The California State University
Collaborative Pianist
The California State University, California, Missouri, United States, 65018
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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
Collaborative Pianist 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 https://hraps.humboldt.edu/employee-benefits.
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 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.
Ability to sight read keyboard music well, including open choral scores.
Thorough familiarity with accompanying choral groups and soloists (instrument and vocal).
Experience coaching performing artists.
Knowledge of vocal, choral and instrumental repertoire.
Ability to teach and work well with others.
Ability to make audio recordings.
Ability to organize schedules, including rooms which are used for coaching purposes, keeping track of hours, keeping a library of music available, using a computer to print out rehearsal schedules, etc.
Strong communication skills and a desire to work with students.
Minimum Qualifications
Special training or coursework that would facilitate improvising music and/or coaching and accompanying.
Experience which has led to a thorough familiarity with accompanying choral groups and soloists (instrumental and vocal). Experience in coaching performing artists may be required.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in music with substantial training in Piano and accompanying or equivalent training and experience.
Masters of Music in Performance and/or Accompanying or Collaborative piano preferred.
Substantial experience accompanying choral ensembles.
Substantial experience accompanying instrumentalists.
Ability to perform in a variety of styles, including being able to improvise effectively in jazz styles.
Experience coaching singer’s diction in English and other languages.
Willingness to perform occasional accompaniments in public on harpsichord and/or organ.
Application Procedure To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button:
Letter of Interest
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Contact information for at least three supervisory references
Application Deadline The deadline to submit application materials for first review is 11:55 p.m. on February 6, 2026. This position is open until filled.
Equal Opportunity Statement All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Humboldt provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.
Employment Conditions Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. Even if part or all of an employee’s assignment can be performed remotely, the employee must maintain a permanent residence in the state of California. The employee must be able to accept on‑campus work assignments, as assigned, and come to campus when needed.
Health and Safety Policies CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in‑person program or activity (on- or off‑campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at
CSU Vaccination Policy
and any questions you have may be submitted to hr@humboldt.edu.
Background and Eligibility Requirements Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check, employment verification, and education verification) is required for employment. Cal Poly Humboldt will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Failure to satisfactorily complete or any adverse findings from a background check may affect the employment status of candidates or continued employment of current CSU employees who are being considered for the position.
Legal and Policy Notice CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g., H1‑B VISAS)
Class Code: 2866 Publication Date: January 8, 2026
Advertised: Jan 08 2026 Pacific Standard Time Applications close:
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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
Collaborative Pianist 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 https://hraps.humboldt.edu/employee-benefits.
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 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.
Ability to sight read keyboard music well, including open choral scores.
Thorough familiarity with accompanying choral groups and soloists (instrument and vocal).
Experience coaching performing artists.
Knowledge of vocal, choral and instrumental repertoire.
Ability to teach and work well with others.
Ability to make audio recordings.
Ability to organize schedules, including rooms which are used for coaching purposes, keeping track of hours, keeping a library of music available, using a computer to print out rehearsal schedules, etc.
Strong communication skills and a desire to work with students.
Minimum Qualifications
Special training or coursework that would facilitate improvising music and/or coaching and accompanying.
Experience which has led to a thorough familiarity with accompanying choral groups and soloists (instrumental and vocal). Experience in coaching performing artists may be required.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in music with substantial training in Piano and accompanying or equivalent training and experience.
Masters of Music in Performance and/or Accompanying or Collaborative piano preferred.
Substantial experience accompanying choral ensembles.
Substantial experience accompanying instrumentalists.
Ability to perform in a variety of styles, including being able to improvise effectively in jazz styles.
Experience coaching singer’s diction in English and other languages.
Willingness to perform occasional accompaniments in public on harpsichord and/or organ.
Application Procedure To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button:
Letter of Interest
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Contact information for at least three supervisory references
Application Deadline The deadline to submit application materials for first review is 11:55 p.m. on February 6, 2026. This position is open until filled.
Equal Opportunity Statement All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Humboldt provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.
Employment Conditions Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. Even if part or all of an employee’s assignment can be performed remotely, the employee must maintain a permanent residence in the state of California. The employee must be able to accept on‑campus work assignments, as assigned, and come to campus when needed.
Health and Safety Policies CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in‑person program or activity (on- or off‑campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at
CSU Vaccination Policy
and any questions you have may be submitted to hr@humboldt.edu.
Background and Eligibility Requirements Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check, employment verification, and education verification) is required for employment. Cal Poly Humboldt will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Failure to satisfactorily complete or any adverse findings from a background check may affect the employment status of candidates or continued employment of current CSU employees who are being considered for the position.
Legal and Policy Notice CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g., H1‑B VISAS)
Class Code: 2866 Publication Date: January 8, 2026
Advertised: Jan 08 2026 Pacific Standard Time Applications close:
#J-18808-Ljbffr