Piano Intern

Summary:

The School of Philadelphia Ballet (SPB) Piano Internship provides an opportunity for talented piano students to gain hands-on experience accompanying professional ballet classes in a supportive, educational setting. Selected interns will receive individualized training, observation opportunities, and guided experience under the mentorship of our Lead Accompanist and School Director. This program is designed to help pianists develop the musical, technical, and collaborative skills required to become professional ballet accompanists.

Training Phase

Before beginning the internship, selected students will participate in a structured training process:

• Private Mentorship Meetings
• Class Observation
• Progressive Practice in Class
• Readiness Approval

Audition for Internship

Once prepared, the candidate will audition for the School Director by playing for a Level 8 or Trainee class. Successful candidates will officially begin their internship playing in classes by themselves.

Internship Phase

• Intern will play select classes while continuing to receive mentorship and feedback
• Intern will be assigned 4 to 6 hours a week to play for evening ballet classes, levels 4 to 7.
• Intern will receive a weekly stipend based on the scheduled classes for which they play.
• After one semester, intern may be eligible to audition for a regular accompanist position at the school if desired and if a position is available.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the internship, students will:

• Understand the structure of ballet classes and exercises.
  • Develop sensitivity to dancers’ needs and movement phrasing.
  • Build a working repertoire suitable for ballet training.
  • Gain confidence and professionalism in a studio setting.

Expected Hours:   Intern will play select classes while continuing to receive mentorship and feedback.  Interns will be assigned 4 to 6 hours a week to play for evening ballet classes, levels 4 to 7.

Travel: None

Required Education & Experience: 

• Music student, preferably piano major, currently enrolled in a university or recent graduate.
• Collaborative experience, such as accompanying voice lessons, choirs, or other instrumentalists.

Required Competencies: 

Technical level and musical maturity demonstrated through preparation of three pieces representing three different musical periods (chosen from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary)

Supervisory Responsibility:  None

Work Authorization/Security Clearance: Must provide satisfactory background checks and child abuse clearances as may be required for role.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Philadelphia Ballet is committed to the principles of equality in employment. The Ballet complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and Federal Executive Orders, and provides an equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons. We prohibit discrimination in employment based on characteristics protected by applicable law, including race, ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify or expression, familial status, pregnancy, domestic or sexual violence victim status, disability, service in the armed forces of the United States, or an individual’s status as a covered veteran