Ballet/Contemporary Dance Accompanist

Provide live musical accompaniment for ballet and contemporary technique courses.

Collaborate with faculty to support class structure (barre, center, across-the-floor), adapt tempo, meter, and dynamics in real time; maintain professional rehearsal etiquette; and manage basic equipment setup.

Key Responsibilities * Coordinate pre-class with faculty on exercises, tempos, meters, and cues.

* Accompany class with appropriate styles: e.g., plié (legato 4/4), tendu/dégagé (clear 2/4), rond de jambe (lyrical 3/4), adagio (3/4 or 6/8), allegro/petite allegro (brisk 2/4), waltz/traveling phrases (3/4 or 6/8). * For contemporary, create soundscapes/loops/percussive support as appropriate; maintain 8-count phrase clarity.

* Adjust in real time to teacher prompts (tempo, meter, dynamic, phrasing, vamps, tags, cut-offs). * Arrive 10-15 minutes early; set up/strike keyboard/amp (if used); test levels; ensure safe cable management.

* Maintain attendance and submit timesheets accurately and on time.

* Communicate promptly about conflicts; arrange approved substitutes when necessary (with faculty approval). Required Qualifications * Current WSU student in good academic standing and eligible for student employment.

* Keyboard or percussion/guitar proficiency sufficient to sustain 60-90 minutes of class accompaniment.

* Ability to improvise in common meters (2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8) and keep consistent phrase lengths (8s/16s). * Reliable, punctual, professional communication; collaborative mindset with dancers and faculty.

Preferred Qualifications * Prior experience accompanying ballet/contemporary classes.

* Sight-reading, lead-sheet reading, or loop/DAW familiarity (e.g., Ableton, QLab). * Knowledge of dance class structure and terminology; sensitivity to studio etiquette and pacing.

* Experience supporting West African, jazz, or other vernacular dance forms (as applicable). Background Check?

No Posting Detail Information Job Open Date 09/11/2025 Review Date 09/13/2025 Job Close Date 10/11/2025 Open Until Filled Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting Notes to Applicant If you are passionate about what you could offer and accomplish here at WSU, we would love to hear from you.

Application Instructions * Email a brief note of interest, resume (1 page), and class availability grid for M/W and T/Th.

* Include 1-2 short audio/video samples (e.g., 60-90 sec each): one adagio (3/4) and one allegro (2/4). Phone recordings are fine.

* Provide contact info for 1-2 references (faculty or supervisors). * Subject line: "Dance Accompanist - Your Name". Send to: (cc: course faculty). ADA Essential Job Function ADA Essential Job Function Physical Activity of this position Expressing or exchanging ideas.

Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important instructions to other workers accurately or quickly., Ability to receive detailed information with or without assistance., Repetitive motion.

Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Physical Requirements of this position Light work.

Exerting up to 20 lbs of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Use of arm and/or leg controls exerting forces greater than that for sedentary work.

Visual Acuity Requirements including color, depth perception and field of vision.

Required to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned (i.e., custodial, food services,) or to make general observations of facilities or structures (i.e., security guard, inspection). The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position.

The worker is subject to environmental conditions.

Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes., None.

The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work).