Accompanist Jobs for OPT Students
Accompanist jobs on OPT are available at universities, conservatories, opera companies, and performing arts organizations. Most roles qualify under CIP code 50.0903 (Music Performance) or 50.0901 (Music, General), making them eligible for standard 12-month OPT. Positions that blend music technology or research may support STEM OPT extension requests.
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Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Do you want to cultivate an inclusive environment that encourages free expression and civil discourse? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower our 47,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come Take Flight at KSU!
Location
(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities)
Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.
Job Summary
Provides accompaniment for a department or assigned area within the College of the Arts.
Responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides accompaniment for a variety of music and musical applications for faculty, students, and staff
- Musical applications may include applied music lessons, recitals, juries, ensembles, masterclasses, and auditions
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent experience as noted below.
Required Experience
- Advanced level: Master's degree or ten (10) or more years' experience accompanying in field or intermediate level with a specialized ensemble skill set for the assigned area
- Intermediate level: Bachelor's degree or less than ten (10) years' experience accompanying in field
Abilities
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Ability to follow vocalist/instrumentalist/conductor in rehearsals and performance
- Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines
KNOWLEDGE
Strong knowledge in vocal and instrumental repertoire and techniques
Skills
- Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
- Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
- Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community. For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu.
Other Information
This is not a supervisory position. This position does not have any financial responsibilities. This position will not be required to drive. This role is not considered a position of trust. This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card). This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time.
Background Check
Standard Enhanced
Education
Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility. All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials. https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf
About us
Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Do you want to cultivate an inclusive environment that encourages free expression and civil discourse? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower our 47,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come Take Flight at KSU!
Location
(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities)
Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.
Job Summary
Provides accompaniment for a department or assigned area within the College of the Arts.
Responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides accompaniment for a variety of music and musical applications for faculty, students, and staff
- Musical applications may include applied music lessons, recitals, juries, ensembles, masterclasses, and auditions
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent experience as noted below.
Required Experience
- Advanced level: Master's degree or ten (10) or more years' experience accompanying in field or intermediate level with a specialized ensemble skill set for the assigned area
- Intermediate level: Bachelor's degree or less than ten (10) years' experience accompanying in field
Abilities
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Ability to follow vocalist/instrumentalist/conductor in rehearsals and performance
- Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines
KNOWLEDGE
Strong knowledge in vocal and instrumental repertoire and techniques
Skills
- Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
- Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
- Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community. For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu.
Other Information
This is not a supervisory position. This position does not have any financial responsibilities. This position will not be required to drive. This role is not considered a position of trust. This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card). This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time.
Background Check
Standard Enhanced
Education
Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility. All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials. https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Accompanist
Target institutions with established international hiring
Universities, conservatories, and regional opera companies regularly hire international musicians and understand OPT authorization. These employers are far more likely to have an HR process already in place for work authorization documentation than independent studios.
Clarify your OPT end date upfront
Accompanist contracts often run on academic-year cycles. Share your OPT expiration date early so employers can structure your start date and contract length around your authorization window, avoiding gaps that could disrupt mid-semester commitments.
Ask about concurrent position policies
Many accompanists hold multiple part-time engagements. Under OPT, all positions must be in your authorized field and collectively meet the 20-hour minimum. Confirm each employer is aware of your OPT status before accepting concurrent roles.
Leverage your music school's career network
Faculty connections at your program often lead directly to department accompanist openings at other institutions. These roles are rarely posted publicly. A recommendation from a professor carries significant weight and can shortcut a lengthy hiring process.
Track your employment carefully for OPT reporting
Accompanist work is often freelance or part-time across multiple venues. Log every engagement, employer name, and hours worked. Your DSO needs accurate employment records to update SEVIS, and gaps or inaccuracies can jeopardize your OPT status.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does accompanist work qualify as OPT-eligible employment?
Yes, as long as the work is directly related to your music degree. Staff accompanist positions at universities, conservatories, and arts organizations are straightforwardly eligible. Freelance and per-service engagements also qualify, but you must work at least 20 hours per week in aggregate and report all employers to your DSO to keep your SEVIS record current.
Can I work as a freelance accompanist on OPT, or do I need a single employer?
Freelance accompanist work is permitted on OPT. USCIS allows self-employment as long as you have a bona fide business structure and the work relates to your degree field. You should maintain contracts, invoices, and a record of engagements as documentation. Inform your DSO and update your employer information in SEVIS for each sustained engagement. Sporadic one-off gigs can accumulate toward your 20-hour minimum.
Where can I find accompanist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended platform for OPT students seeking accompanist roles. It filters for employers who are open to hiring international students on work authorization, which saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering sponsorship limitations late in the process. University music department postings and conservatory career offices are also strong sources.
Do accompanist roles at universities support H-1B sponsorship after OPT ends?
Some do, but it depends on how the role is defined. University staff accompanist positions that require a master's or doctoral degree in music can qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B. Adjunct or per-service positions without a formal degree requirement are harder to sponsor. Ask directly during the interview whether the institution has sponsored H-1B petitions for similar roles before.
Can I hold a part-time accompanist position and still meet OPT requirements?
Yes. OPT requires at least 20 hours of work per week in your authorized field, but that threshold can be met by combining multiple part-time positions. Many accompanists split time between a university department role and private coaching or ensemble work. Each employer must be reported to your DSO, and all positions must fall within your music degree field to count toward the requirement.
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