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Ballet Accompanist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

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.

Ohio State University

Musician

Columbus, OH · On-site

Extensive experience as an accompanist for contemporary, African and ballet classes. Expertise with a wide range of appropriate musical literature for dance classes. Ability to provide specialized ...

The Ohio State University

Musician

Columbus, OH · On-site

Extensive experience as an accompanist for contemporary, African and ballet classes. Expertise with a wide range of appropriate musical literature for dance classes. Ability to provide specialized ...

University of New Mexico

Contracted Employee

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Contracted Employee Requisition ID req30858 Working Title Contracted Employee Position Grade 99 Position Summary Provides specifically contracted professional services on a one-time or occasional or ...

Webster University

Accompanist (Music)

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Job Title Webster Dance Department is seeking part time accompanists to work with our ballet instructors on faculty for various classes through the week. Experience in classical music and variations ...

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Ballet Accompanist information

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$12

$26

$68

How much do ballet accompanist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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 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.

What does a ballet accompanist do?

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a ballet accompanist?

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 ballet accompanists in high demand?

Ballet accompanists are in moderate demand, primarily within dance schools, companies, and training programs. Opportunities depend on the level of the institution and the accompanist's skill with piano and dance terminology; freelance work and seasonal contracts are common. Competition can be steady, but specialized skills and experience can improve job prospects.
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Ballet Accompanist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ballet Accompanist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Part Time, and 29% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,282 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Piano Intern

Philadelphia Ballet

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Internship

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Summary:

The School of Philadelphia Ballet (SPB) Piano Internship provides an opportunity for talented piano students to gain hands-on experience accompanying professional ballet classes in a supportive, educational setting. Selected interns will receive individualized training, observation opportunities, and guided experience under the mentorship of 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.

Training Phase

Before beginning the internship, selected students will participate in a structured training process:

  • Private Mentorship Meetings
  • Class Observation
  • Progressive Practice in Class
  • Readiness Approval

Audition for Internship

Once prepared, the candidate will audition for the School Director by playing for a Level 8 or Trainee class. Successful candidates will officially begin their internship playing in classes by themselves.

Internship Phase

  • Intern will play select classes while continuing to receive mentorship and feedback
  • Intern will be assigned 4 to 6 hours a week to play for evening ballet classes, levels 4 to 7.
  • Intern will receive a weekly stipend based on the scheduled classes for which they play.
  • After one semester, intern may be eligible to audition for a regular accompanist position at the school if desired and if a position is available.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the internship, students will:

  • Understand the structure of ballet classes and exercises.
    Develop sensitivity to dancers' needs and movement phrasing.
    Build a working repertoire suitable for ballet training.
    Gain confidence and professionalism in a studio setting.


Expected Hours: Intern will play select classes while continuing to receive mentorship and feedback. Interns will be assigned 4 to 6 hours a week to play for evening ballet classes, levels 4 to 7.


Travel: None

Required Education & Experience:

  • Music student, preferably piano major, currently enrolled in a university or recent graduate.
  • Collaborative experience, such as accompanying voice lessons, choirs, or other instrumentalists.

Required Competencies:

Technical level and musical maturity demonstrated through preparation of three pieces representing three different musical periods (chosen from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary)

Supervisory Responsibility: None


Work Authorization/Security Clearance: Must provide satisfactory background checks and child abuse clearances as may be required for role.

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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