Hybrid Voice Department Student Accompanist - Bass (Federal Work-Study) at Berklee

In order to participate in Berklee Student Employment, a student must fulfill the following requirements:

• Current student at Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

• Enrolled at least half-time in a degree, diploma, or certificate-seeking undergraduate or graduate program. Summer is the only semester in which a student can maintain employment without being enrolled. In this case, the student must be pre-registered for the upcoming fall semester. This exception does not apply to fall or spring semesters.

• Have a valid United States Social Security Number (SSN).

• Remain in “valid” Visa status as applicable.

• A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Students in their first semester can work, even though they do not have an official GPA until the completion of their first semester.

• Federal Work Study student may apply.

• In good disciplinary standing.

• Must be located in the U.S.

For complete program details, please go to our website: www.berklee.edu/se.

Position Summary: The Voice Department is seeking Accompanists to support voice students in a wide range of classes, offered as part of Berklee’s mission to develop and prepare students for careers in music. Accompanists accompany classes as either a solo pianist or with a rhythm section. Hours range from a single class per week (typically 2 hours), up to the maximum of 15 hours per week.

This job requires federal work-study eligibility and U.S. domestic status. 

What is federal work-study (FWS)? It’s available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with financial need from their financial aid award to provide part-time employment when you’re enrolled in school. You can learn more about the federal work-study program here. 

To be considered for federal work-study, you must check ‘yes’ on your FAFSA Application for the current year. If you have any questions regarding your federal work-study eligibility, please contact the One Stop. 

All applications will be automatically reviewed by Student Employment for federal work-study eligibility.

Essential Functions/Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Help voice students prepare for careers in music by accompanying voice classes

• Contribute to the classroom experience by modeling professional musical standards

Required Skills:

• Willing to take direction and guidance from classroom faculty

• Sensitive to the needs of vocalists and instrumentalists in an ensemble setting

• Interested in cultivating a supportive learning environment

• Interested in promoting a climate of respect for personal and cultural differences

Required Experience:

• High level of skill as an Accompanist (generally meaning several years of formal lessons and / or playing)

• Excellent sight-reading skills (both lead sheets and fully realized scores)

• Experience playing for vocalists in both a solo or ensemble setting

Additional Comments: Student accompanists are assigned weekly classes for the semester, based on both class schedule and stylistic strengths. Pianists also occasionally accompany voice students in private lessons.

Skills Learned:

• Sight-reading

• Applied harmony 

• Comping

• Voicings

• Rhythm section playing 

• Chart-writing

• Contemporary styles 

• Session work

• Rehearsal techniques 

• Vocal accompaniment 

• Arranging and scoring 

• Studio recording techniques

• Educational methods

• Interpersonal and social skills

• Professional behaviors and responsibilities

Application Materials:

Resume/CV; Interview, Audition, 1 Semester Probationary Period, Orientation, Scheduling

Quote from former voice department accompanist:

"I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to be part of the Accompanist Program, it’s been an amazing experience.

At the beginning I wasn’t completely conscious of the huge impact this job position would have on me, both as a musician, but also as a person. But I leave with a lot of experiences, a lot of learning and, the most important, a lot of friendships that I’m sure will last a lifetime."

Pay Rate: Student Worker 3

Hiring Manager: Ed Broms

Apply Now