Admin Job
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Posted: 20 Feb 2026
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Principal Librarian
(full-time, permanent)
About the MSO
Established in 1906 the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) currently engages over 2.5 million people through live and recorded broadcasts and performs live to more than 300,000 people annually.
About the role
The MSO’s Principal Librarian is a unique role, responsible for the procurement and preparation of all scores and parts for the MSO’s orchestral activities and managing the permanent and casual library staff.
Requiring a broad knowledge of relevant repertoire, this position also is essential in providing services and advice to a range of stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the MSO’s performance, including orchestra management and operations personnel.
The successful applicant will possess the following:
Education and Qualifications
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in music, arts management, or related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Deep knowledge of orchestral/chamber music repertoire and performance practices.
Knowledge and Demonstrated Experience
• Proven experience in working with an orchestra in a similar position
• Demonstrated confidence and deep specialist knowledge of orchestral repertoire
• Ability to read scores and interpret them in terms of orchestral requirements
• Ability to engage with musicians and internal teams in a customer service oriented and accessible way
• Broad knowledge of library procedures and copyright processes
• Experience working with iPads in an Orchestra Library setting
• Familiarity with publishers and music providers in Australia and abroad
• Excellent computer literacy, including music notation and sound editing programs
Skills
• Experience leading a team and working autonomously
• Experience in developing and improving processes
• Demonstrated administrative, planning and organisational ability, including budget management
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
We’ll keep applications open until we find the
Established in 1906 the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) currently engages over 2.5 million people through live and recorded broadcasts and performs live to more than 300,000 people annually.
About the role
The MSO’s Principal Librarian is a unique role, responsible for the procurement and preparation of all scores and parts for the MSO’s orchestral activities and managing the permanent and casual library staff.
Requiring a broad knowledge of relevant repertoire, this position also is essential in providing services and advice to a range of stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the MSO’s performance, including orchestra management and operations personnel.
The successful applicant will possess the following:
Education and Qualifications
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in music, arts management, or related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Deep knowledge of orchestral/chamber music repertoire and performance practices.
Knowledge and Demonstrated Experience
• Proven experience in working with an orchestra in a similar position
• Demonstrated confidence and deep specialist knowledge of orchestral repertoire
• Ability to read scores and interpret them in terms of orchestral requirements
• Ability to engage with musicians and internal teams in a customer service oriented and accessible way
• Broad knowledge of library procedures and copyright processes
• Experience working with iPads in an Orchestra Library setting
• Familiarity with publishers and music providers in Australia and abroad
• Excellent computer literacy, including music notation and sound editing programs
Skills
• Experience leading a team and working autonomously
• Experience in developing and improving processes
• Demonstrated administrative, planning and organisational ability, including budget management
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
We’ll keep applications open until we find the
Closing date: n/a
Start date: March 2026
More details/How to apply:
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