job vacancy

[Kenneth Sloane]

Visit Oberlin College on the World Wide Web at www.oberlin.edu/~HR 

DIRECTOR OF PIANO TECHNOLOGY

The Office of the Associate Dean for Technology and Facilities invites
applications for the position of Director of Piano Technology in the Oberlin
College Conservatory of Music.  This is a full-time, 12-month Administrative
and Professional Staff appointment reporting to the Associate Dean for
Technology and Facilities.  

The Oberlin Conservatory is America¹s oldest school dedicated to the
training of professional musicians.  Founded in 1865, it was the first
college-affiliated conservatory in the United States, and is internationally
recognized as one of the nation¹s finest music schools.  As the only major
music school in the country specializing in the education of musicians at
the undergraduate level, the Oberlin Conservatory is known for the
excellence of its comprehensive program, renowned faculty, and superb
facilities, as well as for its location in one of the nation¹s leading
undergraduate liberal arts colleges.

Oberlin Conservatory has a collection of 194 Steinways (174 grands), most of
which are kept under strict environmental control. The Conservatory also has
a fine collection of historical keyboard instruments. Oberlin possesses the
second largest collection of Steinway pianos in the world, and the
Conservatory is Steinway¹s oldest ongoing customer. Our pianos experience
minimal pitch fluctuation and wood damage. They are part of a relatively
young collection (161 built between 1930 and 1970) and are very rebuildable.
Our shop operation rebuilds 15 to 20 pianos per year.

Responsibilities: The Director reports to the Associate Dean for Technology
and Facilities and will have overall responsibility for the activities of
the Department of Piano Technology (comprising a Piano Technician, a Piano
Tuner, student employees) and oversight of the Piano Technology Shop.  This
position includes management of tuning, repair, rebuilding, and
reconditioning of the Conservatory's piano inventory; responsibility for
inventory and record-keeping; contacts with vendors and suppliers;
development and control of the Department's budget; assessment and
assignment of departmental priorities; and management of concert piano
maintenance. The incumbent will work collaboratively with the Associate Dean
in determining which projects will be contracted and which will be done in
the Conservatory, and will assist with decisions regarding the purchase of
new pianos.  

Requirements:  At least 10 years experience as a piano technician, including
experience in rebuilding Steinway concert pianos; demonstrated ability to
manage programs, projects, and people; strong, well-developed, interpersonal
skills, including working with artists and subordinates; and excellent
references. Concert tuning experience at the highest level. Must be a
Registered Tuner/Technician with the Piano Technicians Guild, Inc.  Desired
Qualifications: Experience at an organization similar to the Oberlin
Conservatory; strong preference will be given to a candidate who meets the
above requirements and has extensive experience with Steinway pianos.  A
college degree (especially in a music area) and experience working with
historical keyboard instruments are desirable.

Compensation:  Within the salary range established by the College, this
position will be filled at a salary commensurate with experience.  The
benefits package includes health and life insurance, tuition remission for
eligible children, a generous retirement plan, etc.  

To Apply: Submit letter of application, résumé, and three references with
telephone numbers, by April 15, 2000, to:  Michael Lynn, Associate Dean,
Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, Oberlin, OH  44074. 

February 4, 2000										APS00-227