In PDF form, applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. An audition as part of the interview/hiring process will be asked of finalists.

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in how we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name -- RICE -- Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

About The Shepherd School of Music

The Shepherd School of Music at Rice was founded in 1975 and is one of the nation's premier music schools. It currently has approximately 275 exceptionally talented music students from across the U.S. and around the world. The school offers an immersive conservatory-style education within the context of a world-class research university. The school has two buildings that feature four large performance venues, 54 teaching studios, 55 practice rooms, seven classrooms, and premier facilities. The Artist Collaborator will be part of a deeply engaged, collaborative musical community working at the highest artistic levels.

Position Summary

The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University invites applications for an Artist Collaborator - Piano, a dynamic and skilled musician who will serve as a collaborative pianist across multiple instrumental studios. This position plays an essential role in the artistic and academic life of the school, supporting undergraduate (BM), master's (MM), artist diploma (AD), and doctoral (DMA) performance students through lessons, rehearsals, and public performances. Working with our world-renowned faculty and a highly talented student body, the Artist Collaborator will engage in a range of musical settings, including weekly studio lessons, degree recitals (solo, chamber, and studio), juries, and performance classes. The successful candidate will bring a high level of artistry, professionalism, and flexibility, with a deep knowledge of standard classical instrumental repertoire and a passion for collaboration. This is a 9-month position completing all duties during the academic year (mid-August - mid-May).

The ideal candidate is an experienced collaborative pianist with deep knowledge of classical repertoire, particularly instrumental, and a strong background supporting students and faculty in a conservatory or university setting. They bring enthusiasm for working with world-class artist faculty and a highly talented student body. A spirit of professionalism, adaptability, and musical curiosity is essential for thriving in the dynamic environment of the Shepherd School of Music.

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on campus, necessitating that all duties be performed in person at the Shepherd School. Evening/weekend hours will be required for rehearsals, performances, and auditions. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This is a 9-month, benefits-eligible position completing all duties during the academic year (mid-August - mid-May). The proposed salary range is $50,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in music or a related field
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis, may be substituted
• 2+ years of piano accompanying/collaborating with collegiate-level musicians in conservatory or university settings, and/or professional young artist or festival program
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis, may be substituted

Skills

• Ability to read music
• Proficiency in many musical genres
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative work relationships with students, faculty, staff and the public
• Broad knowledge of musical styles and keyboard proficiency
• Musical sight reading and improvisational skills
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, plan and execute workflows, track progress, and meet deadlines and objectives
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to mentor others
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant software tools
• Demonstrated excellence in collaborative piano, particularly in instrumental repertoire

Preferences:

• At least 4 years of experience collaborating/accompanying collegiate-level musicians in conservatory or university settings, and/or professional young artist or festival program

Essential Functions:

• Provides piano accompaniment for instrumental lessons, rehearsals, studio classes, and degree recitals (BM, MM, DMA)
• Collaborates with multiple faculty studios, adapting to a variety of instrumental needs and pedagogical styles
• Rehearses and performs with student ensembles and soloists in both individual and group settings
• Assists with accompaniment for juries, auditions (including prospective student auditions), and special performances as assigned
• Prepares and performs repertoire of diverse styles and periods with a high level of musical and technical proficiency
• May contribute to special Shepherd School events such as master classes
• Coordinates scheduling and preparation of repertoire with faculty and students
• Maintains professionalism and supports a positive, inclusive, and student-centered environment
• Represents the organization at the university level and/or to external constituencies
• Participates in departmental activities and other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.