School Accompanist - SE Campus

Washington Ballet Company; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,104 - 61,992; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Sick Leave

Free adult drop-in dance classes

Comp and discount tickets to TWB shows

Job summary

Washington Ballet Company seeks a School Accompanist to provide live piano accompaniment for ballet classes. This part-time, seasonal role involves working closely with faculty to enhance students' ballet experiences.

The ideal candidate has strong piano performance skills, excellent sight-reading abilities, and experience in a ballet environment. Responsibilities include accompanying classes and adapting musical selections to meet instructional needs. The position offers benefits like paid sick leave and free dance classes.

Qualifications

• Professional experience accompanying ballet classes in a ballet company or dance school preferred.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty possessing various teaching styles.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Accompany ballet classes for all student levels as assigned.
• Collaborate with faculty to provide appropriate music for each class.
• Maintain professional communication with faculty and staff.

Skills

Strong piano performance skills

Sight-reading

Improvisation

Knowledge of classical music repertoire

Understanding of ballet terminology

Education

Professional experience accompanying ballet classes

Tools

PC and software

Standard office equipment

Job description

Department: SE Campus

Position Title: School Accompanist

Reports to: Artistic Administrator, SE Campus

Classification: Part-time, Seasonal

Hourly Wage Range: $40-$45

Location: 1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020

Scope

The School Accompanist is a member of the music team responsible for providing live piano accompaniment for ballet and related dance classes, including classical ballet, pointe, pas de deux, variations, and character. The accompanist collaborates closely with faculty to provide music that supports technical instruction, artistry, and musicality for students of varying ages and levels. The successful candidate demonstrates excellent sight‑reading, improvisation, and a broad classical repertoire while adapting to a variety of teaching styles.

General Responsibilities

• Accompany ballet classes for students in Pre‑Ballet through Upper Division, Trainee, and Adult Programs as assigned.
• Collaborate with faculty to provide music appropriate to the technical and artistic objectives of each class.
• Adjust tempo, dynamics, phrasing, and musical selections to meet instructional needs.
• Improvise when appropriate to support combinations and classroom instruction.
• Arrive prepared and on time for assigned classes and rehearsals.
• Maintain professional communication with faculty, supervisors, and staff.
• Attend accompanist meetings or training sessions as requested.

Qualifications - Education and Experience

Professional experience accompanying ballet classes or rehearsals in a professional ballet company, conservatory, or dance school preferred.

Professional and Technical Competencies

• Strong piano performance skills, including sight‑reading and improvisation.
• Broad knowledge of classical music repertoire appropriate for ballet training.
• Understanding of ballet class structure, terminology, musical phrasing, and tempo.
• Ability to observe dancers while playing and respond quickly to instructional cues.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty possessing a variety of teaching styles.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Flexible, dependable, and able to adapt to changing classroom needs.
• Supports the mission, values, and educational philosophy of The Washington Ballet and The Washington School of Ballet.

Knowledge of

• Piano performance
• Classical music repertoire
• Music theory and improvisation
• Ballet terminology and class structure

Equipment Knowledge and Use

• PC and software
• Standard office equipment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and play piano for extended periods.
• Ability to lift or move music books and materials up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to move between studios throughout the workday.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Washington Ballet is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment in all aspects of its work, from artistic performances and ballet education to community engagement and workplace culture. We prioritize presenting artists and perspectives that reflect the dynamism of DC. Through our community partnerships and campus locations, we intentionally bring opportunities to communities throughout the DMV, ensuring fairness in hiring and employment practices.

Benefits

• Paid Sick Leave
• Free adult drop‑in dance classes
• Comp and discount tickets to TWB shows