Pianist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a pianist. Feel free to use our pianist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a pianist.
Who is a Pianist?
To begin, the piano is an acoustic, keyboard, strung percussion instrument in which the strings are struck by softer wooden hammers (modern hammers are covered with dense wool felt; some early pianos used leather). It’s played on a keyboard, which consists of a row of keys (little levers) that the performer presses or strikes with both hands’ fingers, and thumbs to trigger the hammers to strike the strings. In Western classical music, jazz, blues, rock, folk music, and many other Western musical styles, the piano is an essential instrument. Pianos are utilized as solo instruments, melodic accompaniment instruments, and accompaniment instruments. Pianos can also be performed solo, with a voice or other instrument, in small groups (bands and chamber music ensembles), and in large groups (or orchestras) (big band or orchestra). Because the piano keyboard allows composers and songwriters to experiment with the intricate melodic and harmonic interplay of chords and test out various, independent melody lines at the same time, a great number of composers and songwriters are skilled pianists. Composers working on film and television scores use pianos because their wide range allows them to experiment with melodies and bass lines even if the music will be orchestrated for other instruments.
A pianist is a solo pianist who performs on the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo compositions, accompany one or more vocalists, solo instrumentalists, or other performers, or play with an ensemble or orchestra. Because the piano can be used in almost every kind of Western music, pianists have a diverse repertory and styles to select from, including conventional classical music, jazz, blues, and all types of popular music, including rock & roll. Most pianists can play other keyboard-related instruments including the synthesizer, harpsichord, celesta, and organ to a degree. To broaden their repertory, modern classical pianists devote their careers to performing, recording, teaching, researching, and learning new works. They do not write or transcribe music in the same way as pianists did in the nineteenth century. Some classical pianists specialize in accompaniment and chamber music, while others (though a small number) perform as soloists full-time. Being a pianist is a difficult lifestyle and a highly competitive profession that needs a great deal of dedication, stamina, and tenacity. Successful pianists, on the other hand, universally speak of their passion for playing the piano and the fulfillment they derive from a professional career as a musician. Being a pianist is the type of job that allows you to travel, meet intriguing people, make lifetime friendships, and cooperate with other brilliant and motivated people.
If you’ve ever tried your hand at the piano, you probably fall into one of the following categories:
The pianist who plays for fun: A recreational pianist is someone who has studied the piano at some point in his life, most likely while still in school, and who continues to practice on a regular basis. He enjoys playing radio melodies and can read fake music very well, but it takes him a long time to master a moderately advanced classical piece, and he usually gives up practicing until the next time he feels like it. He would frequently have a wide smile on his face and peanuts in his mouth while playing. He hardly ever played a piece in its entirety at gatherings, and he would stop at least twice while trying to perform it. He’d often tell stories about how beautifully he used to play the piece three and a half months ago after he’d finished butchering it. He would point out that he has previously been able to play that piece exceptionally quickly, and that he played it flawlessly the day before yesterday. He is ecstatic and grateful that he can communicate with others by playing the piano. He is, without a doubt, the least jittery of all the pianists.
The professional pianist: A professional pianist is one who makes his career doing recitals in concert halls of all sizes. In order to make a living, he frequently performs in ensembles and spends a significant amount of time traveling from one event to the next, both at home and abroad. Regrettably, he lacks the time to educate and enlighten others. He is known as the “virtuoso pianist.” Unfortunately, being a professional pianist has drawbacks. A professional musician is frequently required to perform the same recital program multiple times and in various settings, often at the sacrifice of musicality. His habit of performing the same programs over and over can lead to his playing mechanically, losing the character and soul of his repertoire. Because he is known as a Pro, though, he rarely lacks musicality because he can always fake it. Unfortunately, professional pianists frequently “show off” a little, as this is how most audiences get aroused. Furthermore, they would play every note perfectly (which isn’t a bad thing) and therefore define greatness for the average listener. The professional pianist understands that showing off is an important aspect of his job, thus he will take advantage of any opportunity to do so subtly in his performances. For example, he would frequently appear to be really focused when playing, or he would have an unusually horrible frown on his face while playing the slammer to indicate how dedicated he is.
