Dance Accompanist

The Boston Conservatory at Berklee Dance Division seeks: skilled percussionists for modern/contemporary dance technique classes skilled pianists for ballet technique classes and/or modern dance technique classes

Previous experience is strongly preferred but not required.

Please indicate in your cover letter which style(s) you are applying for (ballet or modern/contemporary dance, or both) and your instrument(s).

Potential times needed for ballet accompanying are M/T/R/F 9:00-10:30 AM.

Potentially available times needed for modern/contemporary accompanying are M/T/R/F 11:00 AM-12:30 PM.

On rare occasion, Wednesday or afternoon classes are available. This may or may not be a position that extends through spring semester. Some positions may be for subbing only.

• Advanced technique and strong musicality on one’s primary instrument (piano or percussion)
• Ability to communicate effectively with the teacher, making necessary adjustments in tempo/rhythmic or music choice upon instructor’s request and to tactfully ask for clarification when needed
• Outstanding improvisational skills
• Teacher will usually set a tempo for the accompanist for each exercise/combination and the accompanist improvises while watching the dancers, complementing and supporting the movement with creative musical choices made within the parameters of the instructor’s given tempo and meter
• Ability to keep consistent and precise tempos given by instructor, ability and willingness to adapt to any requested changes
• Ability to occasionally play odd meters/phrases or change meter mid-exercise where required (the instructor almost always teaches an exercise without music first, so the accompanist can observe and note any needed changes that would be expected before playing)
• Ability to play a range of tempos, time signatures and rhythmic/stylistic qualities
• Ability to provide textural, non-rhythmic, timbral-focused sounds when needed

• Advanced classical piano technique
• Excellent sight reading ability and ability to learn intermediate to advanced music quickly
• Improvisational skills; the more fluent as an improviser the better
• Effectively choose appropriate music (or improvise) within seconds' notice to support each exercise.
• Ability to provide a clear sense of beat/pulse/timing to ensure dancers feel confident about where they should be in relation to the music at any given moment.
• Ability to maintain consistent tempo.
• Use of rubato is appropriate or needed in certain moments or types of exercises.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with the teacher, making necessary adjustments in tempo or music choices upon instructor’s request.

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in music, preferably in piano or percussion performance.

Strongly prefer previous experience playing for ballet and/or modern dance classes.

Most dance studios are equipped with acoustic pianos (mostly Yamaha U1's, one concert grand) and a few smaller studios are equipped with digital pianos. Accompanists generally do not speak during class other than to ask for clarification from the teacher or when approached by the teacher. Water is allowed in class, but containers should not be placed on pianos.

• The Standard Hourly rate for this role is $40.00 per hour.
• Please visit the Total Rewards page to learn more about the benefits of working at Berklee.
• This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

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