Senior Orchestral Arranger

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Exclusive performances

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Senior Orchestral Arranger to shape scores for orchestral and chamber ensembles. The role requires translating ideas into professional-grade scores and collaborating with composers, conductors, and performers to preserve musical integrity.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years of orchestral arranging experience, strong music-theory foundations, and proficiency in Sibelius, with a track record of high-quality musical documentation and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Music Composition, Arranging, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of professional orchestral arranging or composition experience with a published/performing portfolio.
• Exceptional proficiency in music theory, harmony, counterpoint, and orchestration across genres.
• Expertise in Sibelius (preferred) or equivalent notation software.
• Strong understanding of orchestral instruments, ranges, and idiomatic writing.
• Excellent aural skills and ability to transcribe music accurately.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills for diverse artistic teams.
• Keen ear for detail and high-quality musical documentation.
• Experience with electronic music production or sound design is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Compose and arrange original scores for orchestral and chamber ensembles per project requirements.
• Transcribe musical ideas from recordings or lead sheets into professional scores and parts.
• Collaborate with composers, conductors, and performers to refine arrangements.
• Use notation software (Sibelius) to produce clear, accurate scores.
• Adapt arrangements for different instrumentation or ensemble sizes as needed.
• Research historical performance practices and musical styles to inform arrangements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior arrangers or interns if applicable.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines while preserving quality.
• Contribute creative input during conceptualization and development of new projects.

Skills

Music theory

Harmony

Counterpoint

Orchestration

Transcription

Teamwork and communication

Independent work

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Music Composition/Arranging

Tools

Sibelius

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious arts and entertainment organization based in the vibrant city of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Orchestral Arranger. This pivotal role involves translating musical concepts into detailed scores for a variety of ensembles, contributing significantly to the artistic output of the organization. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of harmonic structures, orchestration techniques, and musical notation software. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a dynamic creative environment and influence the sound of major productions. We are looking for an individual who is not only technically proficient but also possesses a strong artistic sensibility and a collaborative spirit. This role is essential to our client's mission of delivering high-quality artistic experiences to the Pietermaritzburg community and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Compose and arrange original musical scores for orchestral and chamber ensembles, adhering to specific project requirements and artistic visions.
• Transcribe musical ideas from recordings or lead sheets into professional-grade scores and parts.
• Collaborate closely with composers, conductors, and performers to refine arrangements and ensure musical integrity.
• Utilize advanced music notation software (e.g., Sibelius, Finale) to produce clear, accurate, and aesthetically pleasing scores.
• Adapt existing arrangements for different instrumentation or ensemble sizes as needed.
• Conduct thorough research into historical performance practices and musical styles to inform arrangements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior arrangers or interns, if applicable.
• Manage multiple arrangement projects simultaneously, meeting all deadlines without compromising quality.
• Contribute creative input during the conceptualization and development phases of new artistic projects.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Music Composition, Arranging, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in orchestral arranging or composition, with a demonstrable portfolio of published or performed works.
• Exceptional proficiency in music theory, harmony, counterpoint, and orchestration across various genres.
• Expertise in at least one major music notation software (Sibelius preferred).
• Strong understanding of orchestral instrument capabilities, ranges, and idiomatic writing.
• Excellent aural skills and the ability to accurately transcribe music.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, essential for working with diverse artistic teams in Pietermaritzburg.
• A keen ear for detail and a commitment to producing high-quality musical documentation.
• Experience with electronic music production or sound design is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off.

Employees also enjoy access to professional development opportunities and opportunities to attend exclusive performances and events in Pietermaritzburg.

We foster a creative and supportive work environment where your contributions are valued and recognized. Join a team dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of KwaZulu-Natal through exceptional music.