Piano Accompanist Intern
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.
Position Summary:
This Academy Year position is ideal for a recent university graduate or current university graduate student seeking invaluable hands-on experience in music for dance. This position starts on August 22, 2025 and ends on May 23, 2026. 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 can provide on-campus housing, access to breakfast, lunch and dinner at Stone Cafeteria and a monthly stipend plus health benefits for this unique opportunity. Interlochen Arts Academy may provide a semester narrative evaluation if a candidate is eligible to receive credit from their university for this position.
Essential Duties and 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.
- Other duties as assigned.
Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in a standard office and dance room environment with extensive internal and external stakeholder contact.
Required Experience:
Education:
Bachelor Degree preferred or soon to complete a bachelor degree.
Experience:
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
Equipment Familiarity: Basic technology skills needed - email and google suite
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Outstanding interpersonal skills
- Strong organization skills
- Enthusiasm for work with highly skilled, pre-professional teenagers
- Excellent sight-reading abilities
Application Materials:
For a complete job description and to apply, go to www.interlocen.org/careers or go to https://interlochen.submit4jobs.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=85509.viewjobdetail&CID=85509&JID=363981&BUID=3297#/jobDescription/363981/
- Letter of interest indicating current experience and future aspirations in dance and accompaniment.
- Resume
- Video clip of your piano performance
Benefits:
- Housing in a residence hall room is included in the role
- All Meals (when dining services is open to employees) are included
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Sick Pay and Holiday Pay
- Voluntary life insurance
- Short and long-term disability
- Free and discounted employee tickets (i.e. two free tickets to Nutcracker is a $80 savings)
- Early ticket purchase before general public sales begin
- Dennison Recreation Center accessibility (includes spouses)