Lecturer in Collaborative Piano

Position Summary

The Penn State School of Music invites applications for a full-time, fixed-term, renewable Lecturer in Collaborative Piano, beginning Fall 2026. We seek a skilled and versatile collaborative pianist who brings experience in vocal coaching, operatic and instrumental repertoire, and ensemble work across a comprehensive School of Music. The successful candidate will provide collaborative piano services across voice and instrumental studios, contribute to curriculum and ensemble activities, and serve as a collegial partner to piano, voice, and instrumental faculty. This is a position designed for a musician who brings technical excellence, broad stylistic versatility, and a genuine commitment to student development.

Responsibilities

• Provide collaborative piano services for voice and instrumental studios, including coaching sessions, studio classes, recitals, juries, and auditions.

• Administrate collaborative piano services and manage scheduling of accompanist needs across the School.

• Teach courses at the undergraduate level based on School and curricular needs.

• Serve as repetiteur or music director for Opera Workshop productions, supporting repertoire in collaboration with voice faculty.

• Collaborate actively with piano, voice, and instrumental faculty to support student performance outcomes.

• Teach or assist with diction courses or coaching sessions drawing on proficiency in languages for singers.

• Participate in auditions, recruitment events, and outreach activities that support the School of Music.

• Maintain a collaborative culture within and across performance areas.

• Serve on School committees and contribute appropriate service to the School, College, and profession.

Required Qualifications

• Master of Music in Collaborative Piano (or closely related field).

• Minimum two years of experience as a vocal coach and/or collaborative piano lecturer at the university level.

• Demonstrated effectiveness as a collaborative pianist working with vocalists and instrumentalists.

• Experience as music director or conductor for operatic or musical theatre productions.

• Proficiency in languages relevant to vocal diction (e.g., Italian, German, French).

• Demonstrated success supporting student success in auditions, recitals, and degree requirements.

• Ability to work effectively with students from varied backgrounds and to collaborate within a diverse academic and artistic community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree in Music (DMA or equivalent) preferred.

• Collegiate teaching experience beyond collaborative piano coaching, such as diction, literature, or keyboard skills courses.

Application Instructions

Please submit the following as a single PDF:

• Cover Letter (2 pages maximum): Describe your interest in this position and your background in collaborative piano, vocal coaching, and operatic/musical theatre repertoire.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Teaching Philosophy Statement (1-2 pages): Address your approach to collaborative piano instruction, vocal coaching, and supporting singers and instrumentalists.
• Links to recent, representative videos or recordings demonstrating collaborative piano work (total duration not to exceed 30 minutes).
• Names and contact information for three professional references.