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The Royal Ballet School in Birmingham is seeking a piano accompanist for the UK Scholars programme. The post holder will provide piano accompaniment for UK Scholars classes in Birmingham, supporting the dancers and accompanying music across multiple sessions.
This fixed-term role runs from 3 October 2026 to 27 June 2027, with weekend hours on Saturdays and Sundays. The rate of pay is £30.60 per hour, with a schedule listed for the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms.
WORK AT THE ROYAL BALLET SCHOOL
We are a global organisation with an important mission: to nurture, train and educate exceptional classical ballet dancers and to set the standard for dance training worldwide.
As a boarding school, a performing arts organisation and a charity, our team is varied. Our staff have specialist skills in dance, academics, pastoral care, healthcare, outreach, marketing, fundraising, and operations - to name a few.
We look for committed, enthusiastic candidates who demonstrate the skills and experience we need.
People are the key to our success - we attract, retain, develop and motivate the best in their fields to share our commitment to providing excellent care and education for our aspiring dancers and dance teachers.
ACTIVELY WIDENING ACCESS
OUR HERITAGE NOURISHES OUR FUTURE
STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
NURTURING INDIVIDUALS
ALWAYS INNOVATING
Our full-time students are based at White Lodge in Richmond Park and Upper School in Covent Garden.
There are two additional boarding houses for Upper School students in Pimlico and Covent Garden.
The Royal Ballet School operates in locations worldwide, including different Associate centres and venues for Intensive Courses.
Across our sites, there are a total of 250 employees. Wherever they work, our team respect each other, knowing everyone has a unique part to play in our organisation’s mission. Our workspaces are friendly, welcoming and inclusive. Our employees share a passion for the arts in society and for supporting individuals to reach their full potential.
GENEROUS PENSION SCHEME
TECH AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE SCHEME
CYCLE TO WORK SCHEME
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME
GENEROUS ANNUAL LEAVE
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
SEASON TICKET LOAN
DISCOUNTS OFF A VARIETY OF BRANDS
LOCATION: Fabric Dance Studios, Thorpe Street, Birmingham, B5 4TB
DURATION: Fixed Term from 3 October 2026 – 27 June 2027
RATE OF PAY: £30.60 per hour
HOURS: Saturday and Sunday, on the following dates:
Autumn Term Between 9.30 - 14.30: 3 October and 4 October 24 October and 25 October 5 December and 6 December
Summer Term Between 9.30 - 14.45: 8 May and 9 May 29 May and 30 May 26 June and 27 June
Spring Term Between 9.30 - 14.45: 23 January and 24 January 20 February and 21 February 6 March and 7 March
The UK Scholars Programme introduces the School's System of Training to talented young students who are Mid Associates studying at private ballet schools. We believe that live music is an essential part of ballet training, and accompanists play an important role in supporting classes.
The post holder will provide piano accompaniment for UK Scholars classes for The Royal Ballet School in Birmingham.
This list should be seen as illustrative rather than prescriptive;
Ability to accompany a range of classes, including classical and character dance
Good sight-reading skills
Good communication skills with adults and young people
An ability and willingness to be a flexible member of the team
Professional, courteous, well-presented and punctual
Empathy with the values and ethos of the School.
Relevant experience in accompanying classes in an educational environment, and vocational setting.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and recognises that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment to children’s safeguarding and to share this child-centred approach. This approach means that staff must consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child. Additionally, the following is expected of all staff:
To uphold the School's policies relating to safeguarding and child protection, behaviour, health and safety and all other relevant policies
To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and come into contact with
To report any safeguarding concerns using the relevant channels, such as informing the Designated Safeguarding Lead, in a timely and appropriate manner
To ensure full compliance with all statutory regulations, particularly the most recent Keeping Children Safe in Education, and to communicate concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, other relevant staff of The Royal Ballet School or local children’s services as appropriate.
We are committed to creating an environment where all our employees feel part of our team and can flourish, regardless of their background. We're proud to be an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.
The information detailed here about this role should not be considered encompassing. Over time, the emphasis of the job may change without changing the general characterisation of the role or the level of duties and responsibilities. This information will be periodically reviewed and revised in consultation with the postholder.
disability confident COMMITTED