Dance Arts Accompanist - PT

Champaign Park District – Part-Time 2, Non-Exempt (hours not to exceed 19 hours per week on average)

About the Job

Bring dance classes to life through live music! The Champaign Park District is seeking a skilled Dance Arts Accompanist to provide musical accompaniment for ballet classes, rehearsals, and workshops. Working closely with dance instructors, you’ll help create an engaging learning environment by adapting tempo, rhythm, dynamics, and musical style to support dancers of different ages and skill levels.

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Summary of Responsibilities

• Provide live musical accompaniment for ballet classes, rehearsals, workshops, and other assigned activities.
• Collaborate with dance instructors to support exercises, combinations, choreography, and improvisation.
• Maintain steady tempo, clear rhythms, and appropriate musical phrasing for dancers of varying ages and abilities.
• Adjust tempo, dynamics, musical style, and rhythmic complexity in real time based on instructor direction and dancer needs.
• Use knowledge of ballet rhythms, terminology, musical structures, and timing to enhance instruction.
• Support improvisation, call-and-response activities, and exercises that develop dancers’ musicality.
• Observe dancers and respond musically to movement, timing, and changes in choreography.
• Prepare for scheduled classes and rehearsals by becoming familiar with needed music and rhythmic material.
• Communicate effectively with instructors and program staff regarding schedules, repertoire, and class needs.
• Assist with basic setup and care of instruments or accompaniment equipment as needed.
• Maintain a professional, supportive, confidential, and welcoming environment for students, families, instructors, guest artists, and staff.
• Follow Champaign Park District safety, equal opportunity, harassment prevention, and confidentiality policies.

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Why Work With Us?

This position offers musicians the opportunity to use their talents in a dynamic performing arts environment while directly supporting dancers’ growth and development. You’ll collaborate with experienced dance professionals, strengthen your skills in musical improvisation and live accompaniment, and gain experience adapting music to movement in real time.

The Champaign Park District also provides required workplace and safety training, including First Aid/CPR/AED, mandated reporter training, harassment prevention, bloodborne pathogen training, and applicable facility and software training.

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Benefits Summary

As a Part-Time employee, you’ll have access to applicable Champaign Park District part-time employee benefits, programs, training opportunities, and workplace perks in accordance with Park District policies. This position also offers a flexible part-time schedule and the opportunity to work in a creative, community-focused environment.

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About the Champaign Park District

The Champaign Park District enhances the community’s quality of life by providing exceptional parks, recreation programs, facilities, and cultural opportunities. Our employees work together to create welcoming, inclusive, and engaging experiences for people of all ages and abilities. We value teamwork, professionalism, service, safety, and a shared commitment to the community we serve.

Who This Position Is Ideal For

This role is a great fit for an experienced musician who enjoys collaborating with dancers and instructors and can respond confidently to changing musical needs in the moment. Candidates should be at least 18 years old and have previous experience as a musician or accompanist, including experience accompanying dance classes or rehearsals. Experience with ballet—or a strong understanding of rhythm, musical timing, and movement—is required.

If you are dependable, adaptable, musically skilled, and excited about using live music to support dance education, we encourage you to apply.

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The Champaign Park District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employees are required to comply with our equal opportunity and harassment laws, policies, and procedures.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience as a musician or accompanist required.
• Experience accompanying dance classes or rehearsals required.
• Experience with ballet or strong knowledge of rhythm and musical timing required.