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 rehearsalsAdapt accompaniment as needed to support efficient rehearsal processesPrepare and master repertoire prior to rehearsalsSupport Voice Ensemble conductor in reinforcing musical concepts, notes, rhythms, diction and interpretation in rehearsals.Provide accompaniment for soloists during student assessmentsCollaborate with Voice Ensemble Conductors in preparing repertoireMaintain flexibility in adapting to changing rehearsal and performance needsAttend all scheduled rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performancesCommunicate promptly regarding scheduling conflicts or anticipated absencesDemonstrate professionalism, punctuality, reliability, and collegiality in all interactionsAssist with other related projects as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in music education or performance or equivalent experience/trainingA high level of personal musicianship which includes knowledge of music theory in addition to performing abilityPrior experience accompanying choirs, vocal ensembles or community chorusesPrior experience working with both vocalists and instrumentalistsHigh level of sight reading skillsHigh level of transposition skillsFlexible and adaptable in rehearsal environmentKnowledge and experience playing diverse repertoire, including but not limited to jazz and world music.Excellent oral and written communication skillsProven experience collaborating and working with people from diverse cultural and economic backgroundsPersonal 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

SchedulePart Time position with the schedule belowMondays 4:00-5:00 pm and Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:00 pmMust be available to work in person

Compensation and Benefits$50 per hourPaid Time OffPaid Sick Leave403b Retirement Plan with employer match

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

Are you intrigued by this job but don’t meet every single requirement? Please apply anyway! Research shows that women, people of color, and people from marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs when that’s the case. 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.