Career Resources
Explore our ongoing collection of resources for students and musicians!
Disclaimer:
These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or approval by the DePaul School of Music of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation, organization, or individual. The DePaul School of Music bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Auditions & Jobs
Gig Finders:Jobs and Auditions:American Federation of MusiciansDePaul Handshake - a "LinkedIn" type network for members of the DePaul community. Set up a profile and use keyword searches. Many local job opportunities are posted.Bridge: Worldwide Music Connection Please visit this page for information on free access for current DePaul students.
Internships - DePaul Career CenterOrchestral Oppurtunites:Civic Orchestra - Training Orchestra of ChicagoOnline Jobs:Working Nomads
Salary & Negotiation:DePaul Career Center - Salary & Negotiation AdviceGlassdoor - Free Salary CalculatorSalaryExpert - Free Salary Calculatorthemuse.com - Guide to Salary Calculatorsthebalancecareers.com - Providing Salary History to Employersindeed.com - Providing Salary History to Employersgetpocket.com - Negotiation Strategies
Salary Tutor - Negotiation Strategies
US Bureau of Labor Statistics - Musician Salaring InformationBIPOC-Specific Resources
DePaul Career Diversity Resources
Grants & Funding:
Chicago Artist Coalition Grants - SPARK Grants and Coney Family Fund for Visual Arts
National Alliance for Audition Support
The Joyce Foundation Grants Database
The National Association of Latino Arts & Culture - Fund for the Arts
First Peoples Fund - One-Year Fellowships & Grants
EDI Research Fellowships - Association of Arts Administration Educators
Chicago Sinfonietta - Project Inclusion Freeman Fellowships
Non-Profits:
MBC - Music By Black Composers
Early Music America - Diversity in Early Music Repertoire
Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy
National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts
Ensembles & Collectives:
Hearing in Color - Founded by alumnus LaRob Payton, Hearing in Color is dedicated to exposing Chicago’s communities to emerging artists and shining light on cultural issues through the performance of music by composers of color. We believe in the power of music to comfort, embolden, and inspire in the face of subjugation and oppression.
Black Ensemble Theatre - Uptown, Chicago
D-Composed - The mission of D-Composed is to uplift and empower society by providing a platform for the music of Black composers. To do this, they aim to increase access and exposure to Black creativity, Black culture, and Black life through thoughtful programming, events, and content.
5th Wave Collective - Cofounded by alumnae Ashley Ertz and Mika Allison, 5th Wave Collective is a Chicago-based classical music ensemble dedicated to the performance and promotion of music by womxn composers. Bringing together a diverse group of musicians, they advance their mission by including performers of all genders who support their cause. They seek to celebrate the legacy of womxn composers before us, and create a platform for those to come.
Music Articles/Blogs/Videos on Racism:
NPR - "Why is American Classical Music So White?" by Tom Huizenga
My People Tell Stories - "An Open Letter of Racism in Music Studies," by Danielle Brown
Live with Carnegie Hall - Rhiannon Giddens & Francesco Turrisi lead through the music and history of minstrelsy.
