Piano Technician (HR Title: Music Specialist III)

Southern Methodist University•Dallas, TX

41d

About The Position

The Piano Technician is responsible for maintaining, tuning, and repairing the Division of Music's piano inventory, ensuring all instruments meet the highest standards for concerts, recitals, rehearsals, and lessons. This position is vital to supporting the school's reputation for excellence in musical performance. This position maintains the school's piano inventory at an optimal professional concert level for all users and provides specialized piano services including tuning, voicing, regulation, repairs, action refurbishing, and preventative maintenance. Will occasionally tune and maintain harpsichords. Position collaborates with faculty and guest artists in preparing concert and recital hall pianos and monitors and advises on environmental factors affecting the piano fleet, including humidity and temperature. The position researches, evaluates, and recommends future piano needs and maintains records of completed maintenance work.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is required. An Associate's degree in music is preferred.
Three (3) years of experience as a piano technician or in the piano technology field required, five years of experience as a piano technician preferred.
Completion of a comprehensive piano technician training program is required.
Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
Sit for long periods of time
Bend, squat, stand, crawl
Reach above shoulders
Handle objects (dexterity)
Push/pull
Carry/lift over 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Holding Registered Piano Technician (RPT) certification is preferred.
Candidate familiarity with Microsoft Office suite is preferred.

Responsibilities

Tuning, voicing & regulation: Provide regular tuning, voicing, regulation, and touch-up services for all pianos in studios, rehearsal rooms, practice rooms and concert spaces. Maintain concert-level readiness for performances, classes, and rehearsals.
Maintenance & repairs: Perform preventative maintenance, minor and major repairs, piano action refurbishing, and occasional harpsichord tuning. Address environmental issues such as humidity and temperature effects.
Performance preparation: Prepare concert and recital hall pianos on a scheduled basis. Collaborate with faculty, guest artists, and colleagues to meet specific performance needs. Provide on-call tuning and quick adjustments during major performances as needed.
Inventory oversight: Retain and update maintenance schedules and detailed service records. Monitor overall piano inventory, provide recommendations for optimal care, and advise on long-term planning for fleet upgrades or replacements.
Professional development & research: Conduct research on new techniques and products, evaluate piano fleet needs, and remain current with industry advancements through reading, training, and networking.
Evening and weekend hours required for performances and special events.

Benefits

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits.
In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

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