Collaborative Pianist

Location: California

Apply now Job no: 552706
Work type: Staff
Location: Humboldt
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Position Description

Dance, Music, and Theatre

Job #552706

First Review Date:
February 6, 2026

Position

Start Date:

Fall Semester, Early August 2026

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future.

Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands‑on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands‑on learning, inspired teaching, ground‑breaking research, and thought‑provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down‑to‑earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field.

Position Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities 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% Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Associated with this Position Include As listed in Class Standards

• Knowledge of fundamentals of harmony; and skill in playing…