Mental Health Resources:
Mental Health America - BIPOC Mental Health
The Foundation for Black Women's Wellness
This is What Black Burnout Feels Like, by Tiana Clark
Composition & New Music
Organizations:
Free Notation Products:
COVID-19 Resources
Artist & Musician Resources
COVID Artist Resource - Collected by Women in Music member Camila Conesa
Music Workers Accessing Govt. Support
National Performance Network Resources
CARES Act Financial Relief for Freelancers
MoneyGeek Financial Strategies for Freelancers and Gig Workers
Trupo Freelancers Mutual Aid Circle
Tonebender Resources for the Sound Community
I Care If You Listen Resources
COVID-19 & Instrument Hygiene for Musicians
She Shreds: How to Disinfect Musical Instruments
Arts for Illinois Relief Fund (opens April 1st)
Chicago Federation of Musicians Relief Fund
Jazz Foundation Musicians Emergency Fund
Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund
Remote Learning Tips:
Compose and Create - Temporary Online Piano Lesson Advice
Free Things:
Online Work Information:
Candor.com - Who's still hiring during covid-19
Hire DePaul - How to Job Search During a Pandemic
Disclaimer:
These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the DePaul School of Music of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. The DePaul School of Music bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Festivals and Competitions
CompetitionsLuminarts - FellowshipSummer Music FestivalsBridge: Worldwide Music Connection - DePaul has an institutional subscription for all current studentsYapTracker - for vocalistsAmerican Institute of Musical Studies, Austria
Aria International Summer Academy, MA
Bang on a Can Summer Music Festival, MA
Banff Center for the Arts, Canada
Baroque Performance Institute, OH
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, MI (many faculty and staff positions open each year)
Bowdoin International Music Festival, ME
Britten-Pears School, England
Canada's National Arts Centre Summer Music Institute, ON
Colorado College Summer Music Festival, CO
Domaine Forget, Quebec
Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, AK
France Festivals (in French)
Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, VT
Heifetz International Music Institute, VA
Icicle Creek Music Festival, WA
InterHarmony International Music Festival
International Music Institute and Festival, MD
Jazz in July, MA
JazzWorks Canada, Alberta, CA
Keith Hall Summer Drum Intensive, MI
Kyoto Jazz Guitar Experience, Japan
Lafayette Summer Jazz Workshop, WA
Lake George Music Festival, NY
Langnau Jazz Nights, Switzerland
Living Jazz, CA
Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp, LA
Madison Early Music Festival, WI
Moravian College Summer Jazz, PA
Marrowstone Music Festival, WA
Meadowmount School of Music, NY
Mozarteum University of Salzburg, Austria
Music at Menlo, CA
National Orchestral Institute, MD
National Youth Orchestra of the USA
New Hampshire Music Festival, NH
New York Voices Vocal Jazz Camp, MI
Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, CT
Pacific Music Festival, Japan
Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy, Canada
Philadelphia International Music Festival, PA
Pine Mountain Music Festival, MI
Ravinia Festival, IL
Round Top Internation Festival-Institute, TX
Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, Germany
Second Line Heart Sanaa Workshop, LA
Sewanee Summer Music Festival,TN
Shell Lake Arts Center Jazz, WI
Spoleto,USA
Tritone Jazz Camps, WI, NY
Tuckamore Festival, Canada
University of North Carolina School of the Arts, NC
University of North Texas Summer Jazz Workshops, TX
Walden School Creative Musicians Retreat, NH
Wintergreen Summer Music Academy, VA
Finances & Funding
Financial Education:The Financial Diet - Articles about saving money, budgeting, and more.Her Money - All sorts of Financial Advice about myriads of different peopleInvestopedia- All about investingJL Collins - Discussions and Articles about Money, Life, and BusinessNerdWallet - Advice on Student Loans, Insurance, Savings, Credit Cards, Investing, and More!Robin Hood - Investing InformationSuze Orman - Financial Solutions for youResources:360 Degrees of Financial Literacy - a free service of the nation’s certified public accountants which provides basic information on how to handle your finances through all stages of your life.MINT - Finance management software (available as an App) & BlogYNAB - "You Need a Budget", budget software that teaches money management habits (available as an App)Chime - Chime provides fee-free financial services through a mobile appFunding:Grants3 Arts - Based in ChicagoGrantSpace - Information about applying for grants and starting non-profitsCrowd Sourcing PlatformsRelief:Health Insurance
