Senior Piano Technician
Reporting to the Manager of Piano Technology, we are seeking a Senior Piano Technician who will be a key member of the Piano Technology team and will assist in some concert level tuning, voicing, repair and concert action regulation, for studio and performance spaces at the Peabody Institute.
This is a casual position with the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University supporting both the Conservatory and the Preparatory. As such, the incumbent must be available to work when scheduled, which may include nights for concerts and weekends depending upon the concert and performance schedule. May work up to 19 hours per week during busy times, depending on departmental needs.
The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University advances a dynamic, 21st-century model of performing arts training in pursuit of its mission: to elevate the human experience through leadership at the intersection of art and education. Through its Conservatory for undergraduate and graduate studies and the Preparatory, Baltimore’s largest community performing arts school, Peabody empowers musicians and dancers from diverse backgrounds to create and perform at the highest level.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- Perform tunings and general maintenance of pianos for the Peabody Institute.
- Monitor the serviceability of all pianos worked on at the Peabody Institute and communicate larger problems as they are found.
- Responsible for aiding in servicing, regulating, repairing, stringing and cleaning of pianos as needed.
- Attend concerts for pre- and intermission tunings, as requested.
- Work with faculty on all piano-related needs as requested.
- Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Special Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to support working with faculty, and guest performers as necessary to perform the job.
- Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and problem solve. Interacts positively with others and functions as a member of the team when working.
Physical Requirements
- Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
- Moderate physical activity required. Work requires upper-body strength, and can be fatiguing for back, arms, and hands.
- Will be required to pass background check and complete university required compliance training.
- Requires heavy lifting, pushing or pulling required of objects up to 40 pounds.
- Requires a high degree of fine finger or hand dexterity. Must be able to work in confined spaces.
- Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks such as, occasional use of hazardous solvents (acetone, lacquer) when necessary, which require following basic safety precautions and wearing safety equipment.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma/GED.
- Must be able to tune aurally with accuracy and stability.
- Expertise in concert level tuning and prior experience with a major concert hall either a symphony orchestra or another University.
- 3-5 years of experience including concert level tuning, knowledge of high level grand piano repair and maintenance; installation of action parts, action regulation, and voicing for professional concert standards.
- Demonstrates effective communication skills (orally and in writing) and basic computer skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelors Degree strongly preferred.
- RPT certification from the PTG- Piano Technicians Guild.
- Knowledge regarding the effects of humidity and seasonal changes on pianos and the variability of concert halls as well.
Classified Title: Piano Technician
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Senior Piano Technician
Role/Level/Range: ACRO37.5/02/CF
Starting Salary Range: $22.50 - $95.00 HRLY (Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Casual / On Call
Schedule: Up to 19 hrs per week/987 hrs per year
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Peabody Institute
Department name: Piano Operations
Personnel area: Peabody