Company Pianist

POSITION PURPOSE

The Company Pianist is a highly proficient pianist suited to working for a professional ballet company. This role is responsible for providing piano accompaniment for ballet class and rehearsals, and performances as required. While experience playing for ballet is preferable, highly proficient pianists without experience are welcome to apply. The position offers opportunities to play a wide variety of repertoire and work with exceptional people in the Arts. This position works closely and supportively with all Artistic staff.

REPORTING 

This role reports to the Music Director and Principal Conductor.

RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Provide piano accompaniment for Company activities (including live performances as required);

·         Accompany Company class as required;

·         Source music scores and recorded music;

·         Attend music planning meetings and report relevant matters;

·         Liaise with the Music Director, conductors and choreographers to ensure accurate accompaniment; and

·         Additional duties as consistent with this PD or as directed by the Music Director.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1.       Experience as a professional classical pianist;

2.       Relevant industry experience in musical performance;

3.       Ability to play scores to a high musical standard for rehearsals and performances;

4.       An acceptable standard of sight-reading, and ability to learn scores readily;

5.       An ability to follow a conductor’s direction; and

6.       A willingness to learn new skills and take direction well.

DESIRABLE (But not essential) ATTRIBUTES

1.       Experience playing for ballet classes

2.       An understanding/familiarity with classical ballet repertoire; and

3.       Improvisation skills would be advantageous.

4.       Tertiary qualifications in music performance

ABOUT QUEENSLAND BALLET

Queensland Ballet is a vibrant, creative company which connects people and dance across Queensland. We offer a program of world-class productions of the best classical ballets and inspired contemporary dance works. The Company engages renowned choreographers and designers from around the world and nurtures emerging local talent by presenting exciting new works in an intimate studio series. With a culture of creativity and collaboration, complemented by an active program of engagement with our communities, Queensland Ballet has become the central hub for dance in the State. Our dancers are acclaimed for the technical excellence and versatility, and our annual program offers diversity in style, audience focus and geographic reach, with up to 100 performances in Brisbane and tours to regional Queensland.

When we open our doors, we welcome home all in our community. Our three homes form the foundations of our Artistic, Academy and Community pillars. We have designed each home with people at heart.

Thomas Dixon Centre — our headquarters and home to our artists and arts workers. The facilities at Queensland Ballet’s home in Thomas Dixon Centre in Brisbane’s West End allow the Company to offer a full range of training and community access programs, including public dance classes.  The TDC Studio Theatre is a 356-seat venue with full stage and backstage areas.

Queensland Ballet Academy — home to our arts students and teachers. We are committed to providing a pathway for young talent through the Queensland Ballet Academy. Queensland Ballet is dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence, dance education and innovative presentation of classical repertoire.

The Roy and Nola Thompson Production Centre — will be home to our arts makers. With bold and confident ambitions for the future, we proudly build upon the legacy of many creative and gifted artists who have been part of the Company’s rich history since 1960 as we continue to create magic and enrich lives with the development of Queensland Ballet’s Production Centre.  

OUR VALUES AND PRINCIPLES OF COMMITMENT

With bold intentions to be unconstrained we will create magic and enrich lives by delivering across four core pillars: Artistic, Academy, Arts for All and Cultural Spaces.

Influenced by five core values and our principles of commitment, all that we do and all that we will remain true to the four core pillars.

1. Brilliance: We are world class in all that we do – we inspire excellence on stage, in studio, in business and in community.

2. Creativity: We are creative in every endeavour – we nurture our artform, artists, students and arts workers by exploring possibilities and responding to opportunities with agility.

3. Passion: With Queensland in our hearts – we celebrate our diversity, our heritage and our love of the artform through heartfelt connections.

4. Wellbeing: We promote wellness across society – we pledge to make a positive impact across all dimensions of wellbeing; social, cultural, emotional, physical, environmental and intellectual.

5. Integrity: We commit to Sustainable practice – we foster a culture of ethical behaviour that is anchored in community, integrity and legacy.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Recreation Leave 20 working days per year (pro-rata)

Personal/Carer’s Leave Ten working days per year (pro-rata)

Probationary Period Six months from commencement.

Hours of Work Nominally 38 hours per week Monday to Friday but the appointee may be required to be available to work other hours and on weekends as required.

Salary Salary will be negotiated with preferred candidate. Superannuation is paid into the superannuation fund of your choice, currently at the rate of 10.5%.

Benefits

Queensland Ballet provides a supportive and collaborative team environment combined with the opportunity to play an integral role in a dynamic and progressive organisation that is paving the way for the future of Ballet in Queensland. Our employees have access to weekly dance classes and various other health and well-being initiatives.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for this position please forward a current CV and covering letter addressing the selection criteria via email to joinus@queenslandballet.com.au. Although not necessary, you are welcome to provide video links to highlight your performance.

Applications will be considered as they are received up to the closing date of 10am, Monday 12 June 2023.

Please note that referees will be sought from candidates following the interview process. For further information or for a confidential discussion please contact Human Resources on (07) 3013 6666. We respectfully advise that no agency applications will be considered at this time.

Queensland Ballet acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and perform. Long before we performed on this land, it played host to the dance expression of our First Peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders – past, present and emerging – and acknowledge the valuable contribution they have made and continue to make to the cultural landscape of this country.

To reflect the diversity of the communities and people with whom we engage, we seek to hire a workforce that is both representative and diverse. With a focus on inclusion, accessibility, and flexibility, we are committed to supporting you in your career with Queensland Ballet.

Queensland Ballet is committed to providing an inclusive and child safe environment that is free from Workplace Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Bullying. Our robust human resources, recruitment and vetting practices are adhered to during the application and interviewing process. Certain roles may require that we carry out working with children, police records and reference checks to ensure that we are recruiting the right people.