Senior Film Score Orchestrator — Hybrid/Remote Friendly

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

State-of-the-art recording facilities

Professional development opportunities

Vibrant arts community

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Orchestrator to join a prominent KwaZulu-Natal team in Pietermaritzburg. The role centers on creating compelling musical scores for film, television and stage projects.

You will collaborate with composers, directors and sound designers to translate creative visions into expressive orchestral narratives, selecting instrumentation and textures to shape emotional impact.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Music Composition, Orchestration, or a related field.
• 8+ years of professional experience in film or orchestral scoring.
• Proficiency with music notation software (Sibelius, Finale, Dorico).
• Proficiency in Digital Audio Workstations and virtual orchestration tools.
• Strong knowledge of music theory, harmony, counterpoint, and form.
• Excellent ear training and a sophisticated sense of orchestral color and balance.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills in collaborative environments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• A portfolio of diverse orchestral compositions is essential.
• Experience in SA arts/entertainment industry advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Compose, arrange, and orchestrate scores for film, TV, and theatre.
• Collaborate with composers and directors to refine musical concepts.
• Select instrumentation and techniques for textures and impact.
• Prepare detailed scores and parts for recording sessions.
• Conduct or supervise orchestral recording sessions.
• Manage project timelines and budgets for scoring and recording.
• Stay updated on trends in film scoring and orchestral music.
• Research historical periods and cultural musical styles as needed.

Skills

Orchestration

Film scoring

Music theory

Collaboration

Project management

Portfolio development

Education

Master's degree in Music Composition/Orchestration

Tools

Sibelius

Finale

Dorico

DAWs

Virtual orchestration tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Orchestrator to join a prominent KwaZulu-Natal team in Pietermaritzburg. The role centers on creating compelling musical scores for film, television and stage projects.

You will collaborate with composers, directors and sound designers to translate creative visions into expressive orchestral narratives, selecting instrumentation and textures to shape emotional impact.