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What is a pianist and how to become one
Pianists are musicians that entertain audiences with piano music. They may perform for live audiences in theatre productions, supermarkets, and hotels or work in a studio. Some may take up full-time teaching positions at schools and universities or provide private tutoring. They may be required to work with artists, songwriters, musicians, actors, and other professionals. Also, they understand project requirements and make themselves available for rehearsals, recitals, concerts, private tutoring sessions, or marketing events. Additionally, they oversee the maintenance of the piano and make arrangements for tuning and repairs.
Pianists are required to have a degree in music, musical theory, composition, or a required discipline. Some employers prefer a master's degree. They must possess time management and creativity skills. They can either get work on a contract basis or freelance. Also, they may work as musicians for TV, film, orchestras, or theater productions. Pianists' salary ranges from $33,497 to $64,381, with the average annual salary being $41,280.
What general advice would you give to a pianist?
Teresa McCreary Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Music and Director of Performing Arts, Hawaii Pacific University
Avg. Salary $53,479
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 4%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%
Asian 5.45%
Black or African American 10.44%
Hispanic or Latino 12.91%
Unknown 5.08%
White 65.93%
Genderfemale 49.47%
male 50.53%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is moderate
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Pianist career paths
Key steps to become a pianist
Explore pianist education requirements
Start to develop specific pianist skills
Skills Percentages Piano Performance 36.01% Chamber Music 11.18% Classical Music 8.81% Chorus 6.54% Music Theory 5.58% Research pianist duties and responsibilities
- Skil at creation and maintenance of Milli's Bandcamp and Facebook websites.
- Organize rehearsals, book shows, and collaborate in songwriting efforts with band members
- Collaborate with teachers and directors to assist in learning and memorization.
- Collaborate with teachers and directors to assist in learning and memorization.
Prepare your pianist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your pianist resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a pianist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable pianist resume templates
Build a professional pianist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your pianist resume.
Apply for pianist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a pianist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first pianist job
Are you a pianist?
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Average pianist salary
The average pianist salary in the United States is $53,479 per year or $26 per hour. Pianist salaries range between $25,000 and $113,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do pianists rate their job?
Pianist reviews
I love my job. Music has always been an integral part of my life. I love working with the kids and watching their growth from the time they begin with us (7th grade) through when they leave us (end of 8th grade)....and throughout high school. I love knowing that I have the ability to help make a difference in their lives using music as a vehicle. At the end of the day, they will not all become music majors, but hopefully, they will love and understand a variety of music genres. I love the collaboration between the choir director and myself when choosing music, and working together to make the notes on the page into music. As an accompanist, it’s not about me...but about providing the students and director with what they need. I love hearing the final product when it all comes together. No day is ever the same, and while you have to be prepared musically, you also must have the ability to adapt lessons plans instantly...because you are working with middle schoolers, and they are ever evolving from day to day.
Mmmm. I love it all....but right now, listening and critiquing singing assignments constructively on zoom is really tough. Although I can see growth with most students, it is difficult...because Choir is a group activity...we are a choir family. Middle School vocalists listen learn, and blend with each other unconsciously...and many issues with vocal technique I hear on the recordings, would not have been an issue if students were singing with others in real time. They would have fixed it. Students that are not trying, or have just given up, or who struggle, would have been brought into the fold and worked with so they felt like an integral part of the group. We are doing our best, and we are doing a good job...but there are some students still on zoom that it is difficult to reach.
I don't like when I can't give the best of me,when am singing or writting a song.
Updated January 8, 2025
