Collaborative Pianist

Location: California

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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 and now offers rigorous science, liberal arts, and polytechnic programs. With more than 6,000 students across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs, the university emphasizes hands‑on learning, research, and creative activity.

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, 11/12 pay plan position with a one‑year probationary period in the Department of Dance, Music, and Theatre.

Benefits include vacation, medical, dental, vision plans, life insurance, pre‑tax health and dependent care reimbursement, a fee‑waiver education program, A/B pension membership, and 15 paid holidays per year. Full benefits information is available at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Position Summary

The Collaborative Pianist plays for student ensembles, classes, rehearsals, and lessons, as well as faculty and guest artists. The role includes coaching 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; occasionally play 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.
• Perform in large instrumental ensembles as needed.

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; support instructions given by the studio teacher.
• Sight read accompaniments and student compositions; provide basic improvisation 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 event.
• Respond to inquiries and requests for information from students, faculty, and staff regarding concerts, recitals, or other events.
• Travel with faculty and student ensembles to out‑of‑town performances as needed.

Other duties as assigned – 5% Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Fundamentals of harmony; skill in playing piano as accompanist.
• Ability to improvise music, coach performing artists, and transcribe music from recordings.
• Perform in public as a collaborative pianist at the professional level.
• Sight read keyboard music well, including open choral scores.
• Familiarity with accompanying choral groups and soloists (instrument and…