Music Academy of the West - Sing! Collaborative Pianist

Pianist is needed in Santa Barbara, United States.

Client: Music Academy of the West

Location: Santa Barbara, CA

Contract: Part-time

Job Description

The Music Academy is committed to serving the youth of Santa Barbara with the highest level of excellence in choral instruction and music education through its Sing! program. Sing! Collaborative Pianists are instrumental in implementing the program’s vision and building relationships in our community. This position reports to the administrative Director of Sing!.

Requirements

Position Responsibilities:

• Serve as Collaborative Pianist for the Sing! program, accompanying up to 10 hours per week after school at 6 local sites in Carpinteria, Goleta, and Santa Barbara. May increase as the program grows.
• Accompany monthly All-Choir rehearsals at the Music Academy of the West campus.
• Accompany Sing! concerts and special events.
• Teach and perform choral repertoire that promotes and embraces cultural exploration.
• Participate in Academy programs such as the Summer Festival and Sing! recruitment events.
• Attend regular meetings with administration and the Sing! team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Candidate Profile:

The Music Academy values colleagues with diverse perspectives who thrive in a collaborative, highly communicative workplace. Our administration collectively informs and agrees upon the organization’s expectations for teamwork, including a positive, goal-oriented environment that positions every employee for success.

The ideal candidate will have a music degree and will demonstrate some, if not all of the following:

• Proven experience as a collaborative pianist, particularly with a children’s choir.
• A passion for classical music or other performing arts and a commitment to non-profit arts organizations.
• Ability to work with diverse communities and multiple stakeholders, including local school systems.
• Ability to work on a team collaboratively with minimal supervision and adapt to changing work priorities and schedules.
• Commitment to:
• Investing in the professional growth of young artists and the cultivation of new audiences.
• Extending the brand of the Music Academy of the West as a thought leader and change maker in classical music, both nationally and internationally.

Additional Information

The work schedule may vary but will consist primarily of:

• Weekly: 3-5 separate rehearsals (1.5-2 hours each) at designated Sing! sites.
• Bi-Weekly: 1-hour team meetings.
• Monthly: 3-hour All-Choir rehearsals at Music Academy of the West.
• Some nights and weekends may be required.
• Must provide own transportation to and from rehearsals or performances.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a non-exempt, part-time temporary position up to 10 hours weekly, at an hourly rate of $40 - 45, commensurate with experience. This position will accrue paid sick leave. Part-time employees are not eligible for additional benefits unless required by law. Complimentary tickets are offered when available.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Music Academy of the West is an equal opportunity employer. We aim to create a diverse and inclusive work environment and we value each employee’s unique experiences and perspectives.

About the Music Academy

As part of its annual Summer Music Festival & School, the Academy presents the Fellowship Institute, which trains up to 150 fellows ages 18–34, alongside the High School Intensive, a two-week program for 105 gifted musicians ages 14–18. Year-round programs include Sing!, a youth choir that performs with local, national, and international partners; and the Mariposa Concert Series, featuring Academy-affiliated artists. Each summer, the Festival showcases more than 100 performances and events, including masterclasses, competitions, and a fully staged opera. The 2027 Summer Music Festival & School will run June–August 2027. The complete performance lineup for the Festival will be unveiled in early 2027.