Get Covered - Illinois State Health Insurance
Freelancers UnionSome organizations offer their members insurance rates:
American Federation of Musicians
Early Music America
Music Teachers National Association
Percussive Arts SocietyInstrument Insurance & Repair
Instrument Repair:Flute Asylum - Woodwind - Chicago, ILMclaughlin Violins - Strings - Chicago, ILDana Hofer Brass Repair, Inc. - Brass - Des Plaines, ILCutting Edge Repair (Claire Cutting) - Reed Instruments - Evanston, ILPM Woodwind Repair - Woodwind - Evanston, ILFix This! Musical Instrument Repair - Palatine, ILJohn K. Becker Company - Strings - Chicago, ILSMR Double Basses - Double Bass - Evanston, ILM.E. Brune, Luthier - Strings - Evanston, ILCassandra Strings - Strings - Evanston, ILThird Coast Guitar - Guitar - Chicago, ILCarl Becker & Son, Ltd. - Strings - Chicago, ILA 440 Violin Shop - Strings - Chicago, ILMark Nagy Instrument Repair - Brass/Woodwinds - Chicago, ILInstrument Insurance:Instrument Care:Instrument & Industry Organizations
American Viola Society
Guitar Foundation of America
Historical Brass Society
International Clarinet Association
International Double Reed Society
International Horn Society
International Society of Bassists
International Trombone Association
International Trumpet Guild
Internet Cello Society
National Association of Teachers of Singing
National Flute Association
Percussive Arts Society
The Violin Society of America
American Pianist AssociationTheatre Musicians of America - Chicago Chapter (Resource List)
Jazz & Black American Music
Institutes & Organizations:
Jazz Institute of Chicago
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic
Jazz Foundation of America
Europe Jazz Network
Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz
South Arts
Jazz Academy - Essentially EllingtonResources & Publications:
Jazziz Magazine
NAfME Council for Jazz Education
The David W. Niven Collection of Early Jazz Legends, 1921-1991Museums:
National Museum of American History - Smithsonian Jazz
National Museum of African American Music
New Orleans Jazz MuseumAssociations:
Jazz Journalists Association
International Bluegrass Music Association
International Association for Jazz Educators
International Association for Jazz Record Collectors
Jazz Composers CollectiveClubs & Venues:
Jazz Showcase*
The Green Mill*
Andy's Jazz Club*
Constellation**Chicago, IL
Yoshi's, CA
Blue's Alley, DC
Preservation Hall, LA
Deer Head Inn, PA
Blue Note, NY
Jazz at Lincoln Center, NY
Village Vanguard, NY
Rudy's Jazz Room, TN
Worldwide Directory of Jazz ClubsLegal Issues
U.S. Copyright Office - Learn about copyright laws
Wage Claim - Instructions for wage claim & minimum wage complaint
LinkedIn Learning: Free Online Software Training
For unlimited free access to a vast online library of instructional videos covering the latest software, creative, and business skills. Taught by accomplished teachers and recognized industry experts, LinkedIn Learning is a high-quality resource for students, faculty, and staff looking to develop skills in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Grant writing, Google Analytics, Mac & Windows, SPSS, Tableau, databases, web design, social media, photography, audio & video, design, animation, business, and a wide range of other topics. You must enter your Campus Connect credentials to access the free subscription.
Local Music & Arts Organizations
Ensembles:
The Grant Park Orchestra & Chorus
Organizations:
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative
Chicago Theater Musicians Association
Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago
Schools:
Chicago Center for Music Education
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
Midwest Young Artist Conservatory
Venues:
Harris Theater for Music & Dance
Theaters:
Military Music Ensembles
Music Careers, Entrepreneurship & Performing Arts Management
Music Careers:
Music Career Articles and Resources by Gerald Klickstein
Guide to Careers in Music - info about 150+ careers in music
Musician's Way - Career Resources
Miami Classical Music Festival Career Institute - Aims to give participants functional career skills to take charge of their artistic careers and prosper in an evolving economy
DePaul Career Center - General career advice*
EMSI Résumé OptimizerEntrepreneurship & Non-Profits:NewMusic USA - "To Be or not to be a 501(c)(3)Stem Blog - How to Start your own Business and whether Artists should
Grant Space: How do I start a non-profit?
