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Ballet Accompanist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Philadelphia Ballet

School Accompanist

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

The School of Philadelphia Ballet accompanist selects and plays appropriate music for ballet technique classes. The accompanist shall choose and play at a moment's notice appropriate music to match ...

Philadelphia Ballet

Piano Intern

Philadelphia, PA

$14.25 - $19/hr

... our Lead Accompanist and School Director. This program is designed to help pianists develop the musical, technical, and collaborative skills required to become professional ballet accompanists.

Philadelphia Ballet

Piano Intern

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

... our Lead Accompanist and School Director. This program is designed to help pianists develop the musical, technical, and collaborative skills required to become professional ballet accompanists.

Philadelphia Ballet

Piano Intern

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... our Lead Accompanist and School Director. This program is designed to help pianists develop the musical, technical, and collaborative skills required to become professional ballet accompanists.

University of Arizona

Accompanist

Tucson, AZ

$16.50 - $20.63/hr

Accompanist Posting Number req26265 Department School of Dance Department Website Link Location ... Provides piano accompaniment for ballet classes. * Provides piano and percussion accompaniment for ...

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University of Arizona

Accompanist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$16.50 - $20.63/hr

Accompanist Posting Number req26265 Department School of Dance Department Website Link Location ... Provides piano accompaniment for ballet classes. * Provides piano and percussion accompaniment for ...

University of Arizona

Accompanist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

* Provides piano accompaniment for ballet classes. * Provides piano and percussion accompaniment for modern dance classes. * Working closely with dance faculty/instructor to understand the desired ...

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How much do ballet accompanist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for ballet accompanist in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ballet accompanist?

A ballet accompanist is a musician who plays live piano or other instruments to support ballet dancers during rehearsals and performances. They work closely with choreographers and dancers to provide musical accompaniment that matches the tempo and style of the dance, often requiring sight-reading skills and knowledge of ballet music. The role typically involves flexible scheduling and a strong understanding of dance terminology and timing.

What does a typical day look like for a Ballet Accompanist?

A typical day for a Ballet Accompanist involves working closely with ballet instructors and dancers during classes and rehearsals, selecting or improvising music based on the needs of each session. Responsibilities include arriving early to review the lesson plan, coordinating with the teacher about tempo and style, and adjusting music in real time to support exercises and choreography. Collaborating with colleagues, occasional participation in performances, and maintaining a repertoire library are also common. The work environment is dynamic and interactive, requiring both musical expertise and strong teamwork skills to keep the class energy and flow aligned with the artistic vision.

How much should I charge as an accompanist?

Ballet accompanists typically charge between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the work. Rates may vary for private lessons, rehearsals, or performances, and some accompanists charge a flat fee for specific sessions. It is common to negotiate rates based on the scope of work and the setting.

How much do ballet pianists make?

Ballet accompanists typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the organization. Salaries can vary widely for freelance or part-time roles, and many accompanists also earn income through teaching or additional performance work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Ballet Accompanist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ballet Accompanist, you need advanced piano proficiency, strong sight-reading abilities, and a solid understanding of classical music and ballet repertoire. Familiarity with digital sheet music platforms and audio equipment is often required, and formal musical training or a degree in music is highly valued. Excellent communication, adaptability, and sensitivity to the needs of dancers and instructors distinguish top candidates. These skills enable accompanists to provide appropriate musical support, respond quickly during rehearsals, and contribute to a productive and harmonious studio environment.

Are accompanists in high demand?

Ballet accompanists are generally in steady demand, especially in regions with active dance schools, companies, and performance venues. Opportunities often depend on experience, musical skill, and the ability to work with dancers and choreographers, with many positions available on a freelance or part-time basis.

What is a Ballet Accompanist job?

A Ballet Accompanist is a musician who plays live music, typically on piano, to support ballet classes, rehearsals, and sometimes performances. Their role is to provide rhythm, dynamics, and phrasing that align with the movements of the dancers. They must be adaptable, able to improvise, and knowledgeable about a wide range of musical styles. Ballet Accompanists work closely with dance instructors to ensure the music enhances the dancers' training and expression.

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Ballet Accompanist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ballet Accompanist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 5% As Needed, 25% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,282 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
School Accompanist

School Accompanist

Philadelphia Ballet

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

The School of Philadelphia Ballet accompanist selects and plays appropriate music for ballet technique classes. The accompanist shall choose and play at a moment's notice appropriate music to match the tempo, meter, musicality, and length of various ballet exercises; and/or must be able to spontaneously compose/improvise to the movement appropriately, most often in a classical style, but occasionally in popular and/or other idioms. If you are primarily a reader, you should have minimal improvisational skill to accommodate introductions, extended endings and to edit/alter music (possibly in real time) to meet phrasing needs of given exercises. If you are an advanced classical pianist and sight reader but also have advanced improvisational abilities in classical and other styles, this combination is ideal.
Responsibilities
  • Provides piano accompaniment for ballet classes.
  • Accompany special classes, auditions, and master classes outside of the regular work week, on occasion.
  • Substitute for classes, as needed.
  • Effectively collaborate with the Dance Instructor during the dance class.
  • Continue to expand their repertoire for dance classes.

Required Skills
  • Advanced classical piano technique
  • Excellent sight-reading ability and ability to learn intermediate to advanced music quickly
  • Good to excellent improvisational skills. Minimal improvisation regularly needed to provide a short introduction to each exercise and possibly improvise an ending midway thru a score or create extended endings on the spot to match the length of an exercise. Advanced improvisers may choose to improvise in-the-moment custom made music for an entire exercise as long as it appropriately supports the dance movement.
  • Ability to choose (or improvise), within seconds' notice, appropriate music to support and inspire the given dance movement. Familiarity and experience with class structure, types of exercises and their typical order are essential to keep up with pace of class.
  • 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 communicate effectively with the teacher, making necessary adjustments in tempo or music choice upon instructor's request, either in real time or between exercises.
  • Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships within a diverse environment;
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
  • Ability to collaborate well with others across all functional areas
  • Take appropriate steps to promote and enforce safe work practices within each area of responsibility in accordance with policies and protocols.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in music or equivalent experience
  • One to three years of demonstrated experience in providing accompaniment for ballet and/or modern dance classes.

Supervisory Responsibility
None
Expected Hours of Work
The full academic year at SPB runs September through mid-June while the summer programming runs for 6-8 weeks during the summer season. Hours vary and are typically needed weekday mornings (9-12) and evenings (4:30-8:30) and Saturdays (9-12). Actual schedule will be based on individual availability and SPB needs.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance
Must be authorized to work in the United States; must pass criminal and child abuse background checks
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Equal Opportunity Statement: Philadelphia Ballet is committed to the principles of equality in employment. The Ballet complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and Federal Executive Orders, and provides an equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons. We prohibit discrimination in employment based on characteristics protected by applicable law, including race, ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify or expression, familial status, pregnancy, domestic or sexual violence victim status, disability, service in the armed forces of the United States, or an individual's status as a covered veteran.

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