The piano teacher: He’s the pianist who never got the chance to pursue his childhood ambition of becoming a soloist. Let’s be honest for a moment: most piano teachers aspired to be virtuosos when they first began studying the instrument. Again, my apologies to all haughty “virtuosos.” Anyway. The piano instructor may have reached a point in his life where he lacks the confidence to abandon his career as a musician and instead chooses to devote his time and efforts to passing on his knowledge to others. Years of despair at not being able to realize his early dream of being a great pianist may have prompted his forced decision to become a teacher. Rarely does someone decide to become a piano instructor right away. It’s possible that his decision to become a teacher sprang from a lack of desire to pursue a career as a virtuoso, prompting him to settle for the less challenging and widely available profession of teaching. Nonetheless, even if the motivation isn’t always noble, the decision to teach is a fantastic thing. A piano instructor, on the other hand, is brave and would strive to ensure that others experience the glory that he did not. Of course, he would occasionally perform in low-paying concerts, despite the fact that teaching the piano provided the majority of his money.
The conservatoire pianist: The conservatoire pianist is a musician who is dedicated to mastering his instrument. In order to comprehend why he should play the way he does, he mixes his practical piano training with academic music studies. He’s not a pro, and don’t ever call him recreational, and he’s certainly not a teacher (at least not yet…). He belongs in the world of sports music. He practices for long periods of time, striving to improve his technique and, as a result, his piano performance. His piano playing is no longer a hobby for him, and he is attempting to persuade others around him, most notably himself, that he is deserving of a place in the world of musicians. Throughout his education, his performance is continually evaluated, which makes him nervous at times. He is concerned about his grades and, unfortunately, his standing among his classmates. Not the most down-to-earth person in the world, and not quite ready to grasp the true meaning of music and the piano. His feelings are all over the place, but one thing is certain: he is ready to learn and is determined to succeed. He is, without a doubt, a student.
Pianist Job Description
Below are the pianist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a pianist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a pianist include the following:
- Understand project specifications and arrives on time for rehearsals, recitals, concerts, private tutoring sessions, and marketing events.
- Practise the required ensembles and compositions alone and with other musicians.
- Collaborate with musicians, songwriters, actors, and other industry experts.
- Make preparations for repairs and tuning, as well as ensure that the piano is well-maintained.
- Notify stakeholders if you are sick, late, or unable to perform or show up for classes as soon as possible.
- Put together an acceptable alternative under the direction of the music director.
- Mentor apprentices and other pianists with patience.
- Attend workshops or lectures on music development and training regularly.
- Read, write, and make changes to musical notation when necessary.
- Perform both live and recorded.
- Work in a cooperative manner with the other members of the team.
- Take care of the piano on a regular basis.
- Train and supervise apprentices.
Piano teachers are responsible for the following responsibilities:
Prepare Lessons: Lessons are planned by piano teachers depending on their students’ prior knowledge and learning objectives. This entails selecting relevant materials to fit the intended syllabus and customizing instruction as needed to meet the ability levels of each student.
Demonstrate Ergonomic Technique: If students do not apply playing skills based on strong biomechanical principles, they risk injuring themselves. Teachers demonstrate ergonomic strategies to help pupils learn to play the piano without becoming fatigued, in pain, or injuring themselves.
Assess Student Ability: One of the most crucial aspects of teaching is assessment. Formative and summative assessments are used by piano teachers to determine a student’s ability level. Students will gain a better understanding of their own strengths and shortcomings as a result of this.
Promote Music appreciation: Piano teachers help pupils develop a lifetime love of music by teaching them how to appreciate different composers and kinds of music. They perform a variety of compositions for students and urge them to listen to recordings in order to develop a better grasp of the merits and worth of classical and modern music.
Arrange for Opportunities to Perform: Students who study music play in front of an audience to demonstrate their abilities. Piano teachers locate performance venues, choose music, plan performance sequences, and prepare pupils to perform in front of an audience.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in music, music theory, composition, or a related field may be necessary.
- It’s possible that a master’s degree would be preferable.
- Exceptional Ability to play the piano
- Ability to sight-read, improvise and play from memory.
- It is good to be able to play various instruments.
- Excellent endurance and resiliency.
