Vocal Accompanist, Music Division, Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Job Description:

The Music Division of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee (BCB) is seeking collaborative pianists to accompany voice students in private lessons, recital rehearsals and performances, concerto competitions, and juries. Accompanists may also collaborate with faculty and students on studio classes/concerts, visiting artist recitals, special faculty-led concerts, and auditions.

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.

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.*

Employee Type:Temporary (Fixed Term)