Lecturer of Piano Technology

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POSITION SPECIFICS

Lecturer of Piano Technology

The School of Music in the College of Arts and Architecture at the Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Lecturer of Piano Technology. This is a one- year renewable non-tenure line position. The Penn State School of Music is home to BM, BA, BMA, BME, and MM degrees in Performance, Music Education, Composition, and Music Theory, as well as doctoral programs across multiple disciplines.

This position requires professional judgment, schedule flexibility, and a sophisticated understanding of musical requirements to support performances, student instruction, and artistic collaborations. A BA or BM plus additional, exceptional professional experience is required; MM, MA, or comparable master's degree with experience preferred.Registered Piano Technician Guild certification is required.

Anticipated start date is August 15, 2025.

Summary

Teach courses and workshops about piano tuning, maintenance, technology, and repair. Provide expert technical and artistic care for the School of Music's diverse keyboard instrument collection. Additionally, the lecturer will advise the director of the School of Music with budget planning essential for piano maintenance and oversee management of the School of Music keyboard inventory.

Duties include:

• Teach courses, workshops, and seminars in piano technology and instrument repair. Supervise independent study for students interested in the piano tuning and technology industry.

• Maintain the School of Music's ca. $3M keyboard collection at exceptional performance standards, with priority given to concert instruments in performance venues.

• Apply specialized expertise in tuning, voicing, regulation, repairs, and preventative maintenance to enhance each instrument's tonal quality and responsiveness.

• Collaborate with faculty, visiting artists, and students to prepare instruments according to specific artistic requirements and interpretive needs.

• Independently develop and manage a teaching and work schedule that aligns with the institution's performance calendar, instructional activities, and optimal maintenance windows.

• Diagnose and address mechanical, tonal, and structural issues through skilled craftsmanship and technical expertise.

• Monitor and manage environmental conditions to preserve instrument quality and longevity, coordinating with facilities as needed.

• Direct the strategic placement and setup of instruments within performance and instructional space, working with students, staff, and faculty.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of instrument histories, service records, and long-term care planning.

• Provide expert consultation on instrument acquisition and collection management, including valuation, replacement planning, and oversight of piano donations.

• Manage specialized materials, parts inventory, and oversee significant restoration projects as needed.

• Participate in recruitment activities, faculty meetings and committee assignments.

Professional Environment

This position offers substantial professional autonomy within a vibrant performance institution. The Lecturer of Piano Technology serves as a trusted expert and instructor who directly influences the quality of performances and instruction. The role requires attention to the rhythms of concert preparation, including evening and weekend work aligned with performance schedules. The position calls for precision craftsmanship, sophisticated problem-solving, and a thoughtful balance of technical expertise, communication with students and other faculty, and musical understanding.

Professional Qualifications

• Registered Piano Technician Guild Certification

• Bachelor's degree plus exceptional professional experience is required, Master's degree preferred

• Professional experience (2-3 years minimum) supporting high-level concert programs or academic music environments

• Strong interpersonal skills and sensitivity when working with a diverse community of musicians and learners

Please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and a list of at least three (3) current references with contact information. Applications received by JULY 15, 2025 will receive priority consideration, but the search will continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start date is August 15, 2025

Questions pertaining to this search can be directed to the search chair, Ann Marie Stanley, amstanley@psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

BENEFITS

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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