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Substitute Pianist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ladgov Corporation

Protestant Pianist

Cherry Point, NC · On-site

Provide a qualified musical substitute when unavailable for a regularly scheduled worship service and notify the Chaplain at least seven (7) days in advance. * Inform the Command Chaplain of any ...

Ladgov Corporation

Protestant Pianist

Cherry Point, NC · On-site

Provide a qualified musical substitute when unavailable for a regularly scheduled worship service and notify the Chaplain at least seven (7) days in advance. * Inform the Command Chaplain of any ...

Ladgov Corporation

Worship Pianist

Erie, PA · On-site

Arrange for a qualified substitute when necessary, subject to applicable contract requirements. * Personally perform at least sixty-five percent (65%) of the scheduled services the pianist is ...

Ladgov Corporation

Worship Pianist

Erie, PA · On-site

Arrange for a qualified substitute when necessary, subject to applicable contract requirements. * Personally perform at least sixty-five percent (65%) of the scheduled services the pianist is ...

Ensemble Performing Arts

$40/hr

About the Position Ensemble Schools is seeking a fun, experienced, and professional Substitute Piano Instructor to teach part-time on an as-needed basis at multiple Bay Area Schools. Subbing ...

Kern High School District

Accompanist

Bakersfield, CA

$2.2K/mo

GRADUATION FROM AN ACCREDITED SCHOOL OF MUSIC WITH SPECIALIZATION IN PIANO MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE DESIRED EXPERIENCE. SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST POSSESS AND MAINTAIN A VALID CLASS "C" CALIFORNIA ...

Ensemble Performing Arts

$40/hr

About the Position Ensemble Schools is seeking a fun, experienced, and professional Substitute Piano Instructor to teach part-time on an as-needed basis at multiple Bay Area Schools. Subbing ...

First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land

Be Seen First

Church Organist / Pianist

Sugar Land, TX · On-site

$20K/yr

The Church Organist / Pianist acts to conduct successfully the church music program by providing ... a substitute when unable to be present. 7. Ability to take direction and work as a team member.

Kern High School District

Accompanist

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$2.2K/mo

GRADUATION FROM AN ACCREDITED SCHOOL OF MUSIC WITH SPECIALIZATION IN PIANO MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE DESIRED EXPERIENCE. SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST POSSESS AND MAINTAIN A VALID CLASS "C" CALIFORNIA ...

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Substitute Pianist information

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How much do substitute pianist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute pianist in the United States is $16.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are substitute pianists?

Substitute pianists are professional musicians who temporarily fill in for regular pianists during rehearsals, performances, or events when the primary pianist is unavailable. They must be highly adaptable, able to quickly learn new music, and comfortable performing in a variety of settings such as orchestras, choirs, schools, or theaters. Substitute pianists often work on short notice and must possess strong sight-reading skills and flexibility to work with different ensembles and conductors. Their role is crucial in ensuring that musical performances proceed smoothly without interruption.

Is there a job that pays you to listen to music?

A substitute pianist is a job that involves listening to and performing music, often in a live setting such as churches, schools, or events. While the primary focus is playing the piano, it also requires active listening and musical interpretation, making it a role where listening to music is integral to the job. However, paid listening alone without performing is uncommon in this profession.

What are some common challenges Substitute Pianists face when adapting to different ensembles or musical settings?

Substitute Pianists often encounter the challenge of quickly adapting to new ensembles, repertoires, and rehearsal styles with minimal preparation time. They must be highly versatile, able to sight-read unfamiliar music, and communicate effectively with both conductors and fellow musicians. Flexibility and strong interpersonal skills are essential, as each setting may have its own expectations, tempos, and interpretations. Building a strong network and maintaining a wide range of repertoire can help ease transitions between assignments.

How much is a pianist per hour?

A substitute pianist typically earns between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on the location, event type, and experience level. Rates may vary for performances at churches, weddings, or concerts, and some pianists charge a flat fee instead of hourly rates. Experience, reputation, and the complexity of the performance also influence compensation.

What jobs can you get as a pianist?

A substitute pianist can find jobs performing at events, in churches, theaters, or with orchestras, often on a temporary or part-time basis. They may also work as music teachers, accompanists, or in recording studios, requiring good sight-reading skills and musical proficiency.

How much does Yuja Wang get paid?

