Volunteer
By volunteering at Carnegie Hall as a Music Ambassador, you help us fulfill our vital mission of providing the transformative power of music to the widest possible audience. Music Ambassadors offer assistance to Carnegie Hall staff, audience members, and the general public in many different capacities. All our volunteer opportunities are public facing, and require varying degrees of vocal and physical stamina (talking, standing, and walking for long periods of time). Most successful volunteers are those who are extroverted, friendly, and can be described as a “people person.” Training commences in September, and volunteer opportunities occur during the concert season from October through the end of July. We ask for a minimum one-season commitment.
When you volunteer as a Music Ambassador, you not only get insider access to the world’s most famous concert hall, you also enjoy many great perks, including:
- Complimentary tickets
- Access to exclusive events
- Discounts at the Carnegie Hall Shop and Weill Café
Submit an Application
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Carnegie Hall as a Music Ambassador. Recruitment for the 2024–2025 season is now closed. Interested volunteers are welcome to complete the online application form; completed forms will be kept on file for future review as additional needs arise.
Contact Us
volunteer@carnegiehall.org
212-424-2014
Volunteer Opportunities
Tour Guide (Docent)
Carnegie Hall offers public walk-in and private booked tours during the concert season. Volunteer docents lead groups of up to 15 to 20 visitors on a one-hour tour through the Hall, providing insight into the Hall’s history and architecture. Individuals who are comfortable with high school groups and summer (June and July) availability are particularly welcome.
Hours
Schedules are flexible, with an emphasis on morning availability for school groups, particularly from March through July.
Qualities Needed
Flexible; sense of humor; vocal and physical stamina (must be able to talk, stand, and walk for about two hours, and safely move up and down steep stairs); interest in music, history, and architecture; friendly and outgoing personality; able to give dedicated time to a rigorous training process in October and November.
Information Desk
Music Ambassadors stationed at the Information Desk in the Box Office lobby enhance the experience of visitors to Carnegie Hall by answering questions and pointing out amenities.
Hours
Music Ambassadors are asked to volunteer for the same shift each week, or available as an alternate to fill in shifts as needed. Shift periods are generally Monday through Saturday, 10:45 AM–1:15 PM or 1:15 PM–4 PM.
Qualities Needed
Friendly and outgoing personality; able to speak clearly and loudly; strong communication skills; detail oriented; interest in Carnegie Hall programming; not adverse to cooler temperatures; foreign language skills are a plus.
Shop Line Assistance
Music Ambassadors assist ticket holders who are interested in visiting the Shop or standing in line for merchandise both before, during, and after Carnegie Hall concerts. Volunteers assist with directing visitors through the Shop in one flow of direction
Hours
Volunteering is typically in the evening and late evenings, during the week or on weekends. Please note, volunteers are most needed in March, April, May, and June.
Qualities Needed
Proactive and outgoing personality; physical stamina (must be able to hold a sign, walk, and stand for up to 60 minutes at a time); clear communicator.
Citywide Concert Greeter
Volunteers in this area assist with various Citywide concerts at venues throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Greeters welcome audience members and gather guest information both before and after the concert.
Hours
Events happen across the five boroughs of New York City on various days and times. Volunteer needs may be limited, approximately once a month.
Qualities Needed
Friendly and outgoing personality; excited to travel throughout the five boroughs; interest in Carnegie Hall programming; enjoys working with families; vocal and physical stamina (must be able to talk, stand, and engage with visitors for up to 90 minutes).
Special Programs Greeter
Music Ambassadors who volunteer in this area assist with various events at Carnegie Hall, including Early Childhood Concerts, Well-Being Concerts, Family Days, and other programs offered by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute in the Resnick Education Wing. Volunteer stations may not necessarily be inside the performance space.
Hours
Volunteering needs will be sporadic at various times, both weekdays and weekends throughout the season. Events can start in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Please note, we only need volunteers in this area a few times a year.
Qualities Needed
Friendly and proactive personality; interest in Carnegie Hall programming; enjoys working with young kids and families; vocal and physical stamina (must be able to talk, stand, and engage with visitors for up to four hours).
Carnegie Hall Presentation Greeter
Greeters complement the front-of-house experience by welcoming audience members to Carnegie Hall presentations in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage and Zankel Hall. Greeters assist regular concert staff and ushers by directing concertgoers to proper venue locations and amenities. Greeters stand directly outside the building on the sidewalk in all weather conditions.
Hours
Volunteers must be available to greet at least one concert per month. Most concerts are weekday evenings or weekends.
Qualities Needed
Friendly and outgoing personality; self-motivated; interest in Carnegie Hall programming; not averse to standing outside; vocal and physical stamina (must be able to talk, stand, engage with visitors for up to 90 minutes).
Hotel Concierge Program
We are currently assessing the possible return of this program in the 2024—2025 season. Music Ambassadors who volunteer for this program deliver concert calendars and other marketing material to hotel concierge desks once per month. When appropriate, the volunteer engages with the concierge to highlight selected concerts. The typical walking route includes 10 hotels located near Carnegie Hall.
Hours
Volunteers pick up supplies at Carnegie Hall the third week of every month and deliver them to local hotels; approximately two hours are required to complete the distribution route.
Qualities Needed
Physical stamina (must be able to carry materials and walk to complete route—approximately two hours); friendly and outgoing personality; self-motivated; interest in Carnegie Hall programming; not averse to walking outside.