Collaborative Pianist

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitmans vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the colleges working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

The Staff Collaborative Pianists plays a vital role within the Music Department, supporting and enhancing our students musical development. The Collaborative Pianist accompanies students in lessons (and/or ensembles) and accompanies and coaches those students between lessons. Performances associated with this work may include choral ensemble concerts, student recitals including senior assessments, opera workshop, and occasional other programs such as the composition concert.

Work scheduling for this position is the duty of the Director of Collaborative Piano, and may include evenings/weekends. This position offers variable hours up to 500 for the academic year (defined as August - May).

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Lessons and Ensembles (80%)

• Attend and play piano for applied lessons as scheduled, collaborating with students in the presence of their primary instructors in ways that affirm and adapt to diverse musical backgrounds and learning styles.
• Accompany weekly studio classes.
• Collaborate with Chorale and Chamber Singers at rehearsals and performances.
• Collaborate with Opera & Music Theater Workshop rehearsals and performances.
• Prepare collaborative piano parts in a timely and professional manner, appropriate to the technical difficulty of the repertoire.

Performances, Juries and Rehearsals (20%)

• Ensure a supportive environment that recognizes the varied preparation needs of each performer.

• Attend additional rehearsals when needed, providing interpretive and stylistic coaching in preparation for performances and assessments.
• Collaborate with students in performances, student assessments and juries, including when regular student collaborators are not available for juries.
• Collaborate with prospective students during scholarship auditions, if needed.
• Travel and perform with students for competitions and conferences, as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Excellent piano skills, including sight reading and score reading.
• Excellent collaborative/accompanying skills.
• Excellent performing skills.
• Ability to positively contribute to the Colleges core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and access.
• Ability to work in close cooperation with faculty and students.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong communication skills with both students and faculty members.
• Flexibility necessary to handle unforeseen emergencies and problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated piano and collaborative piano skills OR equivalent professional collaborative experience.
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends. Performances and rehearsals may be scheduled during those times.

• OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.

Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate degree in Music, Piano Performance or Collaborative Piano.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position may require weekend and evening work.
  

BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Planwith a 10% matching contribution aftereligibility requirementsare met.

Paid Time Off: vacation and sick accrual based on hours worked.

Employee Assistance Program

Learn more about benefits eligibilityhere.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

START DATE

January 2026