NonProfitHub - No Funds, No Problem: Starting a NonProfit from Scratch
National Council of NonProfits
Nonprofit-jobs.org
NPO NonProfit Opportunities
Idealist.org
US Small Business Adminstration
HireDePaul: A Beginners Guide to Freelancing
The Buzz Factor
Astrid Baumgardner - Coaching and TrainingSalary & Negotiation:DePaul Career Center - Salary & Negotiation AdviceGlassdoor - Free Salary CalculatorSalaryExpert - Free Salary Calculatorthemuse.com - Guide to Salary Calculatorsthebalancecareers.com - Providing Salary History to Employersindeed.com - Providing Salary History to EmployersBlogs:
Middle Class ArtistBooks:Beyond Talent by Angela Myles BeechingThe Enterprising Musician's Guide to Performance Contracts by David R. WilliamsLessons from a Streetwise Professor by Ramon RickerThe Singer's Audition & Career Handbook by Claudia FriedlanderThe Savvy Musician by David Cutler
Online Branding:The Site Wizard - online resource for web design, promotion, programming and revenue marketingPrinting:*Chicago, ILLocal & National Organizations:2112 - Chicago's first business incubator focused on development of entrepreneurs in music, film/video and creative industry-focused technologies
Future of Music Coalition - Education, research and advocacy for musicians
Chicago Artist Coalition - Previously known as Chicago Artist Resource, this platform hosts job and performance opportunities
AFM Travel Kit - The American Federation of Musicians travel kit for flying with your instrument
Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP)
American Journal of Arts Management
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity - Small Business Information
Illinois Arts Council Agency - Serves the people of Illinois through a variety of grants and services
Arts & Business Council of Chicago -Builds working relationships between arts and cultural organizations and highly-qualified business professionals, providing training in all aspects of management and board function, and highlighting research in leading and emerging issues related to the world of arts nonprofitsMusic Education
Artlook - data platform that helps cities across the U.S. track access to the arts for students in their schools. Real-time insights help support equity in arts staffing, programs and funding for all students.
Resources:
The College Music Society
Jazz Ed Net
Illinois Arts Learning Standards
Chicago Public Schools Department of Human Resources
Amazing Educational Resources
reThinkELA
Jazz Day Education Resources
NAfME Council for Jazz Education
Edutopia - Preparing for Cultural Diversity:Resources for TeachersJob Opportunities:
Jobs in Higher Education
Illinois Education Job Bank
Southern Teachers Agency
National Association of Independent Schools
HigherEdJobs.com
HigherEd360.comLocal Boards of Education:
Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
Illinois State Board of Education
McHenry County Regional Office of Education
DuPage Regional Office of Education
DeKalb County Regional Office of EducationSuburban Cook County Regional Office of Education
Kane County Regional Office of EducationLake County Illinois Regional Office of Education
Will County Regional Office of Education Articles:
The Chronicle of Higher Education - "Teaching the Students We Have, Not the Students We Wish We Had", by Sara Goldrick-Rab and Jesse Stommel
At Home Teaching/Practicing:
Your Right to Practice at Home
Performance Health/Stage Presence
Bill Placke - A blog about efficient practice
Body Intelligence - Alexander Technique
The Healthy Musicians: Taking Care of Your Mind and Body
Knowing the Score - Professor Malcolm Bilson advises on how to see the score
Mind Over Finger - a Blog and Podcast by Chicago Violinist Renee-Paule Gauthier
Music Body Mind - Yoga for Musicians by a trombonist and yoga teacher, Amelia
Nutrition Tips for Musicians - A video by registered dietitian Jane Reagan
Silence the Shame - empowering and educating communities on mental health
Podcasts
Bjorklund Reedworks - All about reeds with Professor Keith Bjorklund
Contrabass Conversations - features interviews of leaders in the Double Bass
Crushing Classical - All about music careers
Double Reed Dish - A podcast for oboists, bassonists and the people who love them
The Great Composers Podcast - Learn about composers from Bach, Beethoven and Brahms, to Clara Schumann to Lygeti!
Mind Over Finger - For Violinists to learn to pracice mindfully, perform optimally and create a purposeful musical career
Stand Partners for Life - by LA violinists Nathan Cole and Akiko Tarumoto
Recording Services
DePaul School of Music Recording Services
Local Recording Studios:
Fullerton Recording
Music Garage
Chicago Recording CompanyOnline Music Distribution:
Bandcamp - sells digital downloads from a personalized website
CD Baby - sell your CD online and distribute your music to iTunes, Amazon, etc.
Disc Makers - press and package your CD
IndieBible - directory of resources for independent musicians
ReverbNation - digital distribution and other toolsTeaching Artist Resources
Books:
Booth, Eric. The Music Teaching Artist's Bible: Becoming a Virtuoso Educator. Oxford University Press. 2009.
Jaffe, Nick. Becca Barniskis, Barbara Hackett Cox. Teaching Artist Handbook: Volume 1: Tools, Techniques, and Ideas to Help Any Artist Teach. 2013.
Rajan, Rekha S. Integrating the Performing Arts in Grades K-5. 2012.Professional Organizations:Online Advice:Unions
American Guild of Musical Artists —for vocalists