Falmouth, MA

PIANO ACCOMPANIST
JOB DESCRIPTION

The Piano Accompanists (there are 2) are responsible for accompanying rehearsals for the nine shows produced each summer and, when required by the score, to play with the orchestra in the pit for performances.

The successful candidate is usually an undergraduate and usually a piano major or minor.  Experience in accompanying lessons, opera, and show rehearsals is essential as is the level of playing ability.  Good pianists are not, ipso facto, good accompanists.  The work demands quick thinking and sitting through long rehearsals.  Accompanists are expected to make themselves available to the vocal ensemble for help and coaching as music is learned.

In a normal week, Tuesday marks the start of rehearsals for the next show.  Tuesday is given over to the music staff and the entire score must be taught to the vocal company that day.  Wednesday is given over to blocking rehearsals and an associate conductor and accompanist are assigned to each rehearsal.  Thursday morning continues with blocking.  Thursday afternoon is the matinee.  Friday morning finishes blocking and on Friday afternoon we begin a "stagger-through" of the show which continues on Saturday morning.  Saturday afternoon the vocal company and the orchestra get together for a sitzprobe.  Sunday morning is free (although there is a music staff meeting late in the morning to go over tempi and cuts for the next week's rehearsals).  Sunday afternoon there is a run-through of the show with piano and Sunday evening a tech rehearsal with piano.  Monday is touch up day and Monday evening is a formal dress rehearsal.  Tuesday the cycle starts all over again.  Rehearsals normally run 10:00-12:30 and 2:00-5:30.

Accompanists are paid a stipend. Please call the number below or e-mail cloc@oberlin.edu for the amount of the stipend.  Employment dates are usually from the first weekend in June and goes for 11 weeks.