Meridial
MeridialVerified listing

Music Professional - Stem Source Separation Expert

9/hr
Remote
part-time
Posted October 7, 2026
Not sure you qualify? Match your resume

Listing checked October 8, 2026 · pay as published by Meridial

Key details

Pay
$9/hr
Location
Remote
Job type
part-time
Posted
October 7, 2026

Overview

Open-source source separation models such as HTDemucs, Open-Unmix, MDX-Net, and the RS-RoFormer family split a track into just 4 to 6 stems. Real music mixtures hold dozens of separate instruments, and that coarse output blocks work in remixing, music education, transcription, and music information retrieval. This annotation project pushes current best separation models past the standard 4-stem limit. Annotators listen to short audio segments and name the specific instruments and instrument families they hear.

What You'll Do5

  • Listen to short audio segments and note each instrument present.
  • Sort sounds into specific instruments and broader instrument families.
  • Label stems that extend beyond the standard 4 to 6 stem groups.
  • Apply annotation rules so labels stay consistent from clip to clip.
  • Identify overlapping instruments and mark each one in the segment.

Requirements5

  • Proof of experience in music, audio production, or source separation work.
  • Familiarity with models such as HTDemucs, Open-Unmix, MDX-Net, or RS-RoFormer.
  • Ability to identify instruments and instrument families by ear.
  • Background in music annotation, transcription, remixing, or music information retrieval.
  • Comfort with labeling short audio clips and following detailed annotation guides.

Who Should Apply

Candidates who have worked with source separation models and can prove it through a portfolio or past projects are the right fit. A strong ear for instrument identification matters, along with a music background that covers many genres and ensembles. The role does not suit people who lack direct experience with audio annotation or who cannot share evidence of source separation work. Reviewers often reject applicants who list general music skills but fail to name specific models or annotation tools. A clear, verifiable record of stem separation or instrument labeling gives you the best chance.

Salary Insight

The posting lists $9.00/hr. That rate sits at the lower end for specialized music annotation and source separation work, even when the project requires proof of experience with models such as HTDemucs or RS-RoFormer. Candidates with deep audio ML backgrounds may see this as entry-level annotation pay rather than research or model development compensation.

Required skills

Source SeparationHtdemucsOpen UnmixMdx NetRs RoformerStem SeparationAudio AnnotationInstrument IdentificationInstrument FamiliesMusic Information RetrievalMusic TranscriptionRemixingMusic EducationAudio Labeling

How applying works

  1. 1. Pre-screen on NearSkill

    A quick application on NearSkill checks your fit against this role.

  2. 2. Finish on the employer’s site

    We hand you to Meridial’s official application page to complete the form.

  3. 3. Wait for a response

    The employer’s hiring team reviews applications and gets back to you.

Share:

Similar jobs

Open roles that match this listing's skills and level.

View all Other jobs
Turing

TuringVerified

Posted 26d ago

Music and Audio experts

Remotecontract
Audio EngineeringMusic Production+8 more
micro1

micro1Verified

Posted 5d ago

Music Expert (Music Teacher / Musician)

RemoteHotcontract
Analytical ListeningMusic Theory Knowledge+2 more

$20–45/hr

View job
micro1

micro1Verified

Posted 14d ago

Music & Sound Annotation Expert

Remotecontract
Analytical ListeningMusic Theory Knowledge+3 more

$30–45/hr

View job
micro1

micro1Verified

Posted 1mo ago

Music Annotation Expert for Field Recordings and AI Review

Remotecontract
Analytical ListeningMusic Theory Knowledge+3 more

$30–45/hr

View job
Mercor

MercorVerified

Posted 9d ago

Music Producer & Audio Post Specialist (AI Evaluation)

Remotefull-time
Pro ToolsLogic Pro+28 more

$70–120/hr

View job
Handshake AI

Handshake AIVerified

Posted 26d ago

Music Professional - AI Music Evaluation

RemotePart-Time
Music PerformanceComposition+14 more

Up to $100/hr

View job