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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 ...

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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 Jul 4, 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.

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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 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. 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 Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

University Of Michigan rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Summary
Note: This is a part time / seasonal position working from the start of fall term through April 30 annually. The posted salary listed of $60,000 FTR would be the full time - 12 month salary (the seasonal part time salary is roughly $20,000 annually).
It is the mission of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance to create an environment of educational and artistic excellence by nurturing creativity, academic integrity, and professionalism in its faculty and students. As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world's finest public institutions of higher education, the School is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance.
  • We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields.
  • We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University of Michigan.
  • We serve the community, the region, and the State of Michigan through public performances, cultural resources, arts education, and outreach programs.

The School's mission is predicated on the belief that the study and practice of the performing arts depend upon a diverse community of learning in which a spirit of social responsibility and principled entrepreneurship is fostered.
Responsibilities*
We are looking for an outstanding collaborative pianist and vocal coach who will serve the Department of Voice & Opera. The collaborative pianist/coach will work primarily with the Opera department in Opera workshop classes, musical coaching for Chamber Opera productions, as well as the Mainstage Opera chorus preparation work. In addition, the collaborative pianist/coach is expected to work with voice students of various levels in lessons, coaching's, studio classes, SMTD auditions, Concerto Competition, juries, and degree recitals. The pianist/coach will work closely with voice professors and their students to effectively prepare repertoire with them, and provide strong support musically in performances.
The successful applicant will demonstrate a strong commitment to the development of our students academically and musically, and always closely align with the overall mission of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance in University of Michigan.
Required Qualifications*
  • Experienced collaborative pianist and vocal coach with a terminal degree in collaborative piano (or equivalent academic and professional experience) with a wide range of repertoire from the Baroque to Contemporary in vocal music.
  • Extensive prior experience working in opera productions and in vocal coaching within a higher education setting.
  • Excellent sight-reading skills and exemplary rehearsal techniques are required
  • Prior academic experience as a collaborative pianist and coach, a documented history of successful collaboration and collegiality, a broad and thorough knowledge of vocal repertoire.
  • Command of diction and comprehension in Italian, French, German, and English are required.

Modes of Work
This is an onsite position. Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .
Additional Information
Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Union Affiliation
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by University Staff United, AFT Local 284, AFL-CIO, which represents Employees in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan.
Application Deadline
This job will be posted for the minimum of 7 days and can be removed at any time there after.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
279434
Working Title
Collaborative Pianist
Job Title
ACCOMPANIST
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
School Music
Department
School of Music,Theatre&Dance
Posting Begin/End Date
6/26/2026 - 7/03/2026
Salary
$60,000.00 - $60,000.00
Career Interest
The Arts
University Staff United (USU)

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About University of Michigan

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The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

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Company size

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Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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