Piano Technician

Job Opening ID: 48821 - Position Number: 7570 - Job Code: 100933

Job Summary

Under general supervision, serves as the second piano technician of the Keyboard Maintenance team to carry out all aspects of the maintenance and rebuilding program for the Bienen School of Music’s inventory of over 250 performance, rehearsal, studio and historic keyboard instruments.

Working Conditions: Availability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings, weekends and holidays in addition of regular business hours. Physical strength, dexterity, agility and stamina necessary to accomplish the duties of the position.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Serves as the second piano technician responsible for performing the highest level of tuning, maintenance, concert preparation of pianos and harpsichords used for public performance and to meet academic needs of the Bienen School of Music. This includes regular and specialized maintenance and repairs.
  • Provides the highest level of rebuilding and remanufacturing work, including refurbishing or replacement of sound boards, bridges, pin blocks, strings, dampers, actions, keyboards and pedal systems.
  • Assists in the supervision of services provided by contracted professional keyboard technicians, interns and student assistants.
  • Assists in the collection and maintenance of data on the keyboard inventory, including location, condition, maintenance and service history, as well as time and materials used in day to day operations.
  • Collaborates in the formulation of long-term plans for the refinishing, reconditioning, rebuilding, replacement and disposition of the keyboard inventory.
  • Assists in the organization and management of Keyboard Maintenance operations and special projects as required or assigned.
  • Other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Certificate/diploma in Piano Technology or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in piano voicing, regulation, tuning and repair required.
  • Extensive experience in preparing pianos for concerts and recordings. Must have a thorough understanding of piano technology concepts and methods. Highly developed skills in complete rebuilding and re-manufacture of modern grand pianos.
  • Ability to operate specialized piano repair tools, small power tools and equipment such as a drill press, table saw and band saw.
  • Experience developing proposals and presentations; ability to collaborate and recommend options.
  • Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others to plan and achieve strategic goals.
  • Strong interpersonal skills as well as the ability to relate sensitively to internal and external colleagues and constituents.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written and verbal forms.
  • Ability to maintain positive and productive working relationships with co-workers, employees, students, administration, faculty, artists, vendors and University departments.

Minimum Competencies (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

  • Adaptability – Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations.

  • Collaboration – Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one’s own team; respects the needs and contributions of others.

  • Collegiality - Being helpful, respectful, approachable and team-oriented building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

  • Compliance - Honoring University policies and regulatory requirements.

  • Conceptual Ability - Deals effectively, not just with concrete tangible issues, but also abstract conceptual matters.

  • Efficiency/Dependability - Effectively performs duties and responsibilities; displays attention to detail; supports organizational policies; anticipates demands/pressures of assignments and adjusts accordingly.

  • Judgment - Demonstrates logic, rationality and objectivity; shows common sense; uses all available information to make educated decisions.

  • Listening - Actively listens to others' opinions and ideas; respects and seeks to understand differences in opinions.

  • Meets Deadlines - Displays consistency and success in adhering to deadlines.

  • Multi-Tasking - Demonstrates ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Organization - Plans, organizes and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail; targets projects or initiatives that require special attention and focuses on key tasks when faced with limited time and/or resources.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Member of the Piano Technicians Guild with Registered Piano Technician status.
  • At least ten (10) years of experience in piano voicing, regulation, tuning and repair

Application Information

To apply for this position, you will need to submit your résumé, cover letter and references through the University's electronic recruiting system, eRecruit, using the job opening number or the job title.

Once you apply, you will receive an email confirming submission of your resume. For all resumes received, if there is interest in your candidacy, the human resources recruiter or the department hiring manager will contact you. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.

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