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Harpsichord Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adjunct Faculty, Performance

Chicago, IL · On-site

$4.4K - $6.6K/wk

... harpsichord, and harp; jazz piano, jazz bass, jazz saxophone, jazz trumpet, jazz guitar, and jazz percussion, as well as courses in chamber music, jazz combos; pedagogy for voice, strings, woodwinds ...

Harpsichord information

What is a harpsichordist?

A harpsichordist is a musician who specializes in playing the harpsichord, a keyboard instrument that was widely used during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The harpsichord produces sound by plucking strings with quills when keys are pressed, creating a distinct, bright tone. Harpsichordists often perform solo works, accompany vocalists or instrumentalists, and participate in early music ensembles or orchestras. Their repertoire typically includes music by composers such as J.S. Bach, Handel, and Scarlatti.

What are some common challenges faced by professional harpsichordists in ensemble settings?

Professional harpsichordists often encounter challenges related to balancing their instrument’s sound with modern ensembles, as the harpsichord has a more delicate volume compared to other instruments. Adapting to different acoustics and tuning systems can also be demanding, especially when collaborating with historical or period-instrument groups. Additionally, harpsichordists frequently need to interpret basso continuo parts creatively, requiring strong improvisational and communication skills to align with both conductors and fellow musicians. These aspects make flexibility and teamwork essential in this role.

What is the difference between Harpsichord vs Piano Tuner?

AspectHarpsichordPiano Tuner
Required CredentialsMusic or instrument repair training, sometimes certificationMusic or technical training, often certification in piano technology
Work EnvironmentMusic studios, concert halls, private homesPiano shops, concert venues, private residences
Industry UsageHistorical music performance, instrument manufacturingPiano maintenance, tuning, and repair services

Both Harpsichord players and Piano Tuners require musical knowledge, but while Harpsichord specialists focus on performance and historical instruments, Piano Tuners concentrate on maintaining and tuning pianos. Their work environments often overlap in music venues, but their roles are distinct in the music industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Harpsichordist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Harpsichordist, you need advanced keyboard proficiency, a solid background in music theory, and often a degree in music specializing in early music or keyboard performance. Familiarity with historical performance practice, continuo playing, and the ability to read figured bass are essential technical skills, sometimes supported by specialized training or certifications. Attention to detail, interpretative creativity, and strong collaboration skills help a harpsichordist excel in solo and ensemble settings. These skills are crucial for authentically interpreting Baroque and early music repertoire and for effective musical communication with other performers.
Infographic showing various Harpsichord job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Adjunct Professor of Music (Applied Music Lessons - Organ/Harpsichord, Voice, and Open Pool)

William and Mary

Remote

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Requisition:
JR101772 Adjunct Professor of Music (Applied Music Lessons - Organ/Harpsichord, Voice, and Open Pool) (Open)
Job Posting Title:
Adjunct Professor of Music (Applied Music Lessons - Organ/Harpsichord, Voice, and Open Pool)
Department:
CC00087 WM001 | CAS | Music Dept
Job Family:
Faculty - Adjunct
Worker Sub-Type:
Adjunct (non-benefited)
Job Requisition Primary Location:
Music Arts Center
Primary Job Posting Location:
Posting Location - William & Mary
Job Description Summary:
The Department of Music at William & Mary, a public university of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is recruiting a pool of qualified individuals for possible part-time adjunct teaching appointments. For the current academic year, the Music department anticipates instructional needs in Organ/Harpsichord and Voice.
This pool will remain open to address additional teaching needs that may arise throughout the year. Your application will remain active as long as the pool position is available but no more than one year. After one year, if you are still interested, you must reapply to the most current adjunct advertisement.
Job Description:
Required Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Music or a closely related field, or equivalent experience and qualifications at the time of appointment (August 10 for fall or January 10 for spring.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ph.D., D.M.A., or ABD with specialization in Music or a closely related field at the time of appointment (August 10 for fall or January 10 for spring).
  • Previous academic teaching experience.

Conditions of Employment:
  • This position is also not eligible for work visa sponsorship.
  • This is a part-time position restricted to the term to which it is assigned and hired, and is not eligible for benefits.
  • The position may require additional hours beyond the typical work week, including occasional evenings, weekends, or overnight work as needed to meet operational requirements.
  • As part-time exempt employees, adjuncts are subject to the limitations of the Virginia Manpower Control Program. Total hours worked may not exceed an average of 29 hours per week over a twelve-month period beginning May 1 each year.
  • Within Arts & Sciences, adjunct instructional workload limits apply. Total adjunct work hours for part-time employment from May 1 through April 30 may not exceed 1,500 hours, generally equating to up to 14 credit hours for fall/spring and up to 6 for summer, not to exceed 18 credit hours for the year.
  • Adjuncts within the College of Arts & Sciences at William & Mary must maintain an in-person presence for the duration of their appointment. Remote teaching opportunities are rare and subject to approval.

Job Duties:
Within the College of Arts & Sciences, adjunct faculty may be responsible for:
  • Teaching assigned undergraduate and/or graduate courses depending on unit need
  • Preparing syllabi and course materials
  • Delivering instruction and assessing student learning
  • Holding office hours
  • Fulfilling other instructional duties consistent with departmental needs

Salary: TBD based on enrollment.
Appointments are limited to a specified term and may include the following instructional sessions:
  • Summer Session 1: May 26 - June 26*
  • Summer Session 2: June 29 - July 31* (expected contract effective date: June 25)
  • Summer Session 3: May 26 - July 31*
  • Fall: August 10 - January 9
  • Spring: January 10 - May 24

*Summer Session Terms are subject to vary each year
  • Applicants must apply online at https://go.wm.edu/VphZB3. All applications must consist of the following materials for full consideration. (Please note: No more than 5 individual documents may be uploaded into the upload field provided. Each individual file must not exceed a size limit of 5MB. If necessary, candidates can compress multiple files into individual zip files for upload):
  • Curriculum vitae;
  • Cover letter;
  • A statement of teaching interests that describes the courses you are qualified and interested in teaching, as well as your approach to teaching and mentoring and that may also incorporate a discussion of how your past scholarly work informs your approach;
  • A reference page with the contact information (including names, email addresses, and phone numbers) for three references.

Applicants are encouraged to reflect on teaching and mentoring practices that advance academic excellence and success for all learners/scholars in Music in any of the aforementioned required documents.
Candidates who are scheduled for interviews will be prompted to submit online the names and email addresses of three references who will be contacted by the system with instructions for how to submit a letter of reference.
For full consideration, submit application materials no later than the initial review date, June 27, 2026. All required supplemental application materials mentioned above must be clearly identified and included with your application for full consideration. Applications received after the initial review date will be considered if needed and as additional hiring needs arise.
Information on the degree programs in the Department of Music may be found at https://www.wm.edu/as/music/.
Additional Job Description:
Job Profile:
JP0738 - Adjunct Professor NTE - Exempt - Salary - S99
Qualifications:
Compensation Grade:
S99
Recruiting Start Date:
2026-05-28
Position Restrictions:
Restricted Term
EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal
Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.