Adult and Kids’ Chorus Piano Accompanist
Job Title: Piano Accompanist
Location: Hadley, MA
Employment Type: Part-Time Contracted (1099), 3 hours/week (Monday evenings and performances)
Pay: $60/hour
Reports To: Chorus Director
About the Queer Joy Collaborative
The Queer Joy Collaborative is a community-centered organization dedicated to promoting queer joy and resilience through music, art, and mutual aid. We strive to create inclusive, joyful spaces where people of all ages can connect and express themselves fully.
Position Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic piano accompanist to support our Rhythm and Radiance Kids Chorus as well as our adult Queer Joy Chorus. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people of all ages, is an accomplished pianist in multiple styles, is passionate about music, and is committed to creating a fun, supportive environment for singers. The Accompanist will accompany the both choruses on piano for part of each rehearsal and for performances. The members of each chorus choose our musical repertoire, so the abilities to sight read, follow direction, and play multiple styles of music will be essential.
Responsibilities
- Arrive and be ready to start rehearsal at the predetermined time (generally 5pm), stay until scheduled time to leave (generally 8pm), firm hours determined in discussion
- Arrive at performances prepared to start at warm-up time and stay through the end of performance; Clear schedule for high-priority performances
- Accompany warm ups and rehearsing with piano playing - either individual parts or an actual piano accompaniment
- Augment the performance of the singers without taking the spotlight; closely follow verbal and conducted directions
Qualifications
- Fluent sight reading of piano music
- Ability to play by ear and change keys when necessary
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage positively with children, parents, and other staff members.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team and follow direction from the Chorus Director.
- Commitment to creating an inclusive, affirming environment for LGBTQ+ youth and allies.
Hours & Compensation
- This is a part-time role, requiring approximately 3 hours per week during chorus rehearsals and events.
- Compensation: $60/hour
How to Apply
Please submit a resume, links to 1-2 videos of accompanying work, and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position and any relevant experience to mara@queerjoycollaborative.org.
Application Process: A small number of qualified applicants will be invited to do a short intake interview with the Musical Director. Two to three finalists will be invited to accompany the chorus during an upcoming rehearsal. A hiring committee will also be present at that rehearsal, and may ask the candidate follow-up questions following the rehearsal. The committee will convene once all candidates have rehearsed with the chorus, and will then make an offer to the candidate who best fits our needs.
**The Queer Joy Collaborative is committed to a flat pay structure in which each employee, whether full-time or contract, receives the same (living) hourly wage. All hired employees of the Queer Joy Chorus and Rhythm & Radiance Kids’ Chorus will receive the same hourly wage.