Pianist

• Work with a world leading ballet company based in one of the world’s most liveable cities
• Accompany ballet classes, rehearsals and perform concerti, as required, during the
Company’s seasons
• Tour with the company across Australia and internationally

The Company

The Australian Ballet is one of the world’s leading national dance companies and a globally
recognised performing arts organisation. Each year the company presents upwards of 220
performances through its main stage seasons in Australia along with public programs, special events,
an extensive regional tour, a Children’s Ballet and Education programs and regular overseas tours.

The Role

The Australian Ballet is seeking an experienced ballet pianist to join the Music Team. Applicants must
be expert pianists, have considerable experience in playing for professional ballet classes and
rehearsals, and a broad knowledge of the classical ballet repertoire. Pianists of The Australian Ballet
have the possibility of performing concerti and solo repertoire in the Company’s seasons and for
performing orchestral piano/keyboard in the Company’s seasons. Salary level will depend on the
experience and capacities of the candidate.

The Australian Ballet is based in Melbourne but undertakes extensive touring every year, in Australia
and overseas, so applicants must be willing to spend extended time away from home. In particular,
the Company spends approximately 12-14 weeks a year in Sydney (one period of approx. 6 weeks in
April/May and a second in November/December).

To be successful in this role you will need to be able to demonstrate the following key requirements:

• Prepare for and accompany the Company’s classes

 • Prepare for and accompany rehearsals of the Company’s extremely diverse repertoire
• Accompany the dancers in a range of sponsorship, marketing and philanthropic activities (as
required)
• Have a broad knowledge of classical ballet repertoire
• Ability to learn repertoire quickly
• Ability to work in a highly pressured environment

For the full position description, please see below.

Applications

Please submit your application that includes a cover letter, CV and recording to
jointheteam@australianballet.com.au.

Candidates that are shortlisted will audition live or via skype. Repertoire for the audition will be sent
upon application.
 Position Title: Pianist
Department: Music
Report to: Music Director & Chief Conductor
Direct Reports: Not applicable
Touring: Yes
Date: September 2019

Summary

The Pianist is responsible for accompanying; ballet classes, production rehearsals, and playing in
performances. The position has a significant touring component and hours of work may vary as required
across 6 days per week (Monday to Saturday).

Our Company

The Australian Ballet is one of the world’s leading national ballet companies and a globally recognised
Australian major performing arts organisation. Each year the company presents upwards of 220
performances through its main stage seasons in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth;
along with public programs, special events, an extensive regional tour, a Children’s Ballet and
Education programs and regular overseas tours.

Our Values

We are exceptional In our art we strive to inspire, transform and to connect emotionally with our
audiences. Beauty, athleticism, technical excellence and strength are hallmarks of our aesthetic.

We are ambitious We know where we are going. We believe in our ability to make things happen
and to reach for the stars. We’re disciplined and don’t give up. We do things today.

We are innovators Creativity powers our company. We value knowledge, experience, open-
mindedness, fresh thinking and passion on and off the stage.

We are proudly Australian Our company joyfully reflects the rich diversity of our nation, speaking to
all Australians, and about Australia, to the world.

We are one team We work as one team towards common goals across the entire organisation,
wherever we are and whatever we do. We are friendly, trusting in our relationships, always open to
the other point of view, and willing to have courageous conversations.

We are sustainable We recognise the importance of diverse and growing income streams, and our
dependence on state-of-the-art facilities and systems. We emphasise analysis, critical thinking, and
careful planning in all our work.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare for and accompanying class

• Prepare for and accompanying rehearsals
• Perform soloist roles additional to the regular workload, by negotiation with the Music Director
• Participate in music department meetings
• Undertake music library work for the Music Department as directed/required by the Principal
Pianist and/or Music Director. This necessitates a working knowledge of the Finale software
program
• Undertake other duties as reasonably requested by the Principal Pianist and/or Music Director

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Experience in accompanying ballet classes and rehearsals

• Experience as an orchestral pianist and as a soloist
• High level of keyboard technique
• Strong sight-reading and improvisational skills
• Knowledge of ballet terminology and ballet company conventions
• Ability to sustain concentration and focus over extended periods of time
• Stamina and ability to maintain the integrity of the music over time
• A well-developed appreciation of and sensitivity to the role of the ‘accompanist’ and the
accompanist’s impact on the work of the individual dancer
• Effective communication skills with all colleagues
• Patience and understanding
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to be self-critical of performance and to positively build on this
• Team worker