Collaborative Pianist

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Job no: 552706

Job #552706

Work type: Staff

Location: Humboldt

Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

First Review Date: February 6, 2026

Position

Start Date:

Fall Semester, Early August 2026

Salary Range:
Step 1 ($4,241) – Step 20 ($6,177). Anticipated Hiring Range:
Step 1 ($4,241) – Step 6 ($4,681). Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations.

This is a full‑time, benefited, 11/12 pay plan (work 11 months of the year with pay and benefits over 12 months), permanent position with a one‑year probationary period in the Department of Dance, Music, and Theatre. The position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre‑tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee‑waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 15 paid holidays per year.

Additional benefits information can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Collaborative Pianist plays for student ensembles, classes, rehearsals, and lessons, as well as faculty and guest artists. Coaches singers, instrumentalists, ensembles, and student composers.

Play for large student performing groups such as University Singers, Mad River Transit Singers, Humboldt Chorale, Opera and Music Theater Workshop in rehearsals and performances – 30%

• Rehearse with choral groups, vocal sections, and soloists; play full and sectional accompaniment; provide high‑level musical instruction assistance in notes, rhythms, phrasing, and diction as needed.
• Accompany choral groups during rehearsals, at concerts, and other special events.
• Sight read accompaniments in rehearsals. Occasional duties include playing for warm‑ups.
• Provide basic improvisation as needed with the Jazz Choir and/or Musical Theater.
• Exhibit professional and stage etiquette to serve as a model of professionalism for students.
• As needed, perform in large instrumental ensembles.

Rehearse and perform with students in preparation for studio lessons, repertoire classes, composition and theory classes, and student recitals – 40%

• Perform with students in recitals, lessons, classes, juries, auditions, and competitions.
• Provide high‑level musical instruction assistance with pitches, rhythms, articulations, musical expression, diction, and memorization of parts. Provide support for instructions given by the studio teacher.
• Sight read accompaniments and student compositions in rehearsals and classes as needed. Provide basic improvisation as needed when playing from lead sheets.
• Make recordings of accompaniments for student practice.
• Exhibit professional and stage etiquette to serve as a model of professionalism at musical productions.
• Rehearse and perform in student ensembles during the Sequoia Chamber Music Workshop.

Rehearse and perform as a collaborative pianist with faculty and guest artists in solo and chamber music performances on and off campus – 10%

Practice in order to be prepared for rehearsals and performances – 10%

• Study and learn assigned music prior to rehearsals, classes, and performances to ensure efficient use of rehearsal time.

Organize rehearsal and performance schedules and sheet music – 5%

• Create and organize a sign‑up system for student rehearsals.
• Organize sheet music for each ensemble, rehearsal, class, and ensemble.
• Respond to inquiries and requests for information from students, faculty and staff regarding concerts, recitals, or other events.
• As needed, travel with faculty and student ensembles to out‑of‑town performances.

Other duties as assigned – 5%

As listed in Class Standards:

• Knowledge of fundamentals of harmony; and skill in playing piano as accompanist.
• Ability to improvise music, ability to coach performing artists; ability to transcribe music from recordings.

As related to the major responsibilities for this position:

• Ability to perform in public as a collaborative pianist at the professional level.
• A…