Dance Accompanist

Berklee College of Music; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 63,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Total Rewards program

Benefits package

Job summary

The Boston Conservatory at Berklee Dance Division seeks skilled percussionists for modern/contemporary dance technique classes and skilled pianists for ballet technique classes. Previous experience is strongly preferred but not required. Indicate instrument and styles in your cover letter.

Potential times for ballet accompaniment are M/T/R/F 9:00-10:30 AM; modern/contemporary times are 11:00 AM-12:30 PM, with occasional afternoon or sub positions. This is a casual employment opportunity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in music, preferably in piano or percussion performance.
• Experience playing for ballet and/or modern dance classes preferred.
• Advanced piano technique and sight-reading ability.

Responsibilities

• Accompany modern/contemporary dance classes with tempo/rhythm adjustments.
• Maintain consistent tempo and adapt to instructor’s requests.
• Provide improvisational musical textures as needed.
• Choose or improvise music to support each exercise on short notice.
• Communicate respectfully with instructors and adjust music as requested.

Skills

Piano

Percussion

Musicality

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in music (piano or percussion performance)

Job description

The Boston Conservatory at Berklee Dance Division seeks: skilled percussionists for modern/contemporary dance technique classes skilled pianists for ballet technique classes and/or modern dance technique classes

Previous experience is strongly preferred but not required.

Please indicate in your cover letter which style(s) you are applying for (ballet or modern/contemporary dance, or both) and your instrument(s).

Potential times needed for ballet accompanying are M/T/R/F 9:00-10:30 AM.

Potentially available times needed for modern/contemporary accompanying are M/T/R/F 11:00 AM-12:30 PM.

On rare occasion, Wednesday or afternoon classes are available. This may or may not be a position that extends through spring semester. Some positions may be for subbing only.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Modern/Contemporary Dance Technique Class Accompanist

• Advanced technique and strong musicality on one’s primary instrument (piano or percussion)
• Ability to communicate effectively with the teacher, making necessary adjustments in tempo/rhythmic or music choice upon instructor’s request and to tactfully ask for clarification when needed
• Outstanding improvisational skills
• Teacher will usually set a tempo for the accompanist for each exercise/combination and the accompanist improvises while watching the dancers, complementing and supporting the movement with creative musical choices made within the parameters of the instructor’s given tempo and meter
• Ability to keep consistent and precise tempos given by instructor, ability and willingness to adapt to any requested changes
• Ability to occasionally play odd meters/phrases or change meter mid-exercise where required (the instructor almost always teaches an exercise without music first, so the accompanist can observe and note any needed changes that would be expected before playing)
• Ability to play a range of tempos, time signatures and rhythmic/stylistic qualities
• Ability to provide textural, non-rhythmic, timbral-focused sounds when needed

Ballet Technique Class Accompanist

• Advanced classical piano technique
• Excellent sight reading ability and ability to learn intermediate to advanced music quickly
• Improvisational skills; the more fluent as an improviser the better
• Effectively choose appropriate music (or improvise) within seconds' notice to support each exercise.
• Ability to provide a clear sense of beat/pulse/timing to ensure dancers feel confident about where they should be in relation to the music at any given moment.
• Ability to maintain consistent tempo.
• Use of rubato is appropriate or needed in certain moments or types of exercises.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with the teacher, making necessary adjustments in tempo or music choices upon instructor’s request.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in music, preferably in piano or percussion performance.

EXPERIENCE

Strongly prefer previous experience playing for ballet and/or modern dance classes.

STUDIO ENVIRONMENT and PROTOCOLS

Most dance studios are equipped with acoustic pianos (mostly Yamaha U1's, one concert grand) and a few smaller studios are equipped with digital pianos. Accompanists generally do not speak during class other than to ask for clarification from the teacher or when approached by the teacher. Water is allowed in class, but containers should not be placed on pianos.

HIRING RANGE

• The Standard Hourly rate for this role is $40.00 per hour.
• Please visit the Total Rewards page to learn more about the benefits of working at Berklee.
• This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [e-mail] or call 617-747-2375.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type

Casual

As the premier destination for the study of contemporary music and the performing arts, Berklee stands as the culmination of two pioneering institutions - Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music - each recognized for its global reach and cultural impact. Berklee is a place where artists come together to innovate, and where artistic and cultural diversity is embraced and celebrated. We strive to reflect these values in our inclusive hiring practices, creating a welcoming and equitable process that embraces diverse perspectives and fosters equity and opportunity for all. Guided by our fundamental values, our unified mission and vision define Berklee’s core purpose and help us envision the positive influence we can have on each other, our students, our communities, and the broader world. Berklee is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits program to help our employees achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals. Learn more.