From Freelancer to Full-Time: How to Build a Sustainable Career as an Orchestral Musician

The myth of the orchestral career: graduate from conservatory, win an audition, get a permanent chair. The reality is far more complex. Most working orchestral musicians spend years piecing together freelance work and sub lists before landing a full-time position.

The Sub List: Your First Professional Milestone

Getting on a professional orchestra’s substitute list is your entry point. Sub lists work through reputation — a personnel manager calls players they trust. To get on the list, you typically need to audition or be recommended. Once you’re on, every call is an audition for the next call. Show up prepared and be easy to work with.

Building Multiple Income Streams

Relying on a single income source is financially dangerous. The most sustainable freelancers combine orchestral subbing with chamber music, teaching, recording sessions, musical theater pit work, and corporate events. Teaching provides stable recurring income. Recording sessions pay well but require sight-reading excellence. Diversification is financial intelligence.

The Audition Circuit Strategy

Taking auditions is expensive — travel, hotel, time off from gigs. Start with smaller regional orchestras where competition is less fierce and the experience is invaluable. Most successful audition winners took 15-30 auditions before winning a position. Treat each one as data collection, not pass/fail.

Networking Without Being Awkward

The orchestral world is small and reputation-driven. Be the reliable, pleasant, well-prepared player that colleagues want to recommend. After a sub gig, send a brief thank-you to the personnel manager. Play chamber music with people in orchestras you’d like to join.

Ethan Kim is the founder of Orchestra Kingdom, helping string players win auditions and move up in their sections. Follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for daily tips.