Collaborative Pianist

San Joaquin Delta College•Stockton, CA

About The Position

Under the direction of the assigned manager, the Collaborative Pianist provides piano accompaniment for music and drama courses and performances. The role accompanies large and small ensembles in rehearsals and public performances, as well as individual students in department-sponsored recitals and performances. The pianist interprets performance styles in the context of the musical genre, ensemble, venue, and event requirements. The position works independently and collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to prepare musical works, rehearsals, and performances. It may also include assisting in the Music Library and Lab, recording accompaniment tapes for student study, and arranging piano maintenance and repairs. The schedule is flexible and may include evenings and weekends as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in music with an emphasis on piano, or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Four years of experience in piano or keyboard performance.
Knowledge of piano accompaniment, score reading, musical phrasing, musical performance, a wide range of music genres, and musical theater conventions.
Ability to transpose at sight, read lead sheets, improvise within stylistically appropriate parameters, and compose introductions, endings, and transitional passages where necessary.
Ability to collaborate with conductors and ensembles and adapt musical style to a conductor’s interpretation and direction.
Ability to analyze musical transitions and cuts within student pieces and work with instructors, conductors, and other musicians.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, computers, associated software applications, and Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) hardware and software.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.
Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of community college students and staff, including cultural responsiveness and cultural humility.
Manual dexterity to play a piano for long periods of time.

Responsibilities

Accompany rehearsals and performances of the District’s vocal ensembles, sight-reading vocal scores, piano reductions of orchestral literature, and solo accompaniments.
Accompany individual student recitals and help students prepare musical works by coordinating accompaniment with the performing medium.
Work independently with initiative to assist students in preparing and performing solo literature.
Schedule accompanist and student rehearsals independently.
Provide leadership and direction to students in support of their assigned musical performance work.
Record accompaniment tapes for student study purposes.
Work with student groups in sectional and chamber ensemble rehearsals to assist with interpreting musical concepts.
Collaborate regularly with faculty and staff in preparing class rehearsals and performances.
Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Assist in the Music Library and Lab.
Accompany choirs, touring groups, dance groups, and other ensembles across a wide range of musical styles and periods or courses.
Perform basic piano maintenance and arrange piano repair and tuning as needed.
Provide accurate, stylistically appropriate piano accompaniment for the concert choir, Delta Singers, Delta Vocal Jazz, and Musical Theater.
Instruct students in musicianship, style elements, melody, and rhythm.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.