Dance Accompanist Intern

Job Details

Interlochen Arts Academy seeks a dedicated, emerging and eager classically based pianist who is at the beginning of their career in dance accompaniment for ballet, repertoire and contemporary and collaborative dance techniques. The dance division is embarking on an exciting chapter in its history as it moves into a brand-new dance center featuring four large studios overlooking Green Lake, all featuring grand pianos and state of the art audio equipment. Under the mentorship of the Head of Music for Dance, this internship presents a unique opportunity for practice and growth for any musician who aspires to accompany dance classes and rehearsals for companies and schools and/or conduct for large scale and chamber sized dance productions.

This academic-year position is ideal for a recent university graduate or current university graduate student seeking invaluable hands-on experience in music for dance. Ideal candidates should have a basic familiarity with classical ballet repertoire and a willingness to learn new dance repertoire as deemed appropriate and needed for the program’s rehearsals and performances. Candidates may also have teaching opportunities with dance students along with opportunities to perform in productions as well. The internship presents a wealth of learning opportunities along with possibilities to meet numerous guest instructors, choreographers and stagers from dance organizations across the globe.

Interlochen Arts Academy will provide on-campus housing, access to breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Stone Cafeteria, and a salary of $17,000 for the academic year. The intern will also eligible for Interlochen’s benefits package, including health coverage and additional campus perks. Depending on university requirements, Interlochen may also be able to provide a semester narrative evaluation for candidates seeking academic credit or internship recognition through their institution.

Candidates should submit their letter of interest indicating current experience and future aspirations in dance accompaniment along with a resume including three references to be considered for this opportunity. Upon completion of the internship, candidates will receive a certificate of completion.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepare, source, arrange and play music for classical ballet, character, pas de deux, variations, pointe and technique for the male dancer classes for both majors and elective course offerings
• Provide music, largely of an improvisatory nature, for accompanying contemporary technique classes in tandem with instructor of contemporary dance
• Learn scenes and dances from classical ballets in our repertory and play them for rehearsals in the studio and on stage. Examples of recent ballets include: The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and Raymonda.
• Work with the Director of Dance, Orchestra Conductor and Music Librarian to edit and prepare music for ballets. This might involve assisting at orchestral rehearsals, keeping track of music cuts and interpolations, etc.
• Help edit recordings of music for dance performances
• Organize and maintain a library of music for rehearsals and classes.
• Assist with training student accompanists.
• Assist in preparing materials for lectures on music for dance
• Prioritizes duties in a manner consistent with organizational objectives and growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree desired
• Emerging and eager classically trained pianist at the beginning of their career in dance accompaniment
• Interest in accompanying ballet, repertoire, contemporary, and collaborative dance techniques
• Basic technology proficiency including email and Google Suite
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Enthusiasm for working with highly skilled pre-professional teenage artists
• Excellent sight-reading abilities
• Ability to collaborate closely with dance faculty and students in a fast-paced artistic environment

Application Materials Required:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Links to your piano practice or performances