BCB Performance Library Graduate Assistant

Berklee College of Music; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Berklee College of Music seeks a Graduate Assistant for the Performance Library in the Instrumental Studies department. The role supports daily operations, assists in music preparation, and helps manage sheet music for large ensembles.

The position emphasizes leadership, collaboration with faculty and conductors, and maintaining an organized library environment. It offers hands-on experience in music librarianship within a prestigious conservatory setting.

Qualifications

• Be a current Berklee student or Boston Conservatory student.
• Be enrolled at least half-time in a degree/diploma/certificate program.
• Have a valid U.S. Social Security Number (SSN).
• Maintain valid visa status as applicable.
• Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
• Eligible for Federal Work-Study.
• In good disciplinary standing and located in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Lead library assistant, oversee the library when the Performance Librarian is not present.
• Process, prepare, distribute, and administer sheet music for ensembles.
• Coordinate student library team for materials preparation.
• Assist in addressing conductors' and ensembles' needs with the librarian.
• Maintain a clean, organized library environment.
• Staff the library desk and respond to questions from students, staff, conductors, and faculty.
• Track items borrowed and ensure timely return and inventory updates.
• Assist in cataloging and inventory for Boston Conservatory ensembles.

Skills

Ensembles experience

Music librarianship interest

Music theory knowledge

Attention to detail

Team leadership

Google Suite

MacOS proficiency

Communication skills

Tools

Google Suite

MacOS

Job description

In order to participate in Berklee Student Employment, a student must fulfill the following requirements:

• Current student at Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

• Enrolled at least half-time in a degree, diploma, or certificate-seeking undergraduate or graduate program. Summer is the only semester in which a student can maintain employment without being enrolled. In this case, the student must be pre-registered for the upcoming fall semester. This exception does not apply to fall or spring semesters.

• Have a valid United States Social Security Number (SSN).

• Remain in “valid” Visa status as applicable.

• A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Students in their first semester can work, even though they do not have an official GPA until the completion of their first semester.

• Federal Work Study student may apply.

• In good disciplinary standing.

• Must be located in the U.S.

For complete program details, please go to our website: www.berklee.edu/se.

The Performance Library Graduate Assistant is a member of the Instrumental Studies department at the Conservatory. They work on a team in a leadership capacity under the direction of the staff Performance Librarian with additional oversight by the Chair/Assistant Chair of Instrumental Studies, assisting in the daily operations of the BCB Performance Library.

General Statement of Job Functions

• Prepare music for rehearsals, performances, and courses
• Distribute, collect, and organize sheet music
• Coordinate student library team in the preparation of materials
• Assist the Performance Librarian in assessing and addressing the needs of the conductors and ensembles
• Work in partnership with Performance Librarian and other staff to maintain a functional, orderly, and productive working environment in the Performance Library
• Respond to general questions from students and faculty regarding part preparation and distribution status, or library-related ensemble issues
• Attend concerts and rehearsals as necessary to oversee the distribution or collection of music

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as lead library assistant, overseeing the performance library at times when Performance Librarian is not working
• Process, prepare, distribute, collect, and generally administer sheet music for large instrumental ensembles on a schedule determined by the Performance Librarian and Department Leadership
• Assist in all aspects of the music preparation, including but not limited to editing, proofreading, distribution, scanning, marking string parts, adding measure numbers and rehearsal systems, correcting errata, creating errata lists, adding cuts, edits, and inserts; repairing damaged parts/scores and assembling folders
• Participate in the preparation of musical materials according to the requirements of the particular work and ensemble as assigned by the Performance Librarian
• Maintain a clean and organized library environment
• Complete opening and closing procedures such as locking and unlocking the library and assisting in managing lockers for the Instrument Library
• Serve as a representative of the Performance Library by interfacing with conductors and faculty, over email and in person, to facilitate requests
• Staff the library desk during open hours and be available to answer general questions and fulfill requests from students, staff, conductors and faculty
• Loan out and check in instruments from the instrument library and take note of any repair needs
• Assist the Performance Librarian in maintaining the Performance Library Ensemble Collection in its various locations
• Assist in cataloging and filing music purchased for the Boston Conservatory ensembles, maintain accurate inventory, and ensure accurate security. Return ensemble music sets to shelves immediately following performances
• Track all items borrowed from the library, i.e, individual parts, scores, reference materials; ensure their timely return
• Maintain confidentiality in regards to music ensemble castings and administrative planning
• Delivery and pickup of library materials from mailroom and other Boston Conservatory at Berklee buildings
• In rare cases, take attendance for BCB ensemble rehearsals and concerts
• Additional responsibilities, as determined in collaboration with your supervisor.

Qualifications and Skills

• (Preferred) Experience with ensembles at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee
• (Preferred) Interest and knowledge of music performance librarianship
• Broad knowledge of music, including musical terms and foreign languages (French, Italian, and German)
• Ability to build a strong relationship with and work successfully with faculty, conductors and division administration in a highly demanding and fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage a small team of peer employees to ensure the smooth operation of the performance library
• Knowledge of music theory, history, orchestration, transposition, and music notation conventions
• Extraordinary attention to detail and strong organizational skills, including ability to handle multiple tasks and simultaneously and consistently meet deadlines
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and under pressure
• Collaborative spirit to work as part of a successful team
• Good customer service skills as well as verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to handle issues, changes and mistakes in a graceful and respectful manner
• Working fluency with Google Suite applications and macOS

Work Hours: 8-10+ per week

Hourly Rate: $19.57

Hiring Manager: Cassian Ramos