Voice Department Student Accompanist - Guitar

Berklee College of Music; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 1,800 - 14,000; Part time

Job summary

Berklee College of Music's Voice Department seeks student accompanists to support voice students in diverse classes, as part of Berklee's mission to develop careers in music. Accompanists accompany as solo pianists or with a rhythm section, with hours ranging from one class per week (about 2 hours) up to 15 hours weekly.

Responsibilities include helping students prepare for careers through accompaniment, modeling professional standards, and contributing to a collaborative learning environment.

Qualifications

• High level of skill as an accompanist with years of formal lessons or playing
• Excellent sight-reading skills for lead sheets and scores
• Experience playing for vocalists in solo or ensemble settings

Responsibilities

• Help voice students prepare for careers by accompanying voice classes
• Contribute to the classroom experience by modeling professional musical standards

Skills

Take direction

Ensemble awareness

Supportive environment

Cultural respect

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 Voice Department is seeking Accompanists to support voice students in a wide range of classes, offered as part of Berklee's mission to develop and prepare students for careers in music. Accompanists accompany classes as either a solo pianist or with a rhythm section. Hours range from a single class per week (typically 2 hours), up to the maximum of 15 hours per week.

Essential Functions/Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Help voice students prepare for careers in music by accompanying voice classes
• Contribute to the classroom experience by modeling professional musical standards

Required Skills:

• Willing to take direction and guidance from classroom faculty
• Sensitive to the needs of vocalists and instrumentalists in an ensemble setting
• Interested in cultivating a supportive learning environment
• Interested in promoting a climate of respect for personal and cultural differences

Required Experience:

• High level of skill as an Accompanist (generally meaning several years of formal lessons and/or playing)
• Excellent sight-reading skills (both lead sheets and fully realized scores)
• Experience playing for vocalists in both a solo or ensemble setting

Additional Comments:

Student accompanists are assigned weekly classes for the semester, based on both class schedule and stylistic strengths. Pianists also occasionally accompany voice students in private lessons.

Skills Learned:

• Sight-reading
• Applied harmony
• Comping
• Voicings
• Rhythm section playing
• Chart-writing
• Contemporary styles
• Session work
• Rehearsal techniques
• Vocal accompaniment
• Arranging and scoring
• Studio recording techniques
• Educational methods
• Interpersonal and social skills
• Professional behaviors and responsibilities

Application Materials:

• Resume/CV
• Interview, Audition
• 1 Semester Probationary Period
• Orientation
• Scheduling

Quote from former Voice Department Student Accompanist:

I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to be part of the Accompanist Program, it's been an amazing experience. At the beginning I wasn’t completely conscious of the huge impact this job position would have on me, both as a musician, but also as a person. But I leave with a lot of experiences, a lot of learning and, the most important, a lot of friendships that I'm sure will last a lifetime.

Hourly Rate: 17.51

Hiring Manager: Ed Broms

If you are looking to get involved with the Berklee community while earning some money, you may want to consider applying for student employment. The Student Employment program provides opportunities for you to work part-time on campus, thereby helping you to meet some of your living expenses. With more than 900 positions ranging from 10 to 15 hours of work per week, as well as daily opportunities for project-based temporary employment, student employment is a great opportunity for professional and educational growth.