Senior Piano Technician

College of Performing Arts, The New School

The College of Performing Arts (CoPA) at The New School is seeking a Senior Piano Technician to join its performance operations team. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Production, the Senior Piano Technician oversees and executes tuning, action regulation, voicing, repairs, preventative maintenance, and other duties to maintain and protect the piano collection at The New Schoolâ™s College of Performing Arts.

This is a full-time position with access to the comprehensive benefits package offered to full-time non-union employees at The New School. This role will begin on or around November 25, 2024. 

The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as candidates who share this commitment.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO

• Provide specialized piano repair services including tuning, voicing, action regulation, repairs, and preventative maintenance.

• Maintain inventory of all pianos at the College of Performing Arts. Update repair and maintenance records for each instrument.

• Prepare concert hall pianos for performance.

• Oversee acquisitions of new instruments, obsolescence planning, and long-term care of the university piano inventory.

• Supervise the Associate Piano Technician and part-time tuners as needed, including student workers.

• Monitor and respond to ad-hoc service requests.

• Create and maintain relationships with college and university partners as well as outside vendors.

• Create and maintain documentation of systems and processes; participate in regular meetings with supervisor and colleagues, design and implement projects in support of the student experience. 

• Remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the supervisor.

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of Steinway & Sons Factory Training Seminar.

• Five years experience maintaining pianos including regular tuning, concert tuning, action regulation, voicing, repairs, and preventative maintenance. 

• Previous experience tuning and/or maintaining pianos in an institutional setting.

• Ability to safely operate and manipulate small hand and power tools. Repetitive hand motion as is consistent with piano tuning can be expected. 

• Strong analytical skills and ability to develop creative approaches to complex issues. 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Interpersonal skills that include management, teamwork and collaboration, and conflict resolution.

• Time and task management skills, including re-prioritization and an ability to work graciously under strict time constraints. 

• Experienced or able to learn and develop fluency in The New Schoolâ™s suite of data systems including GSuite, WorkDay, Tableau, and 25Live.

• Demonstrated commitment to Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice, and the transformative power of the arts and education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior employment with Steinway & Sons or a Steinway Authorized Dealer.

• Graduate of a recognized piano technician school.

• Experience with harpsichord tuning.

• Experience in a higher education environment.

• Experience in a performing arts institutional environment.

WORK MODE

• On-campus #LI-ONSITE

SALARY RANGE

$78,000 - $82,000 annually

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

• To apply, submit an application including your resume and cover letter. Applicants who have not been selected will be notified at the conclusion of the search process.

We will accept applications until October 1, 2024. This role will begin on or around November 25, 2024.

About The New School

The New School, a leading university in downtown New York City, offers degree and nondegree academic programs in design, the social sciences, the liberal arts, management, the arts, and media. Students benefit from small classes, superior resources, and renowned faculty members who practice what they teach. Continuing education courses and public programs place the university at the center of New York’s cultural and intellectual life.

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