Collaborative Pianist

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time Collaborative Pianist in the Music & Dance Department. The role provides collaborative piano support for vocal and instrumental students across lessons, rehearsals, juries, recitals, and masterclasses, with duties spanning solo, chamber, and larger ensembles.

The position requires weekend and evening availability and a 43-week schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in music or closely related field.
• Three (3) years of experience as a collaborative pianist.
• Excellent sight-reading skills.
• Demonstrated ability to rehearse efficiently and effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional collaborative piano support for vocal and instrumental students during lessons, rehearsals, performances, studio classes, juries, recitals, masterclasses, and other instructional and performance activities.
• Prepare and independently rehearse assigned repertoire to support student learning and performance readiness.
• Collaborate with faculty and students to facilitate musical interpretation, ensemble coordination, and successful performances.
• Perform piano accompaniment for soloists, chamber ensembles, and larger ensembles for various events.
• Provide collaborative piano support for departmental concerts and events, including evenings and weekends.

Skills

Sight-reading

Ensemble coordination

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Piano performance

Education

Bachelor's degree in music

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Piano

Job description

Title: Collaborative Pianist

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Humanities & Fine Arts

Department: Music & Dance

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The University of Massachusetts Department of Music and Dance seeks a full-time Collaborative Pianist. Duties include accompanying students of classical music in lessons, rehearsals and performances for solos, chamber groups, and larger ensembles. The successful candidates will provide collaborative support for instrumental and vocal lessons, studio classes and recitals, degree and elective recitals, juries, guest masterclasses, the yearly concerto competition, and other departmental events as needed. This is a full-time, 43-week staff position supervised by the Department Chair that requires weekend and evening availability throughout the semester.

Essential Functions

Provide professional collaborative piano support for vocal and instrumental students during lessons, rehearsals, performances, studio classes, juries, recitals, masterclasses, and other instructional and performance activities.

Prepare and independently rehearse assigned repertoire to support student learning and performance readiness. Collaborate with faculty and students to facilitate musical interpretation, ensemble coordination, and successful performances.

Perform piano accompaniment for soloists, chamber ensembles, and larger ensembles for lessons, rehearsals, degree and elective recitals, the annual concerto competition, guest artist masterclasses, auditions, and other departmental events.

Provide collaborative piano support for departmental concerts, performances, and special events, including those requiring evening and weekend availability.

Maintain a broad and varied repertoire and exercise professional musical judgment to adapt to the instructional and performance needs of students, faculty, and guest artists.

Other Functions

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in music or closely related field.
• Three (3) years of experience as a collaborative pianist.
• Excellent sight-reading skills.
• Demonstrated ability to rehearse efficiently and effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Piano Performance, Collaborative Piano, or a closely related field.
• Extensive academic or professional experience as a collaborative pianist.
• Broad repertoire in instrumental and vocal music.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for working with college musicians of varying skill levels.
• Ability to perform advanced solo and collaborative piano repertoire.

Additional Details

This is a full-time, 43-week staff position supervised by the Department Chair that requires weekend and evening availability throughout the semester.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

• Monday-Friday, 9a-5p
• 37.5 hours per week
• Some weekend and evening availability will be required.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.