Staff Accompanist/Music Director

GENERAL PURPOSE: Staff Accompanist/Music Director is a staff position within the School of Music and Theatre supporting academic courses, ensembles, and theatre productions.  This position supports Applied voice and instrumental lessons and recitals, the HeiNotes show choir, HeiMonics Acapella ensemble, and musical theatre courses and productions.  The ability to sight-read and perform a vast variety of musical styles is essential, along with strong communication and collaborative skills.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  The position collaborates with ensemble directors and applied teachers.  Position reports to the Director of the School of Music and Theatre.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: The position does not have supervisory duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The School of Music and Theatre produces musicals, plays, opera scenes, new work festivals, and collaborative performances engaging all students and ensembles within the school.  In support of these engagements, the Staff Accompanist/Assistant Music Director will:

Support Applied Lessons, Recitals and Performance Class performances for music and theatre majors.

Serve as Assistant Music Director and Staff Accompanist for a minimum of one musical theatre production per semester, working closely with the music director to support individual and ensemble preparation and performance. 

Support HeiNotes and HeiMonic music ensembles, leading sectionals and ensemble rehearsals as well as individual coachings as arranged by the ensemble director. 

Support theatre coursework such as, THR 320 Musical Theatre Styles, THR 499 Senior Showcase and others with individual coachings and performances.  

 CORE VALUES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Core values – models leadership values of integrity, honesty, humility, transparency, respectfulness, diversity, caring, loyalty and accountability in all work. 

• Intellectual dynamism – demonstrates mental sharpness, capability and agility.

• Self-knowledge – gains insight from successes and mistakes.

• Personal learning – seeks feedback and counsel to improve managerial behavior.

• Peer relationships – encourages collaboration and cooperation across the organization.

• Teamwork – performs most effectively as a hard-working member of a team.

• Constituency focus – completes work to meet constituencies’ expectations and requirements.

• Community focus – brings a spirit of enthusiasm and energy to the campus and town.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:  Knowledge of operation and use of various office equipment including, but not limited to:

Candidates should be proficient on the keyboard and comfortable performing on a piano and electronic keyboard.   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  

Candidates should be able to play the piano for extended periods of time.  The Staff accompanist position can require rehearsals up to four hours with continuous playing.  Candidates need to have free and flexible use of their arms and shoulders as music director responsibilities may include conducting.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  

The Staff Accompanist/Music Director will be collaborating with faculty and students in several work environments.

Private applied studio as a collaborative pianist

Classroom setting as a collaborative pianist

Practice room as a collaborative pianist and music coach

Musical or Ensemble rehearsal as a collaborative pianist and music coach

Musical or Ensemble performance as a performing artist.

At times, the work environments may included:

Reduced lighting levels

Occasional strobe lights and other lighting effects

Occasional sound effects

Irregular hours, including late evenings, according to production and ensemble work schedules

The School of Music and Theatre is a collaborative environment that aims to empower all community members in their pursuit of artistic growth.  All interactions should encourage creativity, critical thinking, and accountability.  As a teaching artist, the Staff Accompanist/Music Director should model the highest standards of professionalism. 

SELECTION GUIDELINES:  The Staff Accompanist/Music Director will be selected after a formal application procedure, education and experience rating, oral interview, and reference check.  Job related tests may be required.  All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background screen, motor vehicle record search, drug and alcohol screen, physical and / or psychological examination at the University’s discretion.

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Professional Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in music or theatre is required.   

Strong keyboard and sight-reading skills are essential.  

An ability to work with others in a collaborative work environment is required.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Prior professional experience as an accompanist or music director is preferred.   

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to perform duties with a positive work ethic.

Ability to work both independently as well as cooperatively in a team setting.