Job Description
Pianists’ Graduate Fellowship Programme
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Artistic
Post:Pianists’ Graduate Fellowship Programme
Salary:£13,000pa
Contract:One Year Fixed Term Contract
Reporting to:Head of Musical Support
Working closely with:Artistic Faculty, Birmingham Royal Ballet and external facilitators.
Hours:Majority of hours to be within school hours (8.15am-6.15pm), flexible working for events.
Purpose of Job / The fellowship programme exists to support young pianists in developing their skills as ballet accompanists to go on to professional careers in the UK and overseas.Fellows will:
-Accompany classes in classical ballet, repertoire, solos and pas de deux, assisting musically in the preparation of students for assessments and performances
-Take monthly lessons with the Head of Musical Support at Elmhurst and termly lessons external providers
-Work alongside classical ballet teachers to develop an holistic understanding of ballet accompaniment and the role of pianist in the ballet studio
-Take part in classes and rehearsals with Birmingham Royal Ballet to develop a complete package of professional skills necessary for a career in ballet accompaniment
-Develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the classical ballet repertoire through using the libraries at Elmhurst and Birmingham Royal Ballet
-Develop contacts in the wider professional dance field in the UK and abroad, developing appropriate skills to access further employment in this field
-Develop a good working knowledge of, and ability to follow and promote, the school’s policies and procedures for Safeguarding Children, countering bullying, relationships, substance misuse and health & safety
-Fulfil the requirements of the school’s Safeguarding children policy by informing the Designated Child Protection Officers regarding any concerns and or if any referral to outside agencies is required
-Promote The Elmhurst Way, supporting the students in understanding the School’s Disciplinary Policy
-Attend and participate in staff and working group meetings, and take part in all appropriate staff training
-Adhere to and work within Elmhurst School practices and policies including those relating to Equal Opportunities.
-Perform any other key task which the Principal may reasonably assign
Fellowship Aims and Programme Outline:
In the Autumn term, fellows will:
-Be given guidance, materials and masterclasses in accompanying ballet classes ranging from Associate Level to Company classes
-Build a repertoire folder, develop an understanding of basic ballet vocabulary and be introduced to the school’s and company’s solo and ballet repertoire
-At the end of the first term you will be able to accompany classes effectively, choosing age appropriate repertoire, understanding the phrasing required for ballet, interpreting instructions from ballet teachers and communicating effectively during classes
In the Spring term, fellows will:
-Continue to build on the knowledge gained during the Autumn term
-Assist with rehearsals for the graduate showcase, competently accompany Cecchetti and RAD classes and visit the company to assist with rehearsals and company classes
-Expanding repertoire and knowledge learning the basic structure of a ballet rehearsal
-Develop skills for the effective preparation of ballet scores including tempi corrections and making piano reductions
-By the end of the Spring term you will be able to accompany classes and rehearsals throughout the school
By the end of the summer term, fellows will have gained the knowledge and experience to work at all levels, accompanying rehearsals for Elmhurst’s summer performances whilst continuing to build class repertoire and expand ballet repertoire knowledge. Fellows will visit Birmingham Royal Ballet and other UK companies where possible on a regular basis to assist with rehearsals and classes.
Throughout the fellowship scheme, focus will also be placed on
-Career Opportunities in Dance
-Supporting dancers and dance teachers in a studio setting
-Formal and informal training with observations in class and formal lessons from expert practitioners
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Essential
These are qualities without which the Applicant could not be appointed / Desirable
These are extra qualities which can be used to choose between applicants who meet all of the essential criteria / Method of
assessment
Qualifications / Graduate in piano from a conservatoire or music degree with significant performance element in piano / Performance Diploma / Certificates
Stakeholder Focus / Demonstrable understanding of Elmhurst as an organisation including the school’s vision and needs. / A genuine enthusiasm for ballet and its allied disciplines / Application form
Interview
Professional References
Knowledge & Experience / A broad range of music repertoire suitable for unset ballet classes
Ability to play for RAD syllabus, Cecchetti syllabus and repertoire classes as required / Proven successful experience in accompaniment, ideally for dance
Knowledge of classical ballet repertoire / Application Form
Interview
Professional references
Skills / A high standard of musicianship
Excellent sight-reading and improvisatory skills
The ability to work collaboratively with other colleagues within the artistic team and across the school / Effective teaching and coaching skills to support the development of dancers. / Application Form
Interview
Professional references
Innovation / Consistently source new, innovative and inspiring repertoire choices for free ballet classes / Interview
Application From
Professional References
Personal competencies and qualities / High level of personal integrity
Ability to gain the trust and confidence of colleagues, students and parents
Dynamic and charismatic
Highly organised
Methodical
Well presented & personable
Genuine enthusiasm and the ability to work well within a wider staff team. / Application Form
Interview
Professional references
In common with all employees of the school, the post-holder will be expected to share the:
Motivation to work with children and young people
Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY STATEMENT
ElmhurstSchool is striving to be an equal opportunities employer.
In line with the current legislation, as an employer of staff, we aim to ensure that all job applicants, staff and volunteers do not suffer unfair discrimination because of their race; colour; nationality; ethnic origin or religious belief; social class or caste; age; disability; sexual orientation; marital status; family situation; or gender.
We aim to ensure that all people with whom we work are valued for their contribution and are given the opportunity to realise their full potential within the organisation.
ElmhurstSchool believes that following a policy of equality of opportunity will benefit not only the individual but will also benefit and enrich the whole organisation.
DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE
This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with children or vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. An enhanced disclosure will be sought through the Disclosure and Barring Service as part of our pre-employment checks.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The jobholder is required to contribute to and support the overall aims and ethos of the school. All staff is required to participate in training and other learning activities, and in performance management and development as required by the schools’ policies and practices.
The duties and responsibilities listed above are provisional. Further details may be supplied when the person is appointed. The post holder is expected to accept any reasonable alterations that may from time to time benecessary.