Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. A cover letter is welcomed, but not required. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues.

Position Summary

In collaboration with the Chief Piano Technician, the Piano Technician I is responsible for supporting the Shepherd School of Music by maintaining all SSM pianos through general tuning, repairs, concert tuning, and servicing. The Assistant Piano Technician maintains a regular tuning schedule, diagnoses, and resolves problems, and provides technical advice related to the maintenance, selection, and purchase of pianos.

The starting salary for this part-time (20 hours) position will be between $28.84 - $32.69 an hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 3 years of relevant experience
  • 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
• Ability to tune accurately by listening
• Knowledge of proper use and care of piano tuning and repair tools
• Knowledge of pianos and parts
• Have a proactive work ethic with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize tuning schedules and repairs, and meet deadlines in a timely fashion
• Have a collaborative spirit for tackling repairs and piano projects
• Adaptable to new technologies and systems
• Maintains a professional demeanor

Essential Functions

• In coordination with the Chief Piano Technician, establish and maintain a regular schedule for tuning routine maintenance, and repairs as needed for all pianos located in Shepherd School of Music teaching and rehearsal studios, classrooms, practice rooms, performance halls, and offices
• Tunes and adjusts pianos to a high degree of precision to respond to varying artistic needs and situations
• Assesses the condition of pianos and advises on needs for parts, repairs, and/or additional piano services
• Performs repairs, designs modifications, and/or replaces parts (such as broken strings, hammers, action parts, tuning pins, pedal mechanisms, etc.) as necessary
• Maintains accurate inventory of all pianos, parts, piano conditions, and other instrument information and assesses needs as appropriate
• Assesses the need for additional piano service
• Plans and oversees the work of assistants or contractors as assigned
• Answers questions from SSM students, faculty, and staff related to pianos and maintenance as appropriate
• Provides technical advice relating to the maintenance, selection, and purchase of pianos
• May assist with the moving of pianos
• Uses a variety of specialized and routine tools such as a frequency indicator, regulating tools, and woodworking equipment
• Occasional piano tuning and service support for SSM-affiliated events taking place outside of SSM buildings (eg. on and off-campus Rice events, development, outreach, etc.), as well as rentals in SSM venues
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Preferences

• Knowledge of Steinway and Yamaha pianos and parts

The Shepherd School of Music
https://music.rice.edu/

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

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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Faculty and staff are expected (but not required) to have completed a full vaccination series for COVID-19 (currently defined as a full course COVID-19 Vaccine (typically two shots of a WHO-approved COVID-19 Vaccine or one J&J) and a COVID-19 booster. Rice does not require documentation for COVID-19 vaccination at this time for faculty and staff. More information can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies