Accompanist II (10/12 Pay Plan)

Opt For Healthy Living; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 21,516 - 22,833; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

CSU tuition waiver

Up to 24 vacation days per year

15 paid holidays per year

Job summary

Opt For Healthy Living in Bakersfield is hiring an Accompanist II for a part-time role, offering 20 hours per week. The position involves providing professional-level piano accompaniment for instructional and performance activities. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Music or a closely related field and a strong background in music coaching. Benefits include a comprehensive package, and applicants must maintain a professional demeanor throughout their engagement.

Qualifications

• Special training or coursework facilitating composing, improvising, coaching, and accompanying.
• Experience leading to a thorough familiarity with accompanying choral groups and soloists.
• Skill in playing one or more musical instruments as accompanist.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional-level piano accompaniment for instructional, rehearsal, and performance activities.
• Accompany students during rehearsals, studio classes, and instructional sessions.
• Coach soloists on rhythm, pitch accuracy, phrasing, diction, and stylistic interpretation.

Skills

Piano accompaniment

Coaching vocalists

Customer service experience

Communication skills

Knowledge of harmony and rhythm

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Music

Job description

Apply now – Job no: 558146
Work type: Staff
Location: Bakersfield
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Temporary, Part Time, Theatre Arts, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Classified Title

Accompanist II

Union Code: R09

Temporary End Date: Until or before July 31, 2027

FT/PT: Part-time, 20 hours per week

Pay Plan: 10/12 Pay Plan

Workplace Type: On-site (work in-person at business location)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $1,928 – $2,046. Offer amount will be commensurate with experience, education, skills, and training.

Salary Range (CSU): $1,928 – $2,808

Pay Basis: Monthly

Benefits: CSUB offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including medical, dental, vision, retirement participation in CalPERS, a CSU tuition waiver, up to 24 vacation days per year, sick leave with unlimited accrual, and 15 paid holidays per year.

Position Purpose

The CSU Bakersfield Music Program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with emphasis in Music Education and General Music, a Music minor, and support for the General Education and Liberal Studies Programs. The Accompanist II provides professional-level musical accompaniment and instructional support, coaching students and ensembles for juries, recitals, and public performances, and contributing to the successful delivery of curriculum-based and performance-based requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide professional-level piano accompaniment for instructional, rehearsal, and performance activities.
• Accompany instrumental and vocal students during rehearsals, studio classes, and instructional sessions.
• Provide piano accompaniment for student recitals, including required audition hearings and public performances.
• Accompany instrumental and vocal juries, ensuring adherence to faculty-directed tempos and performance standards.
• Perform accompaniment for recital hour performances, auditions, and guest recitals hosted by the department.
• Play for conducting classes, providing real-time musical responsiveness to student conductors.
• Serve as a primary accompanist for choral ensembles and staged productions.
• Accompany rehearsals and public performances for University Singers and Chamber Singers.
• Participate in rehearsals, performances, and tours with choral ensembles as scheduled.
• Provide accompaniment for opera and musical theatre productions when needed.
• Demonstrate rhythmic, harmonic, and stylistic elements during rehearsals to reinforce musical concepts.

• Coach soloists and small instrumental or vocal groups on rhythm, pitch accuracy, phrasing, diction, and stylistic interpretation in preparation for juries, recitals, and public performances.
• Assist students in developing performance-ready repertoire by reinforcing harmonic structure and ensemble balance.
• Transcribe music from recordings when printed piano scores are unavailable.
• Maintain familiarity with a wide range of repertoire styles to support diverse instructional needs.

Required Qualifications

• Special training or coursework facilitating composing, improvising, coaching, and accompanying.
• Experience leading to a thorough familiarity with accompanying choral groups and soloists.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Skill in playing one or more musical instruments as accompanist.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of harmony, rhythm, phrasing, and stylistic conventions across vocal, choral, and instrumental repertoire.
• Knowledge of performance practices appropriate to classical, choral, operatic, and academic music settings.
• Ability to select appropriate dance music, compose or improvise music, coach performing artists, and transcribe music from recordings.
• Ability to coach instrumentalists and vocalists on rhythm, pitch, phrasing, diction, and stylistic interpretation.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring diplomacy and professionalism.
• Excellent communication skills and understanding of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to interpret, communicate, and apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and email applications.
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Music, Piano Performance, Accompaniment, or a closely related field.
• Experience accompanying instrumental and vocal students in a college, university, or conservatory program.
• Experience coaching soloists or small ensembles in preparation for juries, recitals, or public performances.
• Experience working across multiple musical styles appropriate to vocal, instrumental, choral, and operatic repertoire.
• Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment with a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

Physical Demands

Light work – mainly sitting, up to 25% standing or walking; lifting medium weight objects limited to 25 pounds.

Special Conditions

Screening: Only candidates with experience directly related to the immediate needs of the office will be invited to a Qualifications Appraisal Board.

Background Check: Completion of a background and criminal records check is required. The offer may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information.

General Information

The California State University (CSU), including CSU Bakersfield, is committed to an inclusive and equitable community. All employees have the right to participate fully in CSU programs and employment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. All new employees will be required to present documentation verifying their right to work in the United States.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

CSU Bakersfield is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and conformity to job requirements. For information about our nondiscrimination policy, contact Allan Williams, AVP of Civil Rights and Compliance, at [phone].