Careers
We are The Cleveland Orchestra. We believe that music has the power to inspire, unite, and transform. For over a century, TCO has set the global standard for artistic excellence, innovation, and impact, on stage and in the community.
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 OpportunitiesTrust & 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.
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.
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 Are, Culture & 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.
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.