsite position with a regular working schedule of 40 hours per week Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. The pay range is $29.81/hr - $32.21/hr depending on skills, experience, and ability level. The Colburn School offers excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance plans; Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability and Life Insurance plans; paid sick leave and vacation; a 403(b)-retirement plan with a generous employer matching contribution.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.