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Dance Accompanist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Berklee College of Music

Dance Accompanist

Boston, MA · On-site

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Modern/Contemporary Dance Technique Class Accompanist: * The pianist or percussionist shall improvise music to match tempo, meter, musicality ...

Boston Conservatory

Dance Accompanist

Boston, MA · On-site

$40/hr

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Modern/Contemporary Dance Technique Class Accompanist: * The pianist or percussionist shall improvise music to match tempo, meter, musicality ...

Columbia College Chicago

Accompanist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The accompanist may use instruments provided by the Dance department, or they may supplement these with their own instruments/technology. The position reports to the assigned instructor, and the ...

Columbia College Chicago

Accompanist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The accompanist may use instruments provided by the Dance department, or they may supplement these with their own instruments/technology. The position reports to the assigned instructor, and the ...

Columbia College Chicago

Accompanist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The accompanist may use instruments provided by the Dance department, or they may supplement these with their own instruments/technology. The position reports to the assigned instructor, and the ...

Columbia College

Accompanist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The accompanist may use instruments provided by the Dance department, or they may supplement these with their own instruments/technology. The position reports to the assigned instructor, and the ...

Austin Waldorf School Inc

Accompanist

Austin, TX · On-site

The Accompanist is responsible for providing musical accompaniment for eurythmy classes, dance classes, school performances, music classes, and other events within the Waldorf school community. The ...

Columbia College Chicago

Accompanist

Chicago, IL

$53/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The accompanist may use instruments provided by the Dance department, or they may supplement these with their own instruments/technology. The position reports to the assigned instructor, and the ...

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Dance Accompanist information

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How much do dance accompanist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for dance accompanist in the United States is $55,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dance accompanist?

A Dance Accompanist is a musician who provides live music for dance classes, rehearsals, and performances. They adapt their playing to match the tempo, style, and dynamics needed for different dance techniques. Accompanists often work with ballet, modern, or other dance forms, collaborating closely with instructors and dancers. Strong improvisational skills and an understanding of rhythm and movement are essential for this role.

What are the typical responsibilities of a dance accompanist during dance classes or rehearsals?

A Dance Accompanist is responsible for providing live musical accompaniment during dance classes, rehearsals, and auditions, tailoring their playing to match the rhythm, mood, and style required by the choreographer or instructor. They often collaborate closely with dance teachers to adjust tempos or improvisations based on class needs, and may be required to quickly adapt to different genres or exercises. In addition to playing, accompanists may help prepare music selections and ensure equipment is functioning properly. Their presence is vital for supporting dancers’ timing and enhancing the overall learning experience.

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

A Dance Accompanist needs strong musicianship, sight-reading ability, and familiarity with various dance styles and tempos, often demonstrated through formal music training or a relevant degree. Experience with pianos or keyboards is essential, and knowledge of audio equipment or recording tools can be beneficial, though specific certifications are not always required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate with dance instructors and students are important soft skills. These qualities ensure that accompanists can create a supportive and dynamic environment, responding to the needs of dancers in real time.

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Dance Accompanist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dance Accompanist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Full Time, 64% Part Time, and 18% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,404 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Dance Accompanist

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Berklee College Of Music rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

362nd of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Description:
The Boston Conservatory at Berklee Dance Division seeks:
  • skilled percussionists for modern/contemporary dance technique classes
  • skilled pianists for ballet technique classes and/or modern dance technique classes
  • Previous experience is strongly preferred but not required. Please indicate in your cover letter which style(s) you are applying for (ballet or modern/contemporary dance, or both) and your instrument(s).
  • Potential times needed for ballet accompanying are M/T/R/F 9:00-10:30 AM. Potentially available times needed for modern/contemporary accompanying are M/T/R/F 11:00 AM-12:30 PM. On rare occasion, Wednesday or afternoon classes are available.
  • This may or may not be a position that extends through spring semester. Some positions may be for subbing only.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Modern/Contemporary Dance Technique Class Accompanist:
  • The pianist or percussionist shall improvise music to match tempo, meter, musicality and length of dance exercises or combinations given by a dance instructor to dance students. The musicians usually plays alone but occasionally may be combined with another musician.
  • Classes are based on 20th and 21st century concert dance techniques and styles (such as Graham, Horton, and Limón, among others). Styles and idioms of music or playing you provide can vary, depending on the particular movement qualities/aesthetic, but a personalized style that effectively complements the dance movement is often the most ideal. The majority of music played is spontaneously composed/improvised on the spot by a capable improviser able to complement and support choreographic movement and able to inspire the dancers.

Required for modern/contemporary technique class accompanist:
  • Advanced technique and strong musicality on one's primary instrument (piano or percussion)
  • Ability to communicate effectively with the teacher, making necessary adjustments in tempo/rhythmic or music choice upon instructor's request and to tactfully ask for clarification when needed
  • Outstanding improvisational skills
    • Teacher will usually set a tempo for the accompanist for each exercise/combination and the accompanist improvises while watching the dancers, complementing and supporting the movement with creative musical choices made within the parameters of the instructor's given tempo and meter
    • Ability to keep consistent and precise tempos given by instructor, ability and willingness to adapt to any requested changes
    • Ability to occasionally play odd meters/phrases or change meter mid-exercise where required (the instructor almost always teaches an exercise without music first, so the accompanist can observe and note any needed changes that would be expected before playing)
    • Ability to play a range of tempos, time signatures and rhythmic/stylistic qualities
    • Ability to provide textural, non-rhythmic, timbral-focused sounds when needed

Ballet Technique Class Accompanist:
  • The pianist plays repertoire of their choosing or capably improvises (mostly in classical styles but also can include popular styles of music) to ballet exercises and combinations taught by the instructor, providing appropriate music to match the tempo, meter, musicality and length of each ballet exercise. (Repertoire may need to be edited to match length and phrasing of exercises.)
  • Ideally, we are looking for pianists with a combination of strong classical training and strong improvisation skills in classical as well as other styles.

Required skills for ballet technique class accompanist:
  • Advanced classical piano technique
  • Excellent sight reading ability and ability to learn intermediate to advanced music quickly
  • Improvisational skills; the more fluent as an improviser the better
  • Effectively choose appropriate music (or improvise) within seconds' notice to support each exercise. This takes familiarity and experience with class structure. Improvisational skills are extremely helpful to circumvent delays in finding music quickly, or as an end itself to provide original inspired music for the dancers.
  • 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 maintain consistent tempo. Use of rubato is appropriate or needed in certain moments or types of exercises.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with the teacher, making necessary adjustments in tempo or music choices upon instructor's request.

EDUCATION
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in music, preferably in piano or percussion performance

EXPERIENCE
  • Strongly prefer previous experience playing for ballet and/or modern dance classes

STUDIO ENVIRONMENT and PROTOCOLS
  • Most dance studios are equipped with acoustic pianos (mostly Yamaha U1's, one concert grand) and a few smaller studios are equipped with digital pianos
  • Accompanists generally do not speak during class other than to ask for clarification from the teacher or when approached by the teacher
  • Water is allowed in class, but containers should not be placed on pianos

HIRING RANGE:
The Standard Hourly rate for this role is $40.00 per hour. Please visit the Total Rewards page to learn more about the benefits of working at Berklee.
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 hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.
*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*
Employee Type:
Casual

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