Collaborative Pianist

The People's Music School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 61,992 - 75,768; Part time

Job summary

The People’s Music School in Chicago seeks a Collaborative pianist to serve as the primary accompanist for Uptown Academy’s three choirs, supporting the conductor’s artistic goals through skilled piano performance and rehearsal collaboration. This in-person, part-time role begins September 2026.

Responsibilities include accompanying rehearsals and performances, preparing repertoire in advance, adapting to rehearsal needs, and collaborating with conductors and soloists.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in music education or performance or equivalent experience
• High level of musicianship including knowledge of music theory
• Prior experience accompanying choirs, vocal ensembles or community choruses
• Experience working with both vocalists and instrumentalists
• High level of sight reading skills
• Strong transposition skills
• Flexible and adaptable in rehearsal environments
• Knowledge and experience playing diverse repertoire including jazz/world music
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Commitment to The People’s Music School’s mission and values

Responsibilities

• Provide piano accompaniment for all rehearsals
• Accompany all scheduled concert performances and dress rehearsals
• Adapt accompaniment to support efficient rehearsal processes
• Prepare and master repertoire prior to rehearsals
• Support the Voice Ensemble conductor in reinforcing musical concepts
• Provide accompaniment for soloists during student assessments
• Collaborate with Voice Ensemble conductors in preparing repertoire
• Attend all scheduled rehearsals, dress rehearsals and performances
• Communicate scheduling conflicts or anticipated absences
• Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, reliability, and collegiality

Skills

Piano accompaniment

Sight reading

Transposition

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in music education or performance

Job description

Job Title: Collaborative Pianist

Location: Uptown Academy (931 W Eastwood Ave, Chicago, 60640)

Start Date: September 2026

Reports to: Program Manager

Organizational Overview

The People’s Music School is Chicago’s oldest and largest completely free nonprofit music school, providing transformational music instruction to over 800 K-12 students in Chicago. The school has a straightforward mission: to provide access to the transformational benefits of high-quality music instruction to youth who otherwise would not be able to afford it. We focus our work in communities that have been systematically excluded and marginalized from receiving a high quality music education.

Through intensive instruction and performance, The People’s Music School’s students grow not only musically, but also socially, emotionally, and academically, developing a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem, resilience, and purpose. From putting an instrument in an aspiring young musician’s hand for the first time, to teaching students how to read and write music and perform in an ensemble, The People’s Music School provides opportunity and instruction at sites located in four Chicago communities: Uptown, Albany Park, Back of the Yards, and the Greater South Side. Students receive an average of four hours of instruction per week, at absolutely no cost, delivered by world-class teaching artists.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Voice Ensemble Conductor, the Collaborative pianist is the primary accompanist for Uptown Academy’s three choirs and supports the artistic and musical goals of the Conductor through skilled piano performance, rehearsal support and collaboration in all rehearsals and performances.

Responsibilities – Teaching and Instruction 90%

• Provide piano accompaniment for all rehearsals
• Be the accompanist for all scheduled concert performances and dress rehearsals
• Adapt accompaniment as needed to support efficient rehearsal processes
• Prepare and master repertoire prior to rehearsals
• Support Voice Ensemble conductor in reinforcing musical concepts, notes, rhythms, diction and interpretation in rehearsals
• Provide accompaniment for soloists during student assessments
• Collaborate with Voice Ensemble Conductors in preparing repertoire
• Maintain flexibility in adapting to changing rehearsal and performance needs
• Attend all scheduled rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances
• Communicate promptly regarding scheduling conflicts or anticipated absences
• Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, reliability, and collegiality in all interactions
• Assist with other related projects as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in music education or performance or equivalent experience/training
• A high level of personal musicianship which includes knowledge of music theory in addition to performing ability
• Prior experience accompanying choirs, vocal ensembles or community choruses
• Prior experience working with both vocalists and instrumentalists
• High level of sight reading skills
• High level of transposition skills
• Flexible and adaptable in rehearsal environment
• Knowledge and experience playing diverse repertoire, including but not limited to jazz and world music
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proven experience collaborating and working with people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds
• Personal commitment to the mission and values of The People’s Music School

Physical Demands

• Occasionally required to push, pull, lift and/or move up to 20 pounds

Schedule

• Part Time position with the schedule below
• Mondays 4:00-5:00 pm and Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:00 pm
• Must be available to work in person

Compensation And Benefits

• $50 per hour
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Sick Leave
• 403b Retirement Plan with employer match

People-Centered Hiring: Every application and hiring decision is reviewed and made entirely by human hands and minds.

For more information about The People’s Music School, please visit: www.peoplesmusicschool.org.

The People’s Music School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, physical or mental disability or any other protected status in admission or access to, or employment in its programs and activities.