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Staff Accompanist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Accompanist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$53/hr

The part-time, Staff Accompanist, in their area of musical expertise, provides musical support for modern, ballet, and/or West African Dance technique classes, in deference to the course professor.

New

Accompanist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$53/hr

The part-time, Staff Accompanist, in their area of musical expertise, provides musical support for modern, ballet, and/or West African Dance technique classes, in deference to the course professor.

New

The part-time, Staff Accompanist, in their area of musical expertise, provides musical support for modern, ballet, and/or West African Dance technique classes, in deference to the course professor.

New

Accompanist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$53/hr

The part-time, Staff Accompanist, in their area of musical expertise, provides musical support for modern, ballet, and/or West African Dance technique classes, in deference to the course professor.

New

Accompanist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$53/hr

The part-time, Staff Accompanist, in their area of musical expertise, provides musical support for modern, ballet, and/or West African Dance technique classes, in deference to the course professor.

New

ACCOMPANIST

Salina, KS ยท On-site

Staff Accompanist Rooted in our Lutheran heritage and the transformative power of the liberal arts, Bethany prepares students to lead lives of purpose, leadership, creativity, and service in a ...

ACCOMPANIST

Lindsborg, KS ยท On-site

$30/hr

The Staff Accompanist contributes to the artistic and faith life of the College through performances, institutional events, and technical support for Music Department concerts, programs, and the ...

The Staff Accompanist contributes to the artistic and faith life of the College through performances, institutional events, and technical support for Music Department concerts, programs, and the ...

Accompanist

Bakersfield, CA ยท On-site

$2.2K/mo

Support Staff/Accompanist Date Posted: 8/20/2025 Location: South High School Date Available: 08/20/2025 Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED QUALIFICATIONS: This position requires knowledge of basic ...

Accompanist

Bakersfield, CA ยท On-site

$2.2K/mo

Support Staff/Accompanist Date Posted: 8/20/2025 Location: South High School Date Available: 08/20/2025 Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED QUALIFICATIONS: This position requires knowledge of basic ...

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Staff Accompanist information

See salary details

$12

$26

$68

How much do staff accompanist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for staff accompanist 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 a staff accompanist?

Staff accompanists are professional musicians, typically pianists, who provide live musical support for rehearsals, performances, lessons, and auditions within educational institutions, music schools, or performing arts organizations. Their role involves collaborating with soloists, ensembles, choirs, or dancers by playing piano or another instrument to enhance the practice and presentation of music. Staff accompanists must be skilled at sight-reading, adapting to various musical styles, and working closely with both students and faculty to achieve artistic goals.

How does a staff accompanist typically collaborate with music faculty and students during rehearsals and performances?

A Staff Accompanist works closely with both music faculty and students, often attending multiple rehearsals per week to provide live piano accompaniment for lessons, recitals, auditions, and ensemble practices. They communicate regularly with instructors to understand specific repertoire, interpretive preferences, and performance standards. Collaborating with students, accompanists help refine timing, expression, and ensemble cohesion, offering constructive feedback and adapting to varying skill levels. This collaborative environment is key to supporting student growth and ensuring polished, successful performances.

What is the difference between Staff Accompanist vs Music Director?

AspectStaff AccompanistMusic Director
CredentialsMusic degree, accompanist experienceMusic degree, conducting or leadership experience
Work EnvironmentRehearsals, performances supporting soloists or ensemblesOversees musical programs, directs performances and rehearsals
Employer & IndustryPerforming arts organizations, schools, churchesOrchestras, choirs, theater companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles supporting performersUnderstanding leadership and program oversight

The main difference is that a Staff Accompanist primarily provides musical support during rehearsals and performances, focusing on accompaniment. In contrast, a Music Director oversees the entire musical program, directing performances and managing musicians. Both roles require strong musical credentials, but their responsibilities and leadership levels differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Staff Accompanist, you need advanced piano proficiency, strong sight-reading abilities, and a solid understanding of musical theory, often supported by a degree in music or equivalent experience. Familiarity with digital music notation software, audio recording tools, and various accompaniment styles is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and collaborative teamwork are essential soft skills for working effectively with performers and instructors. These skills ensure seamless musical support, enhance rehearsals and performances, and contribute to a positive and productive artistic environment.
More about Staff Accompanist jobs
What states have the most Staff Accompanist jobs? States with the most job openings for Staff Accompanist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Staff Accompanist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Staff Accompanist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Staff Accompanist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,282 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Accompanist

Columbia College

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$53/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Description
Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications, and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop.
Columbia College Chicago is a private urban institution of approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for a(an) STAFF ACCOMPANIST (Part-Time).
The part-time, Staff Accompanist, in their area of musical expertise, provides musical support for modern, ballet, and/or West African Dance technique classes, in deference to the course professor.
The accompanist may use instruments provided by the Dance department, or they may supplement these with their own instruments/technology. The position reports to the assigned instructor, and the Director of Facilities and Operations.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provide musically interesting aural accompaniment for weekly dance technique classes.
  • Arrive on time, ready to play at start of class.
  • Communicate effectively with the Music Services Coordinator and/or Instructor.
  • Play piano, drums, or other instruments or devices for class sessions, as required per the published class schedule.
  • Accompany additional academic events such as Express Your Mess, when such events are scheduled during a regular class session.
  • Accompany pre-arranged warm-up classes for performances apart from the regular class schedule as needed.
  • Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.
Qualifications
  • Previous experience as a classroom accompanist preferred.
  • Proficiency in instrumental techniques and styles appropriate for the dance technique class the musician is engaged to provide accompaniment for, i.e. European Classical piano textures for ballet, traditional West African hand drumming styles for West African technique classes, etc.
  • Demonstrated proficiency and sensitivity to creating musical textures appropriate for each classroom moment.
  • Demonstrated ability to improvise as required.
  • Demonstrate the ability to cultivate appropriate, collegial relationships with faculty, students and staff.
  • Must be attentive and engaged during class time.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or college.
Position Minimum Hourly Rate: $42.00
Position Maximum Hourly Rate: $53.00
The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including department budget.
At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.
We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement, and real-world experiences.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  • Position subject to a background screening
  • This is a non-union position
  • This is a part-time position
  • This position is overtime eligible

Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.