Piano Accompanist (Part-time)

Point Park University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 28,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts seeks a skilled Piano Accompanist for Ballet and Musical Theatre classes and private voice lessons. This is a part-time, hourly, as-needed position on campus.

Responsibilities include selecting appropriate music, ensuring accurate sight-reading, and assisting with rhythm and phrasing across Ballet, Pointe, Variations, and Musical Theatre repertoires, with a focus on coordinating studio time effectively.

Qualifications

• Excellent sight-reading and accompanying skill in many musical genres, especially ballet and musical theatre repertoire.
• Must have organizational skills appropriate to university course time scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Select music to stimulate dance students artistically and technically with accurate sight-reading and accompanying.
• Oversee efficient studio time by selecting music and accompanying in appropriate meter and tempo.
• Assist in clarifying rhythms, phrases, and lengths of exercises.
• Perform music suitable for Ballet, Character, Pointe, Variations, and Pas de Deux classes.
• Develop the vocabulary of dance by observing other accompanists and consulting instructors.

Skills

Sight-reading

Accompanying

Organizational skills

Job description

POSITION: Piano Accompanist (Dance and/or Musical Theatre)

STATUS: Part-time, Hourly, As Needed

DEPARTMENT: Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA)

REPORTS TO: Accompanist Supervisor

PRIMARY FUNCTION: Responsible for providing piano accompaniment for studio/class dance and musical theatre class/private voice lesson work.

REQUIREMENTS: Excellent sight-reading and accompanying skill in many musical genres, but especially ballet and musical theatre repertoire; must have organizational skills appropriate to the variances of university course time scheduling.

DUTIES BALLET:

1. Select music to stimulate dance students artistically and technically, utilizing excellent sight-reading and accompanying skills.
2. Oversee the efficient use of studio time by quickly and correctly selecting music and accompanying in appropriate meter and tempo.
3. Assist in clarifying rhythms, phrases, and lengths of exercises.
4. Perform music suitable for Ballet, Character, Pointe, Male Technique, Variations, and Pas de Deux classes.
5. Develop the vocabulary of dance by observing other accompanists, by discussion with instructors, and by utilizing written materials.
6. Perform other related duties as assigned.

DUTIES MUSICAL THEATRE:

1. Provide accompaniment for musical theatre classes.
2. Provide accompaniment for private voice lessons.
3. Make practice recording upon request.
4. Assist in clarifying pitch, rhythm, phrase, and style of music presented for study in musical theatre classes and lessons.
5. Perform other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must have pianistic skills able to withstand several hours of accompanying per day.