Ensemble & Solo Pianist for Suzuki School (Tours)

Suzuki Association of The Americas Inc; Naperville (IL); On-site; Full time

Job description

Western Springs and Naperville, Illinois United States

The Western Springs School of Talent Education (WSSTE) and Naperville Suzuki School (NSS) are nationally recognized Suzuki programs serving students from beginning through pre-professional levels. Our collaborative, student-centered environment emphasizes musical excellence, artistry, and joyful learning through individual lessons, chamber music, ensembles, and performance opportunities.

We are seeking a collaborative pianist who enjoys working with young string musicians and wants to become an important member of our artistic faculty.

We split the Pianists Job into two positions: Pianist A and Pianist B. You can apply for one or for both.

Pianist A – Solo Recital Pianist & Suzuki School Pianist

Responsibilities:

• Solo recitals (up to three per month, 1.5–5.5 pm, maximum 4 hours)
• October, November, February, March, May
• Coachings (15–50 students per session, 7:30–9:00 pm first Friday evening of each month, 7–8 masterclasses per year)
• Group class concerts and books (school-wide showcase, twice per year group rehearsals 4 hours each, two group concerts 3 hours each)
• Book recitals (students completing a Suzuki level may give a short private recital; date, time and location determined with teacher)
• Miscellaneous events and student competitions (10–15 hours per year)
• Additional paid opportunities (individual rehearsal beyond the 15 minute rehearsal, competition/festival/recording preparation, miscellaneous performances, and special events)

Qualifications:

• Facility with repertoire ranging from Suzuki books 1–10 to concerti and sonatas for violin, viola, and cello school
• Knowledge of standard string sonatas and concerti (e.g., Bruch Violin Concerto, Barber Violin Concerto, Mozart violin sonatas and concerti, Saint‑Saëns Cello Concerti, Brahms Cello Sonata, Beethoven Cello Sonatas)
• Basic knowledge of string instruments – tuning and intonation
• Ability to conduct individual rehearsals and work effectively with students ages 5 to 18 years

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary: $7,500 ($208.33 per week), paid over 36 payrolls
• Hourly coaching rate: $60 per hour (additional income)
• Paid time off: 1 hour for every 40 hours worked
• Choice of school health insurance plan (pre‑tax rate)

Pianist B – Ensemble Pianist (Allegro, Consort, and Cellissimo)

Responsibilities:

• Meet nearly every Sunday afternoon 1:30–4:30 pm, October to May (Advanced violin choir)
• Meet nearly every Wednesday evening 7:30–9:00 pm, late August to June (Advanced cello choir)
• Meeting Tuesday evenings as needed, roughly 1–2 times per month for 30–60 minutes
• Ensemble coaching (pre‑audition preparation, opportunity to earn a solo for forthcoming program)
• Two group concerts per year and a school‑wide showcase of all books and ensembles (3‑hr run time, 30 min maximum performance for ensemble)
• Domestic and international tours every other year in summer

Qualifications:

• Facility with intermediate to advanced string solo and ensemble repertoire (e.g., Bach Double Violin Concerto, Shostakovich Cello Sonata, Chopin Cello Sonata, Moszkowski Violin Duo, Sarasate Navarra, Piazzolla Death of the Angel)
• Ability to play other styles of music such as tango, bluegrass, fiddle, Broadway, pop, etc.
• Ability to conduct individual rehearsals and work effectively with string students ages 9 to 18 years

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary: $16,750 ($465.42 per week), paid over 36 payrolls
• Hourly coaching rate: $60 per hour (additional income)
• Tour compensation included
• Paid time off: 1 hour for every 40 hours worked
• Choice of school health insurance plan (pre‑tax rate)