Dance Accompanist

Berklee College of Music•Boston, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Boston Conservatory at Berklee Dance Division is seeking skilled percussionists for modern/contemporary dance technique classes and skilled pianists for ballet technique classes and/or modern dance technique classes. Previous experience is strongly preferred. The position involves improvising music to match the tempo, meter, musicality, and length of dance exercises or combinations given by a dance instructor. For modern/contemporary classes, the music should complement 20th and 21st century concert dance techniques. For ballet classes, the pianist will play repertoire or improvise, providing appropriate music to match the tempo, meter, and musicality of ballet exercises. The role requires strong musicality, communication with instructors, and adaptability to various musical styles and tempos.

Requirements

Advanced technique and strong musicality on one’s primary instrument (piano or percussion) for modern/contemporary classes.
Outstanding improvisational skills for modern/contemporary classes.
Ability to keep consistent and precise tempos given by instructor for modern/contemporary classes.
Ability to occasionally play odd meters/phrases or change meter mid-exercise where required for modern/contemporary classes.
Ability to play a range of tempos, time signatures and rhythmic/stylistic qualities for modern/contemporary classes.
Ability to provide textural, non-rhythmic, timbral-focused sounds when needed for modern/contemporary classes.
Advanced classical piano technique for ballet classes.
Excellent sight reading ability and ability to learn intermediate to advanced music quickly for ballet classes.
Improvisational skills; the more fluent as an improviser the better for ballet classes.
Ability to effectively choose appropriate music (or improvise) within seconds' notice to support each ballet 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 for ballet classes.
Ability to maintain consistent tempo for ballet classes.
Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with the teacher, making necessary adjustments in tempo or music choices upon instructor’s request.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience playing for ballet and/or modern dance classes.
A personalized style that effectively complements the dance movement.
Strong classical training and strong improvisation skills in classical as well as other styles for ballet accompanist.

Responsibilities

Improvise music to match tempo, meter, musicality, and length of dance exercises or combinations given by a dance instructor.
Complement and support choreographic movement with spontaneous musical composition/improvisation.
Communicate effectively with the teacher, making necessary adjustments in tempo/rhythmic or music choice upon instructor’s request.
Keep consistent and precise tempos given by instructor and adapt to any requested changes.
Occasionally play odd meters/phrases or change meter mid-exercise where required.
Play a range of tempos, time signatures, and rhythmic/stylistic qualities.
Provide textural, non-rhythmic, timbral-focused sounds when needed.
Choose appropriate music (or improvise) within seconds' notice to support each ballet exercise.
Provide a clear sense of beat/pulse/timing to ensure dancers feel confident about where they should be in relation to the music.
Maintain consistent tempo during ballet classes, using rubato when appropriate or needed.