Accompanist, Piano

Job Description:

Essential Functions/Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Help Voice students prepare for careers in music by accompanying classes and performances

• Perform with students and faculty in Voice Department sponsored events, including extra rehearsals leading up to performances

• Accompany visiting artists from around the globe at concerts, workshops and masterclasses

• Contribute to the classroom experience by modeling professional musical standards

Required Skills:

• Willing to take direction and guidance from classroom faculty

• Sensitive to the needs of vocalists and instrumentalists in an ensemble setting

• Possess the ability to maintain concentration throughout the entire rehearsal, even when faculty and students are engaged in other education activities

• Interested in cultivating a supportive learning environment

• Interested in promoting a climate of respect for personal and cultural differences

• Demonstrate ethical behavior in all aspects of professional life

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to personal excellence and self-improvement

Required Experience:

• Significant performance experience in most contemporary and historical vocal styles

• An affinity and expertise across a wide range of styles with an expansive personal repertoire. This position requires professional abilities in Classical, Musical Theater, Jazz, Improvisation, and all contemporary popular styles; and being adept at learning and assimilating unfamiliar styles

• Extensive experience reading fully notated scores, and realizing accompaniments from chord symbols in various arrangements with an in-depth knowledge of stylistically appropriate voicing and authentic performance practices and nuances.

• Extensive experience with various advanced Accompanist skills such as transposition, learning by ear, transcription, reduction, playing vocal parts in closed and open scores, extemporaneous accompaniment, playing bass lines, etc.

• Must have and advanced command of all facets of rhythm, with a strong rhythmic awareness.

• Significant experience collaborating with vocalists in both an ensemble and solo settings

• The ability to sight read fully realized, new contemporary original works; and collaborate and coach in a very creative and improvisatory setting

Additional Comments:
Staff Pianists work with other Staff professionals including Bassist, Drummers, and Guitarists; and many Student Employees who are training to become professional musicians. Therefore, mentoring is an important part of everyday duties. This is a part time position requiring 15-25 hours a week depending on Department need and pianist availability. Pianists must be available for occasional evening rehearsals during the week and weekend rehearsals closer to some production and event dates.
Applicants who are both interested and qualified should submit the following materials:
• Cover letter that addresses the applicant’s capabilities and experiences.
• A resume or CV.

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: 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.  Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform 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.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*