Dance Accompanist
Location: Boston Conservatory at Berklee · Type: Part time ·
Posted: 2026-09-10 · Reference: R0011589
Job Description:
Job Description
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.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Modern/Contemporary Dance Technique Class Accompanist:
The pianist or percussionist shall improvise music to match tempo, meter,
musicality and length of dance exercises or combinations given by a dance
instructor to dance students. The musicians usually plays alone but
occasionally may be combined with another musician.
Classes are based on 20th and 21st century concert dance techniques and
styles (such as Graham, Horton, and Limón, among others). Styles and
idioms of music or playing you provide can vary, depending on the
particular movement qualities/aesthetic, but a personalized style that
effectively complements the dance movement is often the most ideal. The
majority of music played is spontaneously composed/improvised on the spot
by a capable improviser able to complement and support choreographic
movement and able to inspire the dancers.
Required for modern/contemporary technique class accompanist:
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
Ballet Technique Class Accompanist:
The pianist plays repertoire of their choosing or capably improvises
(mostly in classical styles but also can include popular styles of
music) to ballet exercises and combinations taught by the instructor,
providing appropriate music to match the tempo, meter, musicality and
length of each ballet exercise. (Repertoire may need to be edited to
match length and phrasing of exercises.)
Ideally, we are looking for pianists with a combination of strong
classical training and strong improvisation skills in classical as well as
other styles.
Required skills for ballet technique class accompanist:
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. This takes familiarity and experience
with class structure. Improvisational skills are extremely helpful to
circumvent delays in finding music quickly, or as an end itself to provide
original inspired music for the dancers.
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.
EDUCATION
Bachelor's or Master's Degree in music, preferably in piano or percussion
performance
EXPERIENCE
Strongly prefer previous experience playing for ballet and/or modern dance
classes
STUDIO ENVIRONMENT and PROTOCOLS
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
HIRING RANGE:
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.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:
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are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed
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essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of
employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at
[email protected] or call 617-747-2375.
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faculty positions.
Employee Type:
Casual
