Collaborative Pianist Jobs
Collaborative pianist jobs are open across universities, conservatories, opera companies, and K-12 schools, at every level from part-time staff accompanist to full-time faculty, with specializations in vocal coaching, chamber music, and dance accompaniment. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 9+ Collaborative Pianist jobs
JOB GOAL:
Kirkwood is seeking a collaborative pianist to join the growing music area for the Spring 2027 semester and beyond on the Cedar Rapids Main Campus.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The instrumentalist is responsible for fostering student success by working collaboratively as a piano accompanist. The candidate will have the opportunity to engage collaboratively with both faculty and students in recital and performance preparation. The ideal candidate will have the ability to perform in a variety of musical styles (e.g. classical, musical theatre, jazz, and popular music). The position is available for both fall and spring, and must have availability Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, along with occasional weekends and evenings. The following description includes expectations for an entire academic year:
Position: Theater
- Collaborate with the theater team for the fall musical
- Collaborate with students on the Opera/Musical Theatre scenes workshop in spring
- Work with AAA music students includes:
- Availability for 3 Lunch and Listen Concerts- Thursdays 11:15-12:10
- Availability for Performance seminar- Fridays 12:20-1:15pm
- Rehearsals will work just like applied lessons, if a student misses without prior notice, then they will lose that time.
Pay is $1,314 per credit hour and one credit of compensation is 35 hours of contact. Total credit hours will vary. Typically collaborative are paid for six credits each semester and twelve for the academic year. Subject to enrollment and instructional needs, opportunities to teach applied lessons are available.
Adjunct faculty positions are temporary, part-time positions scheduled intermittently based on institutional need. Adjuncts are not guaranteed work in any semester and are notified of course assignments prior to each term as courses become available. Official transcripts will be required if offered a position.UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
- Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and accountability for our actions.
- Champion Service- anticipating needs and creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
- Perseverance- a commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
- Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Attend regular and required weekly rehearsals. The ensemble performs 1-2 concerts per semester and attendance would be required for those as well. There are six planned performances of the fall musical.
- Perform comfortably in a variety of musical styles
- Assist in preparing students for juries and recitals through collaboration.
- Collaborate with the director on musical ideas and rehearsal management.
- For the choir position only, playing open choral scores (4 part) is highly recommended
- Communicate regularly and effectively with relevant parties (i.e. instructors, students)
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
- Demonstrate excellence of technique and professionalism as a musician.
- Communicate clearly expectations for collaboration with other applied music instructors and students.
- Be able and willing to represent the college in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Position involves sitting and/or standing most of the time in a studio setting. Frequent (34-66%) repetitive motion, stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, carrying and exerting up to 10 pounds. Also, frequent (34-66%) reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping. Constant (67-100%) talking, hearing and viewing various types of close work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master of Music or Master of Arts degree in piano performance, piano pedagogy, or collaborative piano.
- Demonstrated experience as a collaborative pianist.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:
- DMA or PhD in Piano Performance or Pedagogy
- Ability to demonstrate successful teaching in both classical and popular idioms.
EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:OCR.Denver@ed.gov.
WHY KIRKWOOD:
Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
JOB GOAL:
Kirkwood is seeking a collaborative pianist to join the growing music area for the Spring 2027 semester and beyond on the Cedar Rapids Main Campus.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The instrumentalist is responsible for fostering student success by working collaboratively as a piano accompanist. The candidate will have the opportunity to engage collaboratively with both faculty and students in recital and performance preparation. The ideal candidate will have the ability to perform in a variety of musical styles (e.g. classical, musical theatre, jazz, and popular music). The position is available for both fall and spring, and must have availability Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, along with occasional weekends and evenings. The following description includes expectations for an entire academic year:
Position: Theater
- Collaborate with the theater team for the fall musical
- Collaborate with students on the Opera/Musical Theatre scenes workshop in spring
- Work with AAA music students includes:
- Availability for 3 Lunch and Listen Concerts- Thursdays 11:15-12:10
- Availability for Performance seminar- Fridays 12:20-1:15pm
- Rehearsals will work just like applied lessons, if a student misses without prior notice, then they will lose that time.
Pay is $1,314 per credit hour and one credit of compensation is 35 hours of contact. Total credit hours will vary. Typically collaborative are paid for six credits each semester and twelve for the academic year. Subject to enrollment and instructional needs, opportunities to teach applied lessons are available.
Adjunct faculty positions are temporary, part-time positions scheduled intermittently based on institutional need. Adjuncts are not guaranteed work in any semester and are notified of course assignments prior to each term as courses become available. Official transcripts will be required if offered a position.UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
- Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and accountability for our actions.
