Position Title: Percussion Manager
Department: Artistic Operations
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Status: Seasonal, Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Employment Period: Remote orientation sessions during the week of June 2, 2025
In Person: Monday, June 9 through Monday, August 11, 2025
Housing provided for non-local employees Sunday, June 8 through the morning of Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
Position Summary
The Percussion Manager oversees the management of all percussion instruments throughout the summer festival, including those owned by the Music Academy and rentals. Responsibilities include coordinating percussion needs for orchestral activities and ensemble performances as well as organizing instrument transportation for all events. The role reports to the Manager of Production and Technology and collaborates with Music Academy administration, fellows, teaching artists, and guest artists.
Position Responsibilities
- Plan and oversee the scheduling, usage, and movement of percussion instruments throughout the summer festival, ensuring all needs are met in advance
- Manage and maintain Music Academy-owned and rental percussion instruments, ensuring that all venues are prepared for festival percussion activities.
- Serve as the primary administrative contact for percussion fellows and teaching artists
- Manage the transportation of percussion instruments and other production-related items, including driving a production delivery vehicle as necessary
- Other production and stage crew duties as assigned
Candidate Profile
The Music Academy values colleagues with diverse perspectives who thrive in a collaborative, highly communicative workplace. Our administration collectively informs and agrees upon the organization’s expectations for teamwork, including a positive, goal-oriented environment that positions every employee for success.
The ideal candidate will ideally demonstrate some, if not all of the following:
- Strong knowledge of percussion equipment, including the ability to handle and transport large instruments.
- Experience in the maintenance and repair of percussion instruments.
- Familiarity with classical music repertoire, particularly in relation to percussion needs.
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, and the capability to operate a large box truck.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Dropbox, and Google Workspace; experience with ArtsVision a plus
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving abilities
- Superior organizational skills with keen attention to detail
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, adapting to shifting priorities as needed
- Positive, professional demeanor, especially in high-pressure environments
- Previous summer festival experience a plus
Additional Requirements
- Some nights and weekends are required, including concert duty
- Frequent travel between Music Academy’s Miraflores campus and off-site venues
Compensation
This is a seasonal, non-exempt, full-time position. Compensation is $18-20 per hour, commensurate with skills and experience. Seasonal employees are not eligible for Music Academy benefits unless required by law. Housing is provided, along with transportation and travel assistance during the summer residency for those not based in the Santa Barbara area. Lunch is provided Monday-Friday. Complimentary tickets are offered when available.
Application Process
Please email a letter of interest and current resume to hr@musicacademy.org, using the Subject header Percussion Manager. PDF format only. No phone calls, please. A background screening will be performed as a condition of employment.
To apply for multiple positions, please include separate letters of interest for each position.
The Music Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We aim to create a diverse and inclusive work environment and we value each employee’s unique experiences and perspectives.
Our MISSION
The mission of the Music Academy of the West is to provide classically trained musicians and diverse audiences with transformative educational and performance experiences. We support musicians to expand their talents, inspire each other, and pursue artistic innovation.
About the Music Academy of the West
Located in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West creates a space where exceptional talent can thrive by encouraging artists to stretch, experiment, improvise, and play. The Academy provides classically trained musicians and diverse audiences with transformative educational and performance experiences. The Music Academy’s programs include an annual eight-week Summer School & Music Festival (June 15 through August 9, 2025) which trains up to 150 fellows ages 18-34 and presents more than 130 performances and events, competitions, and a fully staged opera; Sing!, a children’s choir that performs with local, national, and international partners; the innovative Alumni Enterprise Awards; and Mariposa Concert Series.
For more information, please visit musicacademy.org.