Full-time Company Pianist

Summary

As a Company Pianist with Houston Ballet, you’ll be an essential part of the creative process—providing live piano accompaniment for professional ballet classes, rehearsals, and staged performances in collaboration with world‑class dancers, conductors, choreographers, and musicians. This role offers the unique opportunity to work in an environment where your playing isn’t just heard—it’s felt in every movement on stage.
What You’ll Do

Provide musical support for rehearsals and performances, collaborating closely with conductors, other musicians, dancers, and ballet masters.
Prepare and study scores for company repertoire for rehearsal, ensuring musical excellence in every performance.
Bring company classes to life with dynamic, sensitive, and responsive piano accompaniment.
Offer an inspiring range of repertoire and creative improvisations tailored to class and rehearsal needs.
Work as part of a tight‑knit artistic team—including musicians, dancers, choreographers, and backstage crew—to create unforgettable performances.
What We’re Looking For

Proven Experience: At least 3 years accompanying ballet classes, rehearsals, or professional dance programs (professional company experience preferred).
Ballet Fluency: Deep knowledge and experience with ballet terminology, class structure, and classical ballet repertoire.
Exceptional Musicality: Professional‑level pianist with outstanding sight‑reading, score interpretation, and improvisation skills, plus the ability to adapt instantly to tempo and dynamic changes.
Endurance & Adaptability: The stamina to maintain musical quality over long sessions and the flexibility to respond to the evolving needs of the studio.
Collaborative Spirit: Excellent communication skills, openness to feedback, and the ability to work gracefully with diverse personalities in a fast‑paced artistic environment.
Professional Integrity: Reliability, punctuality, and a commitment to ongoing artistic growth.
Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Music, Piano Performance, or equivalent professional experience providing accompaniment for dancers and ballet.
Benefits

Healthcare Benefits: Comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision care, with plans offering low or zero monthly premiums, life and AD&D insurance, and versatile spending accounts.
Retirement Plan: 403(b) plan with a substantial 5% annual contribution from Houston Ballet.
Paid Time Off: 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10 paid sick days, 10 paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
Professional Development: Access to online training and professional growth resources specific to arts management.
Discounts and Perks: Discounted and complimentary tickets to Houston Ballet performances and other local theater venues, plus partnerships with local businesses.
Wellness Programs: Access to on‑site gym and counseling services through our employee assistance plan.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Statement

Houston Ballet is dedicated to creating meaningful change by cultivating a space that honors what is unique in all of us. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) are instrumental in the fulfillment of our mission and values. We recognize our responsibility to be an inclusive and open organization for students, artists, staff, trustees, and volunteers of all backgrounds.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Core Values

EXCELLENCE: We are passionate about results. Our programs are recognized and awarded for excellence and are delivered at the highest standard.
ENGAGED: We are proud to be part of a company that produces art and trains artists. We attend performances and champion our education and community engagement programs.
DRIVEN: We are driven to take goals and run with them, delivering results beyond expectations while being accountable and innovating standard operations.
COLLABORATIVE: We unite around Houston Ballet’s mission, sharing information widely and treating all with respect, celebrating inclusion and diversity.
PATRON‑CENTERED: Our patrons are at the center of everything we do, receiving outstanding customer service at every interaction.

#J-18808-Ljbffr