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Our Mission

The Cleveland Orchestra inspires and enriches lives by creating extraordinary musical experiences at the highest level of artistic excellence.

Our five core principles

Music is First

Prioritizing our passion for music and keeping it at the heart of everything we do for the benefit of the people for whom we play.

Excellence in Everything

Always acting with integrity, a strong work ethic and commitment; a standard for excellence embodied in our people.

Unparalleled Teamwork

Being the very best team possible, both on and off the stage; recognizing and appreciating the gifts of every individual.

Creativity

Building on a tradition of creativity to ensure a thriving and relevant art form for future generations.

Impact

Possessing genuine pride in our greater Cleveland and Ohio communities, a belief in the impact of our art form, and a desire to give back.

Our Culture & Community

At The Cleveland Orchestra, we believe that how we work together is just as important as the work we do.

Our culture is built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in the office, every member of our team contributes to the magic of music-making and the impact we have on our community.

Our Treatment Standards, or People Principles, are our guiding beliefs that shape how we treat one another, how we communicate, and how we show up every day. These standards are woven into our planning, training, performance expectations, employee experiences, leadership development, and daily interactions.

Our People Principles

Current Opportunities

Trust & Integrity

We are honest and trust each other’s intentions. We are trustworthy and place our trust in those with whom we work. As leaders, we welcome honesty and openness in conversations with our colleagues and employees.

Respect & Safety

We are respectful in our intentions, communications, and treatment of ourselves and others. We promote a safe and respectful environment for all persons by listening intently, discussing thoroughly, and communicating clearly.

Optimism & Positivity

We lead with positivity and optimism in our daily attitudes toward ourselves, our work, and each other. We model this for others by turning negative viewpoints into positive suggestions and outcomes.

Empathy & Open Minds

We model empathy toward others, regardless of their position or title. We are open to hearing ideas and suggestions from our colleagues and fellow employees. We listen fully and provide our feedback with understanding.

Growth & Development

We adopt and model an attitude of learning, teaching, and development across the entire organization. We support creativity and investment by providing an environment that tries new thing, recognizing that not all will be successful.

Inclusion & Belonging

We embrace and advance inclusion and belonging in our workplace, in our programs, in our boardroom, on our stage, and across our community. We will continue to advance education and meaningful action while always remaining accountable.

Current Opportunities

Working at The Cleveland Orchestra

Working at The Cleveland Orchestra means being part of something extraordinary. Whether you're supporting world-class performances, engaging with our community, or innovating behind the scenes, your work contributes to a legacy of excellence and impact.

We offer more than just jobs, we offer meaningful careers in a workplace where people are valued, supported, and empowered. Our Values, People Principles, and Ways of Working shape a culture of belonging, collaboration, and purpose. Every role is connected to our mission, and every employee is seen as a vital part of our success.

Summers at Severance Musicians

Employee Benefits

Medical Coverage – Choose from several comprehensive, generous plans that fit your needs

Dental Insurance – Provided at no cost to you

Vision Insurance – Keep your eyes healthy with great inexpensive coverage

Life & Disability Insurance – Employer-paid group term life, short and long term disability

Flexible Spending Accounts – For healthcare and dependent care

403(b) Retirement Plan – With up to 4% employer match

Family-Friendly Offerings

12 Weeks of Full Pay for New Parents – Including adoptive and foster parents

Generous Paid Time Off – Start with 22 days of PTO plus 9 paid holidays each year

Hybrid Work Options – Most roles allow remote work up to 2 days per week

Wellness & Growth

Health & Wellness Programs – Biometric screenings, flu shots, yoga, chair massages, mental health support, and financial counseling

Education Assistance – Annual support for learning and development

Training Opportunities – Grow your skills with ongoing professional development

Perks & Culture

Complimentary Concert Tickets – Enjoy most performances at Severance and Blossom Music Centers

Museum Membership – Free admission for you and your family to 100+ Northeast Ohio museums and parks

Beautiful Workplace – Work at the historic Severance Music Center, one of Cleveland’s finest landmarks

Employee-Driven Culture – Be part of a team that values collaboration, creativity, and community

Join The Cleveland Orchestra

Joining The Cleveland Orchestra means becoming part of a team that values excellence, collaboration, and purpose. As you've seen in our Who We AreCulture & Community, and Working at TCO pages, we are guided by our mission, core values, and People Principles—creating a workplace where every role is connected to something greater. Whether you're a musician, administrator, technician, or creative, your work contributes to a legacy of artistic impact and community engagement.

 

If you're inspired by what you've read and ready to bring your talents to a place where music, people, and purpose intersect, we encourage you to explore our current opportunities. We’re committed to a fair, inclusive, and welcoming hiring experience—and we look forward to learning more about you.

 

Current Opportunities

Once you’ve found a career opportunity that excites you on our Current Opportunities page, here’s what you can expect as you move through our thoughtful and inclusive hiring process:

1. Apply Online - Found a role you love? Submit your application through our Careers Portal under Auditions & Careers. Be sure to include your resume and cover letter.

2. Initial Review - Our recruiter and hiring manager will review your application. If it’s a match, we’ll reach out to schedule a short phone interview.

3. Interviews - After a successful phone interview, you’ll meet with the hiring manager and other team members at beautiful Severance Music Center. Expect a mix of technical and values-based questions.

4. Be Interview-Ready 

·       Know the role and bring examples of your experience

·       Learn about TCO and our mission

·       Be yourself—we value authenticity and diverse perspectives

·       Ask us anything! Interviews are a two-way street

5. Offer & Onboarding - The final step includes a quick background and reference check. Once you accept the offer, you’ll receive an onboarding plan and participate in our formal orientation program to meet leaders and better understand the organization.

 

Our Promise

We’re committed to a fair, inclusive, and accessible hiring experience. Need accommodations? Just let us know—we’re here to help.

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Violas of The Cleveland Orchestra performing

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