Ballet Pianist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Come work with us at Houston Ballet!
Join a leading nonprofit arts organization that’s redefining what ballet can be. We’re committed to inspiring a lasting love of dance through nationally recognized bold performances, new choreography, and education programs.  At Houston Ballet, your creativity meets purpose—and your passion takes center stage. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, every role here contributes to something bigger.

 Your Passion. Our Stage.

Visit: www.houstonballet.org for more information.

* * * For full consideration, please be sure to combine your resume and cover letter into one document to upload when you apply. 

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As a Company Pianist with Houston Ballet, you’ll be an essential part of the creative process—providing live piano accompaniment for professional ballet classes, rehearsals, and staged performances in collaboration with world-class dancers, conductors, choreographers, and musicians.  This role offers the unique opportunity to work in an environment where your playing isn’t just heard—it’s felt in every movement on stage.  

This is a full-time, in-person position located in Houston, Texas. 

What You’ll Do:

• Provide musical support for rehearsals and performances, collaborating closely with conductors, other musicians, dancers, and ballet masters.
• Prepare and study scores for company repertoire for rehearsal, ensuring musical excellence in every performance.
• Bring company classes to life with dynamic, sensitive, and responsive piano accompaniment.
• Offer an inspiring range of repertoire and creative improvisations tailored to class and rehearsal needs.
• Work as part of a tight-knit artistic team—including musicians, dancers, choreographers, and backstage crew—to create unforgettable performances.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven Experience: At least 3 years accompanying ballet classes, rehearsals, or professional dance programs (professional company experience preferred).
• Ballet Fluency: Deep knowledge and experience with ballet terminology, class structure, and classical ballet repertoire.
• Exceptional Musicality: Professional-level pianist with outstanding sight-reading, score interpretation, and improvisation skills, plus the ability to adapt instantly to tempo and dynamic changes.
• Endurance & Adaptability: The stamina to maintain musical quality over long sessions and the flexibility to respond to the evolving needs of the studio.
• Collaborative Spirit: Excellent communication skills, openness to feedback, and the ability to work gracefully with diverse personalities in a fast-paced artistic environment.
• Professional Integrity: Reliability, punctuality, and a commitment to ongoing artistic growth.

Education:Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Music, Piano Performance, or equivalent professional experience providing accompaniment for dancers and ballet.

If you’re ready to bring your artistry into a space where music and movement meet, we invite you to apply. Please send your cover letter and résumé. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to audition live or online.

Benefits

Houston Ballet presents an enticing benefits package for eligible full-time employees, including:

• Healthcare Benefits: Embrace our comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision care.  Choose from plans with low-cost or zero monthly premiums, complemented by provisions for paid life and AD&D insurance, and versatile spending accounts.
• Retirement Plan: Secure your future through our 403(b) plan, bolstered by a substantial 5% annual contribution from Houston Ballet, empowering you to save and thrive.
• Paid Time Off:  Embrace a healthy work-life balance with 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10 paid sick days, and 10 paid holidays.  Paid parental leave is also available to support your personal milestones.
• Professional Development: Fuel your career ambition with access to online training and professional growth resources specific to arts management, empowering you to advance your career on your terms.
• Discounts and Perks: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Houston performing arts scene with discounted and complimentary tickets to captivating ballet performances and other Houston theater district venues. Enjoy exclusive partnerships with local businesses and eateries for unforgettable experiences.
• Wellness Programs: Prioritize your well-being with access to our on-site gym and counseling services through our employee assistance plan, providing comprehensive support for your physical and mental wellness.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Statement

Houston Ballet is dedicated to creating meaningful change by cultivating a space that honors what is unique in all of us. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) are instrumental in the fulfillment of our mission and values. We recognize our responsibility to be an inclusive and open organization for students, artists, staff, trustees, and volunteers of all backgrounds.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Join us, together we are Houston Ballet.

Core Values

Our shared values are essential to our success as a world-class ballet company and academy. These values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape our culture.

• EXCELLENCE: We are passionate about results. Our programs are recognized and awarded for excellence. We are committed to delivering quality programs at the highest standard. Work in all departments matches the caliber of the programming on stage.
• ENGAGED: We are proud to be a part of a company that produces art and trains artists. We attend performances and are tremendous advocates for the education and community engagement programs we offer. We are all in and well-versed in the mission of Houston Ballet.
• DRIVEN: We are driven to take goals and run with them. We are excited to deliver results beyond expectations. We are accountable for our actions and work. We reinvent Standard Operations Procedures, leaving our jobs better than we found them. Much of our work product becomes the standard for individuals who will fill our roles in the years to come.
• COLLABORATIVE: We unite around Houston Ballets mission and support each other in reaching goals. We share information widely and generously and treat our team members, customers, and patrons with respect and sensitivity. We embrace inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. We recognize our responsibility to be an open, welcoming, and anti-racist organization where students, artists, staff, trustees, and volunteers of all backgrounds collaboratively learn, work and serve. We nurture the growth and understanding of how each of us fits into the larger picture and we celebrate organizational achievements.
• PATRON-CENTERED: Our patrons (subscribers/supporters/donors/stakeholders) are at the center of all we do and are at the top of our minds in our decisions and actions. Our patrons are delighted by the excellent customer service they receive at every interaction at Houston Ballet.