Collaborative Pianist

Job Title: Collaborative Pianist

Location: Uptown Academy (931 W Eastwood Ave, Chicago, 60640)

Start Date: September 2026

Reports to: Program Manager

Organizational Overview
The People’s Music School is Chicago’s oldest and largest completely free nonprofit music school, providing transformational music instruction to over 800 K-12 students in Chicago. The school has a straightforward mission: to provide access to the transformational benefits of high-quality music instruction to youth who otherwise would not be able to afford it. We focus our work in communities that have been systematically excluded and marginalized from receiving a high quality music education.

Through intensive instruction and performance, The People’s Music School’s students grow not only musically, but also socially, emotionally, and academically, developing a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem, resilience, and purpose. From putting an instrument in an aspiring young musician’s hand for the first time, to teaching students how to read and write music and perform in an ensemble, The People’s Music School provides opportunity and instruction at sites located in four Chicago communities: Uptown, Albany Park, Back of the Yards, and the Greater South Side. Students receive an average of four hours of instruction per week, at absolutely no cost, delivered by world-class teaching artists.

Job Summary
Under the direction of the Voice Ensemble Conductor, the Collaborative pianist is the primary accompanist for Uptown Academy’s three choirs and supports the artistic and musical goals of the Conductor through skilled piano performance, rehearsal support and collaboration in all rehearsals and performances.

Responsibilities - Teaching and Instruction 90%

Provide piano accompaniment for all rehearsals

Be the accompanist for all scheduled concert performances and dress rehearsals

Adapt accompaniment as needed to support efficient rehearsal processes

Prepare and master repertoire prior to rehearsals

Support Voice Ensemble conductor in reinforcing musical concepts, notes, rhythms, diction and interpretation in rehearsals.

Provide accompaniment for soloists during student assessments

Collaborate with Voice Ensemble Conductors in preparing repertoire

Maintain flexibility in adapting to changing rehearsal and performance needs

Attend all scheduled rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances

Communicate promptly regarding scheduling conflicts or anticipated absences

Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, reliability, and collegiality in all interactions

Assist with other related projects as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in music education or performance or equivalent experience/training

A high level of personal musicianship which includes knowledge of music theory in addition to performing ability

Prior experience accompanying choirs, vocal ensembles or community choruses

Prior experience working with both vocalists and instrumentalists

High level of sight reading skills

High level of transposition skills

Flexible and adaptable in rehearsal environment

Knowledge and experience playing diverse repertoire, including but not limited to jazz and world music.

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Proven experience collaborating and working with people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds

Personal commitment to the mission and values of The People’s Music School

Physical Demands

Occasionally required to push, pull, lift and/or move up to 20 pounds

Schedule

Part Time position with the schedule below

Mondays 4:00-5:00 pm and Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Must be available to work in person

Compensation and Benefits

$50 per hour

Paid Time Off

Paid Sick Leave

403b Retirement Plan with employer match

People-Centered Hiring:
Every application and hiring decision is reviewed and made entirely by human hands and minds.

The People’s Music School is committed to an inclusive and authentic workplace, supporting colleagues with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

For more information about The People’s Music School, please visit: www.peoplesmusicschool.org.

The People’s Music School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, physical or mental disability or any other protected status in admission or access to, or employment in its programs and activities.

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