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Substitute Pianist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pianist/Accompanist

Lee, NH · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

We are looking for a Pianist/Accompanist to start on September 6, 2026. The Lee Church has ... substitute accompanists, in consultation with the Pastor. · Availability to provide accompaniment ...

Pianist/Accompanist

Lee, NH · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

We are looking for a Pianist/Accompanist to start on September 6, 2026. The Lee Church has ... substitute accompanists, in consultation with the Pastor. · Availability to provide accompaniment ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

$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 ...

$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 ...

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 ...

Be Seen First

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.

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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$8

$16

$25

How much do substitute pianist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 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:
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/Accompanist

Lee Church Congregational, UCC

Lee, NH • On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Lee Church Congregational, UCC, in Lee is an Open and Affirming congregation in the Seacoast area of NH with diverse music interests, seeking a skilled Pianist/Accompanist to support the music life of the congregation. We are looking for a Pianist/Accompanist to start on September 6, 2026.


The Lee Church has experienced exciting growth in the past two years, particularly in the number of families with young children who have joined the church. The church has two beloved choirs (Adult Choir and Bell Choir), a Spirit & Song Team, and a Children’s Choir that sings on special occasions. With the recent departure of our Director of Choirs, the Pianist/Accompanist job description has been prepared to reflect what is required at minimum if we do not have a Choir Director and at maximum if we do.


For more information about the Lee Church, see our website: https://www.leechurch.org/. Send resume and letter of interest to Howie Hoff, Lee Church Congregational, UCC, 17 Mast Rd, Lee NH 03861


Purpose

As part of the staff team at LCC, the Musician will support the musical life of the church, including at minimum playing all service music and accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists for weekly worship services; and at maximum (when there is a Director of Choirs on staff) also accompanying the choirs in rehearsals and worship services.

 

Work  

Regular attendance at minimum is expected at all weekly Sunday services and all seasonally appropriate worship services (Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter). At maximum regular attendance is also expected at choir rehearsals. The position of pianist/accompanist has the expectation of a commitment of approximately 4 hours per week, exclusive of practice time (6 hours if there are choir rehearsals). This is a salaried 12-month position. The pianist/accompanist will work closely with the Pastor and the Worship team.

 

Supervisor

The Pianist/Accompanist reports to the Pastor.

 

Qualifications

·         Strong skills in piano accompaniment, performing and musicianship; such competency to include being accomplished at sight reading all music

·         Ability to play in a variety of musical styles

·         Ability to accompany vocalists and instrumentalists

·         Ability to work as part of a joyful team of volunteers, staff, and congregation

·         Is welcoming, friendly, and courteous in all interactions and communications

·         Is flexible and adaptable to change

·         Ability to pass a background check

·         Successful experience as a church musician preferred

Duties

·         Choose, in collaboration with the Pastor, service music appropriate to the themes of worship and the seasons of the church year.

·         Perform service music for all worship services.

·         Accompany vocalists and other instrumentalists during worship services.

·         Assist in recruiting substitute accompanists, in consultation with the Pastor.

·         Availability to provide accompaniment at funerals/weddings is preferred but not required. 

Company Description

At Lee Church Congregational, we seek to welcome all and, following the example of Jesus Christ, to reflect God’s love to each other, our community, and the world. Lee Church is open and affirming, welcoming all to participate fully in the life of our church family.