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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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How much do opera pianist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 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.

What is an opera pianist?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an opera pianist?

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.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,282 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Music - Collaborative Pianist

Hope College

Holland, MI • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Music - Collaborative Pianist
Classification Title
Hourly Part Time (.1-.49 FTE)
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligibility
Department
Music
Job Description
Hope College Department of Music seeks an outstanding collaborative pianist. The collaborative pianist will work privately in lesson settings and one-on-one rehearsal sessions to help with musical preparation of a wide range of repertoire for lessons, studio classes, departmental recitals, juries, school-related competitions, and degree recitals. 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 professors to help enrich students' understanding of how to prepare repertoire and how to perform successfully. The collaborative pianist may also perform with music faculty in recitals.
This is a part-time seasonal position for the 2024/2025 academic year (September - May). Interested candidates may begin in Spring 2024.
Hours are flexible and some rehearsals can be arranged to work around your schedule. The collaborative pianist must be available Thursday mornings, 11 am-12 pm, for departmental recitals and performance classes. The collaborative pianist can expect to work at least 3 hours per week early in the semester, and up to 20 hours per week later in the semester.
Qualifications
  • MM or DMA in collaborative piano or piano performance preferred
  • Extensive prior academic or professional experience as a collaborative pianist
  • Wide range of repertoire from the Baroque to Contemporary in instrumental and vocal music
  • Excellent sight-reading abilities
  • Efficient music rehearsal techniques
  • Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
  • Strong organization and time management skills
  • Enthusiasm for work with college students of all levels

Physical Demands
This position requires remaining in a sitting or standing position for frequent periods of time; uses office machinery such as a computers, printers, copy machines; Occasionally involves moving items over 10 pounds; frequently will move between different offices/workspaces/buildings; and requires effective communication abilities. In the case of temporary or permanent condition(s) that require(s) accommodation(s), reasonable accommodation(s) may be requested.
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check. Some positions may have position specific requirements, such as education/licensure/certification verification, a physical, drug screening, credit checks and/or transportation record review.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
2023-193SR
Job Posting Open Date
01/09/2024
Job Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Is this position available for sponsorship
No
Special Instructions to Applicants

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