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- Tasks: Lead a team of accompanists and support ballet classes and performances.
- Company: The Royal Ballet School, a prestigious institution in the arts.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Term-time role with additional weeks for intensive courses and training.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a significant impact on the artistic programme.
- Qualifications: Advanced piano skills, strong organisation, and leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 24341 - 24341 £ per year.
The Royal Ballet School is seeking a Head Pianist for White Lodge to lead and support a dynamic team of accompanists. This part‑time role is central to the School’s artistic programme, ensuring pianists are scheduled effectively for classes, rehearsals, and performances.
Responsibilities include:
- Accompanying classes
- Managing timetables
- Arranging cover
- Supporting pianist recruitment and development
Working closely with the Artistic Manager, the Head Pianist fosters collaboration and professionalism within the team. This is a term‑time role plus additional weeks for intensive courses and training.
Qualifications:
- Advanced piano proficiency (especially for ballet accompaniment)
- Strong organisational and scheduling abilities
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership and team coordination
- Adaptability and problem‑solving under pressure
- Familiarity with music for ballet and contemporary dance
Details:
- Closing date: 23 Jun
- Location: White Lodge, Richmond Park
- Start Date: September 2025
- Salary: £24,341.10 (0.6 FTE)
Head Pianist employer: Shapeslewisham
Contact Detail:
Shapeslewisham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Pianist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow musicians, dancers, and industry professionals. Attend events or workshops related to ballet and contemporary dance to make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or video of your best performances, especially those that highlight your experience with ballet accompaniment. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Royal Ballet School and understanding their artistic vision. Be ready to discuss how your leadership and organisational skills can enhance their team and support their programme.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Pianist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your advanced piano proficiency, especially in ballet accompaniment. We want to see how your skills can enhance our artistic programme, so don’t hold back!
Be Organised: Since this role involves managing timetables and scheduling, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong organisational abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully coordinated schedules in the past.
Communicate Clearly: Effective communication is key in this role. Use your application to showcase your interpersonal skills and how you’ve fostered collaboration within a team before. We love a good team player!
Adapt and Overcome: We know that things can get hectic, especially in a creative environment. Highlight your adaptability and problem-solving skills in your application to show us how you handle pressure like a pro!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shapeslewisham
✨Know Your Repertoire
Make sure you’re well-versed in the music commonly used for ballet and contemporary dance. Familiarise yourself with the specific pieces that might be relevant to the Royal Ballet School, as this will show your dedication and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or coordinated schedules in the past. The interviewers will want to see your ability to manage timetables and support your fellow pianists, so come ready to discuss your leadership style.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since effective communication is key in this role, consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your responses and ensure you convey your ideas well.
✨Be Adaptable and Problem-Solving Ready
Think of scenarios where you had to adapt quickly or solve problems under pressure. The interviewers will appreciate your ability to handle unexpected situations, so have a few stories ready that highlight your adaptability and quick thinking.