Piano / Keys
Typical MD chair
Orchestra Musician.
High-standard reading and jazz chops required. Sonic Artistes places individual orchestra musicians on client ships as part of a larger ensemble— the chance to play with some of the best maritime musicians in one of the most prestigiuos roles available.
Sight-Reading EssentialJazz Chops RequiredEnsemble experience essential
[ 01 ] — How Orchestra Contract Works
The orchestras on client ships, primarily to support production shows, guest entertainers, and other performance formats that require a live ensemble.
If you're on our orchestra roster and available, you could be stepping aboard any ship in the fleet to play alongside an existing orchestra, often within days of the call. That demands a specific kind of musician: one who reads to a high standard, has strong jazz credentials, is adaptable, and can slot into an established ensemble from cold.
[ 02 ] — The Ensemble
The full orchestra lineup typically includes the following roles — fill-in needs can arise in any chair. All musicians must be capable of taking the Musical Director role if required; historically that's been Keys, Bass, or Drums, but any instrumentalist may be called upon.
Bass
Typical MD chair
Drums
Typical MD chair
Guitar
Trumpet
Trombone
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
[ 04 ] — What We're Looking For
All Orchestra Roles
- Strong jazz chops. The orchestra plays jazz and swing material alongside production work. This is not a light requirement — the ensemble is heard by an audience that expects quality.
- MD-level musicianship. All orchestra musicians should be capable of directing the ensemble if required. This doesn't mean you'll always be MD, but the capability should be there.
- Flexibility and short-notice availability. Fill-in requirements often arise quickly. Musicians on our orchestra roster should be genuinely available to respond when a call comes in.
- High-standard sight-reading. Orchestra musicians play from charts for production shows and guest entertainer sets. The reading standard must be reliable under live performance pressure.
- The personal and professional qualities to represent Sonic Artistes and the client during the assignment period.
- Professionalism-You'll be joining an existing orchestra as a new member. The ability to integrate quickly, match the ensemble's feel, and perform without an extended rehearsal period is essential.
We look for orchestra musicians who have genuine orchestral or big band experience, not just musicians who can read. The orchestra context is demanding — production shows, guest entertainer formats, and live show work all require musicians who are comfortable with the pace and standard of a working ship's entertainment programme.
[ 05 ] — The Deal
Orchestra musicians are employed directly by the client under a Seafarers' Employment Agreement for the duration of the assignment — the same employed structure as all other Sonic Artistes placements.
Assignment Length
Variable — determined by the specific contract requirement. Could be a matter of weeks or longer depending on circumstances.
Pay
Monthly consolidated salary via PAYE for the duration of the assignment. Tax handled automatically by the client.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation, all meals, and laundry included for the assignment period.
Travel
Given the short-notice nature of fill-in work, logistics are coordinated quickly.
Any Ship
Positions can arise on any of the client ships. You won't necessarily know which ship until the requirement comes through.
Medical
ENG1 (or approved alternative) seafarer's medical certificate required before joining. Being on the roster in advance — with documentation in place —This makes short-notice fill-in possible.
[ 06 ] — Detail
Readiness for Contract
The nature of orchestra work means the preparation happens before the call, not after it. Musicians who are on our orchestra roster and ready — documents in place, ENG1 current, Bermuda ID held — are the ones we can call on when a position arises at short notice.
We strongly encourage any musician interested in orchestra fill-in to go through the full compliance process proactively, rather than waiting for a specific vacancy. When a gap opens, there may not be time to begin compliance from scratch.
We're also transparent about the nature of this work: it is supplementary income for most orchestra musicians, not a primary career path. If you're looking for ongoing, scheduled work, our band products are more appropriate. If you're an experienced orchestral musician with the right credentials who wants periodic high-quality maritime gig work, this is a genuine opportunity worth registering for.
[ APPLY ] — Next stage
Register Your Interest
Tell us your instrument, your reading experience, and your jazz background. We'll be in touch when a relevant position arises.