The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra is seeking to hire an Assistant Conductor for its 2026-2027 season. This position will function as a 10-month internship with a stipend of $4,000, with the potential for renewal for a second 10-month season.

The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is a high level community orchestra of regional standing with a season of 6 concerts: three masterworks concerts, two Holiday Pops concerts and a Family concert series (two concerts on same day). All masterworks concerts are performed at Jordan Hall, NEC, with all other concerts performed around the Cambridge, Arlington, Watertown and Somerville communities. Rehearsals are Monday evenings September through June with additional rehearsals on concert weeks. 

The CSO Mission Statement

To make great music accessible to diverse audiences and to harness the power of music to forge lasting relationships with our community. 

Responsibilities and Scope

The Assistant Conductor will be required to learn all repertoire for the CSO season, attend all rehearsals, dress rehearsals and concerts, be prepared to step in for the Music Director in case of illness and be a team member in the set up and breakdown of rehearsals. The Assistant Conductor may be asked to lead sectionals or one on one player coachings over the course of the season. Although the Assistant Conductor will have no administrative duties, prompt communication on emails will be expected. The Assistant Conductor should also be comfortable lifting up to 35 pounds. The Assistant Conductor will be a direct report to the Music Director as well as the Board President.

Compensation
The Assistant Conductor position is designed to be a paid internship. As such, in addition to the $4,000 stipend the Assistant Conductor will have the opportunity to perform two short overture length works on the smaller concerts over the course of the season, as well as to have intermittent podium sessions as time allows and receive mentoring from the Music Director throughout the season..

To Apply

Please submit the following to: AssistantConductor.Search@cambridgesymphony.org

  • A letter of interest stating why you want the position, how it would impact your long term goals as a musician and what you'd bring to the table from previous experience.
    A current CV.

  • Three names and contacts (phone and email) of references.

  • Two video clips of separate performances (a minimum of 2 minutes each) with camera on the front.

  • One video clip, if possible, of a rehearsal you have led (not required) (5-10 minutes in length).

Please submit clips on a format such as Youtube, not social media and not Google Drive.

Applications are due August 1, 2026.

The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and an equal opportunity employer.