- Excellent time management, tutoring, and discipline abilities.
- Possessing a good mindset and the ability to collaborate
Essential Skills
Essential skills like musical talent, discipline, dedication, and innovation are all important qualities for professional pianists. They should also have the confidence to perform in front of an audience. Other essential abilities for a Pianist include:
- Excellent understanding of piano techniques.
- Composition ideas and techniques are well-understood and well-understood.
- Demonstrate your ability to read musical notation.
- Show that you have a strong grasp of rhythm, pitch, and melody.
- The ability to play different instruments will be advantageous.
- Excellent coordination of hands and eyes.
- The ability to play a variety of musical styles.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
- Excellent time management abilities.
- The ability to improve one’s musical abilities.
- Ability to make quick decisions.
- Interpersonal and organizational abilities are essential.
- Presentation talents that are second to none.
- Ability to empathize with a variety of musical styles.
- An awareness of how to improvise music.
How to Become a Pianist
Step 1: Early Training
An aspiring pianist often begins practicing at a young age to develop his or her skills and learn discipline, long before enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program. Future professionals can benefit from piano teachers who can assist them learn how to play the instrument, interpret music, and comprehend music theory, as well as motivate them to practice on a regular basis. In front of an audience, perform. While training and practice are crucial, students can grow as musicians and prepare for formal training by participating in recitals, orchestras, and other organizations.
Step 2: Earn a Degree
A bachelor’s degree in piano playing or studies, music, or music theory is available to aspiring professional pianists. It is possible that applicants will be required to audition and/or submit a recording. A foundation in music history, methodologies and styles, ear training, and performance can be included in an undergraduate degree. Students show up to class and perform in recitals. Degree programs also allow pianists to broaden their horizons by learning to perform classical, jazz, blues, or religious music. Enroll in a summer music camp or apply for a fellowship. Pianoists can gain further instruction and experience by attending music camps and fellowships. They can also assist them in honing and improving their performance abilities. Consider pursuing a master’s degree in music as well. Graduate music programs, which integrate academic curriculum with performance possibilities, can provide additional training. Electives allow students to personalize their piano lessons to their specific interests.
Step 3: Entry-Level Work
Small art organizations, religious groups, and orchestras are all good places for a new professional pianist to start. Full-time piano performance jobs can be tough to come by, but pianists can find work and earn experience in locations like nightclubs or churches. They may teach in schools, universities, or conservatories, depending on their educational experience. Teaching employment can help you boost your income if you’re a performer. Consider hiring a representative. Although many artists prefer to seek work on their own, an agent, particularly one with a big network, can provide access to more auditions and job chances.
Step 4: Network
Prior employment contacts can also help a professional pianist get work. Playing in front of as many musicians as possible, as often as feasible, can help a pianist expand his or her network and raise his or her profile. Performance recordings can be compiled into a music portfolio that can be shared with potential clients or venues.
Where to Work as a Pianist
Professional pianists accompany symphonies and orchestras, offer background music for special events and locales, and play piano music for theatrical shows and church services. Finding work as a pianist is difficult, and staff positions are much harder to come by. A lot of pianists work as freelance piano performers for events and parties. Because finding work as a professional pianist is so difficult, many pianists work on a contract or freelance basis. To go to performances, they may have to travel large distances on a regular basis. Unless they are offered roles as musicians in recording studios or performers for TV, film, or traveling theatrical performances, pianists often go without continuous work for long periods of time. Some perform solo, with a singer, or as part of a group in lounges or parties. Professional pianists can find work on cruise liners, where there is constantly nightly entertainment. Some people may find work in bands or orchestras that perform in theaters, dance clubs, houses of worship, reception halls, and event centers, among other places.
Pianist Salary Scale
As of February 25, 2022, the average hourly compensation for a pianist in the United States is $20, but the salary range often ranges between $16 and $31. The hourly rate is determined by a lot of elements, including education, certifications, supplementary talents, and the number of years you have worked in your field. The average annual wage for a Pianist in the United States is $59,217 as of February 28, 2022. Concert Pianist salaries in the United States range from $18,720 to $141,440, with a median salary of $71,378. Concert pianists in the middle 60 percent earn between $63,202 and $71,162.