Piano Accompanist

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the vocal music teacher, the piano accompanist is responsible for accompanying school choirs during rehearsals and concerts, coaching students, teaching pitch and rhythm, and providing accompaniment for school choirs during rehearsals and concerts.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

• Accompany the choir during practices, rehearsal, and performances.
• Aid the music teacher in leading section rehearsals and concerts.
• Aid the music teacher in coaching individuals and small ensembles.
• Follow the soloist or conductor in performing a musical score.
• Lead section rehearsals by playing parts, identifying student mistakes and problem areas, correcting mistakes and providing the correct pitches and rhythms.
• Encourage students and reinforce good vocal techniques; provide students with suggestions regarding the interpretation of music.
• Recognize and resolve intonation problems.
• Maintain appropriate records and follow required procedures and practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of common vocal music rehearsal practices, proper diction, and an understanding of foreign languages in relation to musical pieces.
• Advanced knowledge of music theory, musical terms, signs, and abbreviations.
• Skills necessary to accompany choirs, soloists and small ensembles, as well as, be proficient in vocal techniques and vocal coaching.
• Advanced piano skills and the ability to assist students in learning vocal music interpretation.
• The ability to sight-read and prepare complex musical scores for performances; ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to establish and maintain interpersonal relationships using tact, patience and courtesy; and must have the ability to work cooperatively with others.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high schoolsupplemented by private or college-level training in piano, music theory and at least two years of experience as an accompanist.
• A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to sit at the piano for long periods of time, occasionally stand, and navigate stairs, etc.
• Must be able to set-up the work space, chairs, piano bench and push or pull a piano.
• Requires some repetitive twisting/pressure involving wrists/hands, use of arms, hands and shoulders.
• Must be able to see small details and be exposed to loud noise (e.g. children, music).
• Must be able to give students direction in a clear speaking voice hear normal voice conversations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid driver's license
• Travel throughout the Division may be required

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All questions should be directed to the Fine Arts Coordinator in the Department of Teaching and Learning at 757-263-1077.

HOW TO APPLY

Please see "Job Posting Link" below for a complete job description. If you are interested in applying for this position, you must create an account. After creating an account, please login, complete the online application, and apply for this job. If you already have an online application, please change Applicant Type on the first page of your application to Supplemental. Please do not complete a new application.