Vocal Accompanist, Music Division, Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Job Description:

Music Division Accompanists work with students who are training to become professional musicians and mentoring is an important part of the everyday duties. Just as we expect our students to perform at an ever-increasing level, our accompanists are expected to be highly proficient and talented performers that can react in real-time to student and faculty cues and expression. They are expected to take a collaborative approach to their work with students, guiding them in the preparation of their pieces and advising them on how to professionally work with another musician (including but not limited to cueing, rehearsal time management, tempo management, matching pitch, and selecting repertoire). Staff Accompanists will also act as guides and inspiration for student employee accompanists who are refining their skills as collaborative pianists.

This is a part-time position with up to 20-25 hours a week depending on need and availability during the academic year.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accompany students during lessons, rehearsals, recitals, and juries
• Participate in Music Division performances and/or additional rehearsals
• Accompany Visiting Artist concerts, clinics, and workshops
• Ability to be flexible with hours, including occasional nights/weekends
• Mentor students in professional conduct with collaborators and provide a good model to student employee accompanists

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Advanced classical piano technique
• Advanced sight-reading ability
• Advanced skill in arranging music for vocalists
• Basic improvisational technique but a preference will be given to those with advanced improvisational skills in classical and other styles
• Superior collaborative playing skills and the ability to artistically respond in real-time to their student counterpart
• Ability to transpose on the spot highly desired

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s in Music Performance or Collaborative Piano, Advanced degree preferred
• 2+ years of classical performance experience
• 2+ years of experience accompanying choirs
• 4+ years of experience accompanying vocalists
• Experience arranging music for vocalists
• Experience playing piano reductions of opera scores and coaching and/or working with musicians in higher education a plus

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• All classes and lessons are faculty-led
• Classrooms are equipped with acoustic pianos (upright, baby grand, or grand)
• Accompanists actively give constructive feedback to BCB students with deference to the direction and guidance of the faculty member leading the class/lesson.

The above information on this position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by individuals within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.  Requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. The position will remain open for applications until filled.

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