Musical Accompanist

Position Details Musical Accompanist Posting Number: 26TM0351 Department: Dance Mason Gross School of the Arts is a vibrant community of artists and scholars committed to pursuing excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Its mission is to create socially relevant art, foster diverse programming and curricula, cultivate community partnerships, and advance the arts through teaching, creative activity, advocacy, and research that contributes to the public good. Comprising 1200 undergraduate and graduate students across programs in music, theater, dance, filmmaking, and art & design, Mason Gross is housed within Rutgers-New Brunswick, a premier Big Ten research university that serves some 50,000 students and is the flagship campus of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The nation's eighth oldest institution of higher learning, Rutgers reflects the diversity of New Jersey, which is one of the most diverse states in the nation. The Rutgers-New Brunswick campus is located less than an hour by train or car to New York City and the beautiful beaches of the Jersey Shore and is just over an hour to Philadelphia. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Musical Accompanist for the Mason Gross School of the Arts (MGSA) - Dance Department. Live accompaniment is an important component of professional dance training because recorded music cannot respond dynamically to changes in tempo, repetition, phrasing, or instructional direction. The accompanist works collaboratively with faculty and students to strengthen musicality, timing, coordination, technique, and performance quality while providing consistent musical support across classes, rehearsals, and performances. Among the key duties of the position are the following: Provide live musical accompaniment for assigned dance classes, rehearsals, performances, workshops, and related instructional activities. Support faculty instruction by providing real-time tempo, meter, phrasing, dynamics, duration, and musical cues that can be adjusted immediately in response to movement and pedagogical needs. Communicate with faculty and departmental staff regarding schedules, repertoire, class requirements, substitutions, and other accompaniment needs. Maintain reliable coverage and promptly communicate scheduling conflicts or issues affecting instructional support. FLSA: Nonexempt Salary Details: $35 - $40 per hour The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent. Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs Position Status: Part Time Working Hours: 19.5 hours per week Daily Work Shift: Day Work Arrangement: This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement. Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft Terms of Appointment: Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least two (2) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Demonstrated proficiency as a musician, preferably with experience accompanying dance classes, rehearsals, or performances. Strong understanding of musical structure, rhythm, meter, tempo, phrasing, dynamics, and improvisation. Ability to observe movement and respond immediately to verbal and visual cues from dance faculty; adjust tempo, duration, dynamics, and musical phrasing in real time; collaborate effectively with faculty and students; and maintain an appropriate musical repertoire. Preferred Qualifications: Experience accompanying ballet, modern, contemporary, African Diaspora, or other dance forms. Piano, percussion, or other musical specialization. Equipment Utilized: Piano, keyboard, percussion instruments, and/or other musical instruments and related equipment appropriate to the assigned dance course, rehearsal, or performance. Physical Demands and Work Environment: Work is primarily performed in dance studios, rehearsal spaces, and performance venues. Requires sustained musical performance. Posting Details Posting Open Date: 09/29/2026 Posting Close Date: 10/29/2026 Open Until Filled: No Special Instructions to Applicants: Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus: Rutgers University - New Brunswick City: New Brunswick State: NJ Pre-employment Screenings All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings. Immunization Requirements Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: #J-18808-Ljbffr