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Opera Pianist Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Opera Pianist information

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.

What are popular job titles related to Opera Pianist jobs in Oregon?

For Opera Pianist jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Opera Pianist jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Opera Pianist jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Opera Pianist job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 52% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Pro Tempore Instructor of Music, Performance - Open Pool

University Of Oregon

Eugene, OR

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


University Of Oregon rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Pro Tempore Instructor of Music, Performance - Open Pool

Apply now Job no: 536259
Work type: Faculty - Pro Tempore
Location: Eugene, OR
Categories: Music/Dance, Instruction

Department: School of Music and Dance
Rank: Instructor
Annual Basis: 9 Month

Review of Applications Begins

Applications will be reviewed as needs arise

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include the following with your online application:
Current resume/curriculum vitae outlining your skills and desired teaching area.
You will also be asked to submit the names and contact information for three professional references.
Screening of applications will occur as positions become available and continue until positions are filled. This pool will remain active through December 31, 2026.

Department Summary

The Department of Music Performance is housed within the School of Music and Dance (SOMD). The school has an enrollment of more than 800 music and dance majors and minors, a faculty and staff of 85, and approximately 70 graduate employees. A wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered, from the baccalaureate through the doctorate, including programs in dance, music performance, collaborative piano, music education, composition, theory, musicology, jazz studies, piano and string pedagogy, conducting, music technology, and music with a liberal arts emphasis.
The school is known for being the only comprehensive school of music and dance in the state of Oregon. It is also home to the internationally recognized Oregon Bach Festival and ChamberMusic@Beall performance series.
SOMD hosts a World Music Series, Music Today, Musicking Conference, Summer Camp for Computer Music, and Jazz Camps. The comprehensive nature of the school's curriculum, program, and outreach is supported by a commitment to diversity in the recruitment of students, faculty, and staff.

Position Summary

The School of Music and Dance invites applications for Pro Tem Instructor positions in music performance. The pool is for part-time, temporary, limited-duration teaching appointments not to exceed one year, but with the possibility of renewal for up to three years.
We seek performers and creative scholars who bring an ability to translate practice into the learning environment by teaching applied lessons and studio classes, coaching, conducting ensembles, preparing students for recitals and juries, and/or teaching established courses,
We have a particular interest in applicants whose teaching and creative activity align with one or more of the following performance-related areas: brass, conducting, jazz studies, keyboard, piano and string pedagogy, percussion, popular music, strings, voice/choral and opera, and woodwinds.
Applications will be accepted on a continuing basis. Screening of applications will take place as positions become available and continue until positions are filled.

Minimum Requirements

Master's degree in music or related field. Significant professional experience can substitute for a degree.
University-level teaching experience.

Professional Competencies

Must have the ability to work effectively with students, staff, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.

Advertised: January 8, 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: December 31, 2026 Pacific Standard Time

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