Performance Accompanist Dance

Long Beach Community College District
Date Adopted: April 21, 2008
CLASS SPECIFICATION
Performance Accompanist-Dance
FLSA Status:
EEOC Job Category:
Union Representation:
Nonexempt
Service worker
Represented
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general supervision, provide musical accompaniment, on piano and/or percussion instruments for
various dance classes, rehearsals and performances; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Performance Accompanist-Dance accompanies ballet, modern, African/ethnic and/or other dance classes
on piano or percussion instruments. An incumbent in this position must be able to adapt, arrange and
transcribe music for the purpose of providing appropriate accompaniment for Dance classes, rehearsals
and performances.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be
performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the
work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
1. Play musical instruments to accompany dancers in various and choreographed routines including
but not limited to ballet, modern and African/ethnic dance.
2. Provide appropriate rhythmic and music structures for a variety of dances; create and sustain
progressions of mixed meter and irregular rhythmic patterns; adjust rhythms, tempos and music as
needed; improvise and adapt rhythmic patterns.
3. Listen for the type of dance movement given as demonstrated or assigned by an instructor; adapt and
modify music as needed.
4. Memorize and prepare musical selections and adapt as needed during performance.
5. Rehearse musical numbers with choreography; play accompaniment for public performances as
required.
6. Perform or record music for class projects and presentations.
OTHER DUTIES
1. Research appropriate music for dances as required.

2. Perform related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
1. Principles, fundamentals and theories of music.

Performance Accompanist
Page 1
2. Methods and techniques of musical accompaniment.

3. A wide variety of musical selections and styles.
4. Rhythm structures for dance disciplines.
5. Techniques and methods of dance accompaniment, techniques and methods of playing piano or
percussion instruments.
6. Terminology relating to dance.
7. Basic understanding of music adaptation for rehearsal and performance.
Ability to:
1. Play piano or a variety of percussion instruments to accompany various styles of dance

disciplines.
2. Perform and/or memorize a wide variety of music.
3. Accompany dance soloists and groups in rehearsal and performance
4. Accurately assess movement and choreography and adapt music appropriately.
5. Improvise musical patterns and phrases.
6. Follow and satisfy the musical needs of the instructor or student.
7. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
8. Communicate clearly and concisely.
9. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with students, faculty and
staff.
Education, Training and Experience:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from high
school or G.E.D. equivalent; and four years of increasingly responsible experience playing piano or a
variety of percussion instruments in an organized educational, professional or similar setting; ability
to adapt, arrange or transcribe music for the purpose of providing appropriate accompaniement; or an
equivalent combination of training and experience. College-level coursework in music theory,
literature, history, composition or performance is desirable.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
A valid California drivers license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Districts vehicle
insurance policy.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may
be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and
wrists repetitively to finger, handle, or feel piano keyboards or other percussion instruments; talk,
hear conversations; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or
move up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to
adjust focus.
Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, the incumbent is regularly required to use oral and
written communication skills; read and interpret scored music; analyze and solve problems; learn
and apply new information or skills; observe and interpret people and situations; and interact with
District faculty, staff, students, musicians, the public and others encountered in the course of
work.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters
while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee works in a classroom or performance setting and the noise level may vary from quiet to
moderately loud.
Performance Accompanist
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Long Beach Community College District

Date Adopted: April 21, 2008

1. Research appropriate music for dances as required.

1. Principles, fundamentals and theories of music.

2. Methods and techniques of musical accompaniment.

1. Play piano or a variety of percussion instruments to accompany various styles of dance

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