Description

Position Overview

The Collaborative Pianist for Voice/Opera serves as a core artistic and educational partner within the Voice/Opera Area, providing high-level collaborative piano support for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral (DMA) students across studio performance, pedagogy, opera, literature, and diction needs. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional pianistic skill, stylistic versatility, strong sight-reading ability, and the professional flexibility necessary to work in a rigorous environment housed within a major research university.
This position supports applied instruction, degree recitals, juries, studio classes, ensemble rehearsals, auditions, competitions, and recruiting activities while contributing to the broader artistic and academic mission of the university. This is a 9-month, academic year position.

Job Description

Collaborative Performance & Rehearsal Support (40%)

• Provide piano accompaniment for undergraduate, master's, and DMA students in lessons, studio classes, performances, juries, recitals, auditions, and degree requirements.
• Collaborate regularly with vocal studios.
• Rehearse and perform a broad range of repertoire representing multiple historical periods, styles, and languages.
• Prepare advanced graduate and operatic repertoire independently and efficiently.

Ensemble & Production Responsibilities (30%)

• Provide accompanying support for opera and opera workshop, and any pit orchestral needs.
• Assist with recruitment events, outreach programs, competitions, festivals, and guest artist residencies.
• Maintain professional communication and scheduling with faculty, students, and administrative staff.
• This position will require flexibility of working hours within the 40-hour work week due to performance and rehearsal schedules.

Academic & Instructional Support (25%)

• Work collaboratively with applied faculty to support student artistic development and performance preparation.
• Participate in student juries, recitals, auditions, voice classes, studios and departmental activities as assigned.

Service & Collegial Engagement (5%)

• Contribute positively to a collaborative academic environment that values artistic excellence, student mentorship, diversity, and interdisciplinary engagement.
• Participate in departmental meetings as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

1. High school diploma or GED
2. Formal and/or specific study in piano sufficient to demonstrate technical and artistic skills in music theory, composition, sight reading, arranging and/or improvisation
3. Minimum of 3 years professional experience as an accompanist
4. Ability to work effectively with students at varying levels, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral performers
5. Previous experience that required interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, as evidenced by application materials
6. Experience accompanying opera, diction courses, choral ensembles, or chamber music
7. Familiarity with contemporary repertoire and interdisciplinary performance settings, as evidenced by application materials

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application consists of:

• resume
• cover letter
• list of three professional references
• YouTube links to recent video recordings of performances and/or rehearsals that demonstrate your work in collaborative settings. Examples featuring vocalists are particularly welcome.

Application review begins Friday, July 3, 2026. To ensure consideration, please apply prior to that date.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.