Voice Department Student Accompanist - Piano

Accompanist Position at Berklee College of Music

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.

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

• 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

• 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.

• 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

Quote from former voice department 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