Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT RAVINIA

Ravinia believes in the power of shared, live-music moments to inspire ourselves, our communities, and the world. The nonprofit’s mission is to enrich lives through the transformative power of music. From exceptional performances and professional training in the Steans Institute to educational programs and community engagement through Reach Teach Play, Ravinia strives to create memorable experiences that connect people, foster curiosity, and ensure that the joy of live music is accessible to all.

The 36-acre park is home to North America’s longest-running outdoor music festival and serves as an enchanting place to experience concerts throughout the summer. Performances range across classical, rock, pop, jazz, R&B, indie, and country genres and include the annual summer residency of one of the world’s finest orchestras: the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The festival is located about 20 miles north of Chicago at Green Bay and Lake Cook Roads in Highland Park. With over one hundred performances each summer, the 2025 season runs from June 6-August 31.

ABOUT STEANS INSTITUTE

The Steans Institute is an international destination for exceptional musical talent, cultivating the next generation of classical and jazz musicians. Every summer, 60 emerging artists are awarded fully funded fellowships to immerse themselves in an intensive program of rehearsals and coachings with renowned musicians and experts. They gain essential skills for thriving in their careers and showcase their talents in over two dozen performances at Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall stage and in community venues, making inspiring music accessible to all.

The Piano & Strings program, under the artistic leadership of violinist Midori, focuses on interpreting classical sonatas and chamber music through deep collaboration in small groups. Each season, about 30 violinists, violists, cellists, and pianists come together for intensive rehearsals and coachings from leading artists and over 15 performances at the Ravinia Festival and community venues.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Staff Collaborative Pianist is a critical member of the Piano and Strings program providing support to the Steans Institute strings (violin, viola, cello) fellows during their summer residency. The Staff Collaborative Pianist will be responsible for providing collaborative piano services for private lessons, rehearsals, master classes and performances. The ideal candidate has experience collaborating with advanced musicians, an extensive knowledge of string duo repertoire, especially sonatas, and the ability to engage positively with a diverse group of artists and administrators.

Dates of Employment: June 21 - July 25, 2026

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare assigned repertoire prior to arrival at the Steans Institute
• Rehearse assigned repertoire with fellows and provide collaborative pianist services on additional repertoire for fellows’ lessons and coachings
• Provide mentorship for Collaborative Pianist Fellow through feedback, coaching, etc.
• Perform assigned repertoire with fellows for Steans Institute concerts and master classes

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrates a high level of technical and artistic ability
• Substantial knowledge of duo string repertoire, sonata repertoire a must, and chamber music repertoire preferred
• Demonstrated ability to foster a collaborative artistic environment that aligns with Ravinia’s values
• Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team and within an educational environment
• Flexibility and composure in navigating high-demand schedules and extensive repertoire, including a broad spectrum of classical and contemporary works.
• Steans Institute Piano & Strings Alumni are encouraged to apply if they have completed the program more than three years ago.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The fee is $8,000 total. Transportation to and from Ravinia is provided, along with housing and use of a rental car during the summer residency. Lunch and dinner service is provided through the Steans Institute dining services. Additional benefits include lawn access to all Ravinia concerts, and reserved tickets to select performances. This is an independent contractor position and not eligible for tax withholdings.

APPLICATION

To apply, please submit the following to [email protected] with your name (last, first) clearly stated in the subject line:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Recordings demonstrating versatility and technical and artistic standards.
  • Three (3) duo works with violin, viola, or cello, with two different partnering instruments (one duo work must be from the classical period) OR two (2) duo works (one must be from the classical period) plus one (1) chamber or solo repertoire.
  • Please indicate if the recording is edited or unedited. Must include at least one unedited recording.
  • Recording must not be older than three years.

Selected applicants will be invited to an in-person interview and audition October 2025 (date and location to be confirmed at the time of finalist selection).

If selected for an in-person interview and audition, audition repertoire will be assigned and provided approximately three weeks prior to the interview date. Auditions will be recorded.

Applications will be reviewed beginning on Monday, September 15, 2025 until the position is filled.

References may be requested.

Ravinia is an Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, Ravinia strongly believes that diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is essential to our success. We strive to create and sustain an equitable and inclusive environment for all our employees. Ravinia does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. We encourage individuals of all identities and abilities to apply.

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