Yuja Wang is a renowned concert pianist, not a substitute pianist. As a solo artist, her earnings vary widely based on concert fees, endorsements, and recordings, but specific salary details are typically not publicly disclosed. Substitute pianists generally earn hourly or per-performance rates that are significantly lower than those of top-tier concert artists.

What is the difference between Substitute Pianist vs Accompanist?

AspectSubstitute PianistAccompanist
CredentialsTypically requires piano proficiency, music reading skills, and possibly a music degreeSimilar credentials, often with additional experience in collaborative performance
Work EnvironmentPerforms temporarily, often on short notice, in various settings like concerts, events, or rehearsalsWorks regularly with soloists, choirs, or ensembles, often in educational or performance settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by event organizers, schools, and performance venues for short-term coverageCommonly employed by schools, churches, and professional ensembles for ongoing collaboration

While both Substitute Pianists and Accompanists require similar musical credentials and work with similar environments, Substitute Pianists perform temporarily and on short notice, whereas Accompanists typically have ongoing roles supporting specific performers or groups.

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

To thrive as a Substitute Pianist, you need strong sight-reading abilities, comprehensive musical knowledge, and proficiency in piano performance, often supported by formal music education or equivalent experience. Familiarity with various musical genres, digital sheet music platforms, and possibly accompaniment software is typically required. Excellent adaptability, time management, and collaboration skills help you quickly integrate with ensembles and respond to last-minute changes. These skills ensure seamless musical performances and reliability when stepping into diverse and sometimes high-pressure musical environments.
More about Substitute Pianist jobs
What job categories do people searching Substitute Pianist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Substitute Pianist jobs are:
Substitute Pianist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substitute Pianist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 75% As Needed, 4% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 9% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 7% Physical, 37% Hybrid, and 56% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,721 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Pianist/Organist/Coral Director

