Piano Accompanist

Ann Arbor Public Schools; United States; On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Ann Arbor Public Schools seeks a skilled piano accompanist to support middle and high school choirs across multiple campuses. You will provide accurate, expressive accompaniment for rehearsals, concerts, and UIL events, collaborating closely with directors and students.

The role requires sight-reading, the ability to follow conductors, and adaptability to varied styles and venues, with a focus on musical accuracy, rhythm, and performance readiness.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated advanced proficiency in piano/keyboard including sight-reading and accompanying.
• Ability to read scores and follow conductor's tempo, rhythm, dynamics, and expression.
• Knowledge of choral rehearsal techniques.
• Ability to perform across styles and keyboard instruments.
• Maintain rhythmic stability and accuracy in accompaniment.
• Two years' piano accompanying experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills for working with directors and students.
• Ability to adapt to multiple campus schedules and venues.

Responsibilities

• Accompany middle and high school choir classes and rehearsals with accurate, consistent accompaniment.
• Accompany school, community, and other assigned concerts, UIL events, contests, recordings, and performances.
• Assist directors in preparing students for performances and adjudicated events.
• Provide accompaniment for select elementary choir rehearsals and performances.
• Provide accompaniment for select band solo and ensemble rehearsals and contests as assigned.
• Lead sectional rehearsals when directed by the Choral Director.
• Support student development of musical accuracy, confidence, rhythmic stability, and performance readiness.
• Be available for assigned rehearsals, performances, and other choral engagements as required.
• Collaborate with directors to establish musical style, dynamics, tempo, phrasing, and interpretation.
• Follow conductor's direction and adjust accompaniment during rehearsals and performances.
• Listen attentively to performances and communicate concerns regarding musical accuracy to the Choral Director.
• Adapt accompaniment to needs of different ensembles, soloists, styles, and venues.
• Work effectively with students and collaborate with Fine Arts staff.
• Work closely with choir and band directors and campus staff to meet program needs.
• Collaborate with directors to support student learning and high-quality Fine Arts instruction.
• Maintain professional communication with students, staff, and administration.
• Demonstrate flexibility coordinating rehearsals and performances across campuses and venues.

Skills

Piano proficiency

Sight-reading

Score reading

Choral rehearsal techniques

Team collaboration

Adaptability to schedules

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Advanced musical training

Job description

**Interview process will include singing, sight reading, playing the piano, and teaching a short music lesson**

Primary Purpose

Provide skilled piano and keyboard accompaniment for middle and high school choir classes, rehearsals, concerts, contests, recordings, and other performances as scheduled by choir directors. Support student learning, musical development, and performance readiness through accurate, expressive accompaniment and effective collaboration with directors and students. Contribute to a collaborative, high-quality Fine Arts program that promotes high levels of student achievement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; advanced musical training preferred. ? Demonstrated advanced proficiency in piano/keyboard performance, including sight-reading, playing choral parts from an open score, and accompanying.
• Ability to read and interpret musical scores and follow the conductor's gestures for tempo, rhythm, articulation, dynamics, and expressive elements.
• Knowledge of appropriate vocal and choral rehearsal techniques.
• Ability to perform in a variety of musical styles and genres and on a variety of keyboard instruments, including piano, electric piano, and organ.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain rhythmic stability, musical accuracy, and appropriate accompaniment techniques.
• Minimum of two years of piano accompanying experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with directors, students, and other musicians in a team environment.
• Ability to adapt to multiple campus schedules, rehearsal demands, and performance settings.

Experience

Prior experience accompanying school choirs, ensembles, vocal or instrumental soloists, or similar performance groups preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties

• Accompany middle and high school choir classes and rehearsals, providing accurate, consistent, and musically appropriate accompaniment
• Accompany school, community, and other assigned concerts, UIL events, contests, recordings, and performances
• Assist directors in preparing students for performances, contests, adjudicated events, and other musical engagements
• Provide accompaniment for select elementary choir rehearsals and performances?
• Provide accompaniment for select band solo and ensemble rehearsals and contests as assigned?
• Lead sectional rehearsals when directed by the Choral Director
• Support student development of musical accuracy, confidence, rhythmic stability, and performance readiness
• Be available for assigned rehearsals, performances, and other choral engagements as required?
• Collaborate with directors to establish appropriate musical style, dynamics, tempo, phrasing, and interpretation
• Follow the direction of the conductor and adjust accompaniment appropriately during rehearsals and performances
• Listen attentively to student and ensemble performance and communicate concerns regarding musical accuracy or notes to the Choral Director
• Adapt accompaniment to the needs of different ensembles, soloists, musical styles, and performance settings
• Work effectively with students and collaborate professionally with other musicians and Fine Arts staff
• Work closely with choir directors, band directors, and campus staff to meet program and student needs
• Collaborate with directors to support student learning, achievement, and high-quality Fine Arts instruction
• Maintain professional and effective communication with students, staff, and administration
• Demonstrate flexibility in coordinating rehearsals, performances, and other responsibilities across multiple campuses and venues

Professional Expectations

• Arrive punctually and remain prepared and professional for all assigned rehearsals, performances, and events
• Maintain appropriate musical preparation and flexibility to meet changing program needs?
• Demonstrate flexibility to work outside normal school hours and on predetermined evenings and weekends as required
• Support campus and district Fine Arts goals, initiatives, and a culture of excellence and discipline?
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Fine Arts program

Working Conditions

• Maintain emotional control and professionalism under pressure
• Frequent standing and sitting, including extended rehearsal and performance schedules?
• Occasional evening and weekend commitments
• Ability to transport, set up, and use personal or district keyboard equipment as needed?
• Work across multiple campuses and performance venues
• Flexibility to perform in a variety of rehearsal, concert, contest, recording, and community performance settings

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to the job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.