- Champion Service- anticipating needs and creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
- Perseverance- a commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
- Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Attend regular and required weekly rehearsals. The ensemble performs 1-2 concerts per semester and attendance would be required for those as well. There are six planned performances of the fall musical.
- Perform comfortably in a variety of musical styles
- Assist in preparing students for juries and recitals through collaboration.
- Collaborate with the director on musical ideas and rehearsal management.
- For the choir position only, playing open choral scores (4 part) is highly recommended
- Communicate regularly and effectively with relevant parties (i.e. instructors, students)
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
- Demonstrate excellence of technique and professionalism as a musician.
- Communicate clearly expectations for collaboration with other applied music instructors and students.
- Be able and willing to represent the college in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Position involves sitting and/or standing most of the time in a studio setting. Frequent (34-66%) repetitive motion, stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, carrying and exerting up to 10 pounds. Also, frequent (34-66%) reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping. Constant (67-100%) talking, hearing and viewing various types of close work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master of Music or Master of Arts degree in piano performance, piano pedagogy, or collaborative piano.
- Demonstrated experience as a collaborative pianist.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:
- DMA or PhD in Piano Performance or Pedagogy
- Ability to demonstrate successful teaching in both classical and popular idioms.
EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:OCR.Denver@ed.gov.
WHY KIRKWOOD:
Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
See All 9 Collaborative Pianist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Collaborative Pianist JobsCollaborative Pianist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in collaborative pianist jobs.
- Master's degree in piano performance, accompanying, or collaborative piano
- Demonstrated experience accompanying vocalists, choral ensembles, or instrumentalists
- Strong orchestral and operatic score reading and sightreading ability
- Experience with vocal coaching and diction in Italian, German, and French
- Ability to serve as rehearsal pianist for opera productions or musical theater
- Familiarity with accompanying student juries, recitals, and auditions in an academic setting
Tips for Your Collaborative Pianist Job Search
Tailor your resume to each ensemble
List the specific repertoire, voice types, and ensembles you've supported on your resume. Opera departments and university choral programs screen for direct experience, so matching your credits to each posting's focus moves you past the first cut.
Build a targeted audio and video portfolio
Record yourself in real rehearsal and performance contexts, not just solo playing. Hiring committees want to hear how you follow a singer's breath and respond in real time, so short clips from actual coaching sessions carry more weight than polished recital recordings.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists collaborative pianist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Read the posting for secondary duties
Many collaborative pianist positions include duties like teaching class piano, coaching musical theater, or accompanying student recitals. Missing those details means arriving underprepared for auditions or interviews, so parse every posting carefully before applying.
Prepare repertoire for a live audition round
Most university and conservatory searches include a sightreading component and a mock coaching session with a singer or instrumentalist. Practice cold sightreading at the tempo a conductor would set, not the tempo you'd choose alone.
Follow up with a thank-you after interviews
Send a brief, specific message within 24 hours that references something from the audition or conversation. Hiring committees often interview multiple finalists on the same day, and a concrete follow-up reinforces your name and your fit for the particular program.
Collaborative Pianist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most collaborative pianists?
Boston University, Ralston Public Schools, and University of Jamestown are hiring the most collaborative pianists right now, with openings concentrated in Illinois, Texas, and Nebraska, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. University schools of music and conservatories consistently account for the largest share of full-time openings.
How many collaborative pianist jobs are remote?
About 0% of collaborative pianist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how in-person rehearsal and performance remain central to the role. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include online music theory instruction, virtual vocal coaching, and administrative coordination for music programs.
How do you become a collaborative pianist?
Start by completing a bachelor's degree in piano performance, then pursue a graduate degree specifically in collaborative piano or accompanying, which most university programs now offer as a distinct track. Build a diverse repertoire across voice, strings, winds, and choral literature. Seek out assistantship positions at schools of music, volunteer to accompany student recitals, and attend summer programs focused on art song and opera coaching to develop real-world experience.
How do you get hired as a collaborative pianist with little experience?
Start by accompanying student recitals, church choirs, or community theater productions to build documented credits. Many entry-level positions at smaller colleges or community arts organizations prioritize sightreading skill and flexibility over a long performance history. A focused portfolio of recordings from live rehearsals, even informal ones, demonstrates responsiveness to singers and conductors in a way a resume alone cannot.
What does the collaborative pianist interview process look like?
Most searches begin with an application review of your CV, recordings, and references, followed by a phone or video screening with the department chair or search committee. Finalists are typically invited for an on-campus visit that includes a sightreading audition, a prepared collaborative performance with a singer or instrumentalist, a mock coaching or teaching demonstration, and a committee interview covering your pedagogical philosophy and repertoire range.
Where can I find and apply to collaborative pianist jobs?
You can find and apply to collaborative pianist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find the roles that match your experience and repertoire strengths, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 9 Collaborative Pianist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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