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Opera Pianist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hope College

Music - Collaborative Pianist

Holland, MI · On-site

The collaborative pianist may also be asked to play for choir, musical theater, or opera workshop rehearsals and performances. The collaborative pianist will work closely with the studio and choral ...

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Collaborate with piano accompanists to rehearse musical selections before the final presentation ... Elementary Opera Residency This multi-disciplinary program empowers students in grades 1-5 to ...

Cleveland County Schools

Music Teacher

Shelby, NC · On-site

Music, Chorus, Band, Instrumental Music, Music Education, Piano, Opera * Eligibility for the residency license must be established prior to a contract offer. Teacher Scale Y Minimum Educational ...

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Opera Pianist information

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$12

$26

$68

How much do opera pianist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for opera pianist in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an opera pianist typically collaborate with vocalists and conductors during rehearsals?

An opera pianist, often serving as a rehearsal pianist or répétiteur, works closely with vocalists and conductors to help prepare the cast for performances. They play full orchestral reductions on the piano during rehearsals, allowing singers to practice their roles before working with the full orchestra. The pianist must be highly responsive to the conductor's directions and provide musical cues, tempo adjustments, and support for singers learning complex passages. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as the pianist often bridges the gap between the singers and the broader musical team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Opera Pianist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opera Pianist, you need advanced piano technique, strong sight-reading abilities, and a deep understanding of operatic repertoire, often backed by formal music education and performance experience. Familiarity with score-reading software, digital pianos, and sometimes conducting tools is valuable for rehearsals and performance preparation. Exceptional collaboration, adaptability, and communication skills make a pianist stand out when working with singers, conductors, and production teams. These skills ensure accurate musical interpretation, seamless rehearsals, and effective artistic collaboration essential to successful opera productions.

What are opera pianists?

Opera pianists are highly skilled musicians who play the piano to support opera rehearsals and performances. They often serve as rehearsal accompanists, playing orchestral parts on the piano for singers and conductors during practice sessions before full orchestral rehearsals. Opera pianists may also act as vocal coaches, helping singers with diction, interpretation, and musical accuracy. Their role is crucial in preparing an opera production, as they bridge the gap between soloist preparation and working with the full orchestra.

What is the difference between Opera Pianist vs Opera Accompanist?

AspectOpera PianistOpera Accompanist
CredentialsMusic degree, piano proficiency, possibly specialized in operaMusic degree, piano proficiency, often with accompaniment experience
Work EnvironmentOpera houses, concert halls, recording studiosOpera houses, rehearsal spaces, concert venues
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in opera productions, concert settingsPrimarily in rehearsals, performances, and coaching

Opera Pianists and Opera Accompanists both require strong piano skills and music education. However, Opera Pianists often perform as soloists or in collaborative roles during performances, while Opera Accompanists mainly support singers during rehearsals and coaching sessions. Both roles are essential in the opera industry, with overlapping skills but different primary functions.

More about Opera Pianist jobs
What cities are hiring for Opera Pianist jobs? Cities with the most Opera Pianist job openings:
What states have the most Opera Pianist jobs? States with the most job openings for Opera Pianist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Opera Pianist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Opera Pianist jobs are:
Opera Pianist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Opera Pianist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 53% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,282 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Collaborative Pianist

Collaborative Pianist

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Collaborative Pianist
Department
Glenn Korff School of Music-1032
Requisition Number
S_260294
Posting Open Date
04/17/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
05/08/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
The Glenn Korff School of Music is devoted to strengthening music and dance as essential elements of the human experience while preparing the next generation of artists for success.
As a Collaborative Pianist, you will:
  • Provide collaborative piano support for opera rehearsals, performances, voice instruction, recitals, auditions, and other performance-related activities across the Glenn Korff School of Music.
  • Play for UNL Opera rehearsals and events on a predetermined schedule, prepare assigned repertoire, perform with accompanying ensembles as needed, and, when assigned, serve in a music direction capacity with appropriate adjustment of duties.
  • Provide weekly coaching sessions for advanced voice students and collaborate closely with faculty and students in voice and instrumental areas on recitals, auditions, and other performance projects.
  • Coordinate collaborative piano support more broadly by helping manage freelance pianist services, developing and upholding professional expectations, and addressing issues related to freelance pianist conduct and engagement.

This work requires a high level of pianistic skill, flexibility, collaboration, organization, and a strong commitment to supporting student and faculty success in a performance-driven academic environment.
This is an academic year position working mid-August through mid-May. In the UNL system, this position is categorized as a Piano Accompanist.
About Us
At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we're proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn't just a workplace; it's a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.
Learn more about working at UNL: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Music (Piano Performance, Collaborative Piano, or related discipline); plus three (3) years of experience playing at music institutions or professional companies (opera, private studios, musical theatre, chamber music); equivalency considered.
  • Demonstrated professional experience with performing artists.
  • Ability to rehearse and coach opera and musical theatre repertoire in all historical styles and standard repertoire languages.
  • Ability to rehearse and perform solo instrumental repertoire.
  • Ability to sight-read fluently .
  • Ability to engage as a collaborative artist with soloists and chamber ensembles.
  • Excellent time management, organizational skills, communication skills, project prioritization, and flexibility.

Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications are preferred but not required:
  • Master's degree in Music (Piano Performance, Collaborative Piano, or related discipline).
  • Additional years of relevant experience.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
No
Physical Required
No
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
Criminal History Background Check Required
Yes
Posted Salary
Salary commensurate with experience and education.
How to Apply
The search committee will begin formal review of applications on May 8, 2026 and will continue until an appointment is made. To be considered for this position, please click on apply now and complete the application form and attach the following required documents:
  • A letter of interest addressing qualifications specific to the position
  • Current curriculum vitae or resume
  • Three professional references with contact information.
  • Provide in "other documents" two links to recent video recordings of live collaborative performances that demonstrate artistry, stylistic range-including opera and musical theater-and ensemble skills. At least one recording must feature a recital performance with a singer; the second may be a collaborative performance of the applicant's choosing.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Felix Olschofka
folschofka2@unl.edu
Job Category (old)
Managerial/Professional
Job Type
9 Month
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)
9 over 12 position
Work Location (City, State)
Lincoln, NE
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date:
06/01/2026
Appointment End Date

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