Dance Accompanist
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 but not required. The position may extend through the spring semester, and some roles may be for subbing only. Potential times for ballet accompanying are Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Potential times for modern/contemporary accompanying are Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. On rare occasions, Wednesday or afternoon classes may be available.
Requirements
- Advanced technique and strong musicality on one’s primary instrument (piano or percussion) for modern/contemporary.
- Outstanding improvisational skills for modern/contemporary.
- 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.
- 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 for ballet.
- Excellent sight reading ability and ability to learn intermediate to advanced music quickly.
- Improvisational skills; the more fluent as an improviser the better.
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience is strongly preferred.
- Ideally, pianists with a combination of strong classical training and strong improvisation skills in classical as well as other styles for ballet.
- A personalized style that effectively complements the dance movement is often the most ideal for modern/contemporary.
Responsibilities
- Improvise music to match tempo, meter, musicality, and length of dance exercises or combinations given by a dance instructor to dance students.
- Play alone or occasionally be combined with another musician.
- Provide music that complements and supports choreographic movement and inspires dancers, often spontaneously composed/improvised.
- Play repertoire of choosing or capably improvise (mostly in classical styles but also can include popular styles of music) to ballet exercises and combinations, providing appropriate music to match the tempo, meter, musicality, and length of each ballet exercise.
- Edit repertoire to match length and phrasing of exercises.
- Choose appropriate music (or improvise) within seconds' notice to support each exercise.
- 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.
- Maintain consistent tempo, with appropriate use of rubato when needed.
- Communicate effectively and respectfully with the teacher, making necessary adjustments in tempo or music choices upon instructor’s request.
- Ask for clarification when needed.
Benefits
- The Standard Hourly rate for this role is $40.00 per hour.
- Learn more about the benefits of working at Berklee.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Mid Level