First Church of Christ, Congregational UCC

North Conway, NH • On-site

$17K/mo

Full-time, Part-time

PTO

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

Job description

*We’re hiring!* Our church is hiring leaders for our music program! We’re looking for a choir director and pianist/organist — or someone who can fill both roles. Here are the job listings:
*Full job description*
PIANIST/ORGANIST
Do you know of someone who could be a good fit? Are you that person? All are warmly invited to apply!
*First Church of Christ, Congregational, UCC*
*2521 White Mountain Highway, PO Box 401*
*North Conway, NH 03860*
*Part-time position*
*Overview* – First Church of Christ, Congregational, UCC is seeking an experienced Pianist/Organist to provide prelude and postlude and accompany hymns weekly during church services, accompany our volunteer choir and provide additional music as asked (offertory/communion music).
First Church of Christ is a church with a thriving music program, and a commitment to generous outreach and missions’ ministries. As an Open and Affirming Congregation we welcome and affirm all people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, nationalities, ages, races, and abilities. We were founded in 1778 and while we are rooted in rich tradition and history, we have also joyfully adapted along the way. You are warmly invited to apply for this position, or to share it with music leaders you know who might be a good fit!
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in church music performance. The role includes weekly choir rehearsals on a weekday and Sunday morning. There are some additional services based on the liturgical calendar like Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday, etc. This position has the right of first refusal for weddings, memorial services and other services at First Church, of Christ.
*Responsibilities*
· Provide prelude and postlude, accompany and lead hymns, accompany and rehearse with the choir, accompany and provide additional music as requested (ex. Offertory and communion music)
· Follows the guidance from the Choir Director for music tempo, dynamics, and other necessary directions. Provides guidance to choir members to correct timing as appropriate
· Plays for special worship services within the church calendar. (Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday, etc.)
· Plays for any special programs, community events, or ecumenical services as planned by the Pastor or the Music Team, as available
· Select appropriate repertoire that aligns with the worship presentation
· Coordinate logistics, including information for bulletin preparation, collaborate with staff to ensure cohesive programming and presentation
· Advises the Music Team concerning needed maintenance of piano or organ
· Provides a cohesive flow of music for the choir and the congregation
· Attend Music Team meetings as available and any other meetings as requested
· Responds to church-related communications from church staff, members of the choir and Music Team
· Arrange substitute Pianist or Organist during scheduled times of absence
*Experience*
· Prior experience performing
· Prior experience accompanying a choir, soloists, and instrumentalists
*Qualifications*
· Solid keyboard ability sufficient to sight read hymns, liturgy and anthem accompaniments for congregation, choir and/or other musicians in the performance of music
· Music degree in Piano or Organ Performance is preferred but not required
· Knowledge of worship tradition and sufficient liturgical understanding to select music which is appropriate for church services
· Effective communicator
· Ability to work harmoniously with the Choir Director, choir, church staff, musicians, and volunteers
· Ability to adapt quickly to unplanned events requiring changes in the music portion of the service
· Sight reading skills to perform job functions
· Excellent organizational and communication skills
*Job Type:* Part-time
· Expected hours: 5.0 – 7.0 per week
*Work Location: *In person
*Compensation:* Salary is commensurate with experience and above the compensation level for comparable positions in the area. $17,000
· Two weeks of paid vacation per year in addition to 5 personal days. Preferably this would not include more than 2 Sundays in succession.
We are also looking for a *Choir Director*. Any individual qualified for the Choir Director role is welcome to apply for both positions at the same time and be considered for both roles.
*How to Apply:* Please send a letter of interest and resume to * *
Website firstchurchnc.com
*Full job description*
*CHOIR DIRECTOR*
*First Church of Christ, Congregational, UCC*
*2521 White Mountain Highway, PO Box 401*
*North Conway, NH 03860*
*Part time position*
First Church of Christ, Congregational, UCC is seeking an experienced Choir Director to direct our volunteer choir.
First Church of Christ, Congregational is a church with a thriving music program, and a commitment to generous outreach and missions’ ministries. As an Open and Affirming Congregation we welcome and affirm all people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, nationalities, ages, races, and abilities. We were founded in 1778 and while we are rooted in rich tradition and history, we have also joyfully adapted along the way. You are warmly invited to apply for this position, or to share it with music leaders you know who might be a good fit!
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in choral music, excellent leadership skills, and experience working within rural church settings. This role offers an opportunity to cultivate musical talent, foster community engagement, and contribute to our worship experience. The Choir Director will be responsible for music selection in collaboration with our worship team, planning and directing rehearsals, encouraging the choir to strive for the best Sunday morning performance outcome.
*Responsibilities*
· Helps select and provide music for worship services and seasonal liturgies in conjunction with Pastoral and Music Staff and seeks choir input. Music selections should enhance the worship experience
· Rehearses and directs the choir with the Pianist/Organist during the portion of the liturgical year when the choir performs (early September to late June) approximately 45 weeks
· Prepares the choir for Sunday and future worship services during the 60-minute weekly rehearsal and during the 30–45-minute rehearsal prior to Sunday services
· Directs choir at special worship services within the church calendar, as well as for community programs and ecumenical services. (Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday, etc.)
· Conduct rehearsals effectively, providing constructive feedback to singers of all levels
· Select appropriate repertoire that aligns with the choir’s skill level and the worship presentation
· Coordinate logistics, including information for bulletin preparation, ensuring licensure for streaming, music preparation for choir and oversight of music library
· Develop and implement rehearsal schedules that enhance the choir’s Sunday performance
· Collaborate with staff to ensure cohesive programming and presentation
· Foster a positive, inclusive environment that encourages choir participation
*Experience*
· Prior experience directing a choir or vocal ensemble is required
· Demonstrated ability to lead rehearsals effectively and inspire singers of diverse backgrounds
· Strong knowledge of vocal techniques, choral literature, and performance practices
*Qualifications*
· Ability to read and interpret musical scores
· Having a music degree preferred but music experience in conducting will be considered in lieu of music degree
· Ability to collaborate with staff in selecting music
· Effective communicator, whose leadership fosters community building within the choir and is supportive of musicians of all skill levels.
· Excellent organizational skills
· Ability to work harmoniously with all staff, choir, musicians, and volunteers
· Ability to adapt quickly to unplanned events requiring changes in the music portion of the church service
· Demonstrates appreciation for theological and musical diversity
· Understands the power of spiritual life in a community of faith
*Job Type: Part-time*
*Expected hours:* 5.0 – 7.0 per week (varies depending upon preparation required)
*Work Location*: In person
*Compensation:* Salary is commensurate with experience and above the level for comparable positions in the area. $13,500
We are also looking for a *Pianist/Organist*. Any individual qualified for the Pianist/Organist role is welcome to apply for both positions at the same time and be considered for both roles.
*How to Apply:* Please send a letter of interest and resume to
Website firstchurchnc.com
Pay: From $16,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person

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