Accompanist

Job Summary

Under general supervision, provide piano accompaniment for soloists and dance or choral groups at a variety of performances and special events including rehearsals, graduations, festivals and competitions; perform related duties as assigned.

Examples of Duties The classification specification does not describe all duties performed by all incumbents within the class. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed in this classification.

• Provide piano accompaniment for soloists and dance or choral groups at a variety of performances and special events including rehearsals, graduations, festivals and competitions. E
• Consult with instructor regarding technical music decisions, such as discrepancies in scores and errors in printed music; transpose and transcribe music as needed. E
• Prepare music materials for classroom use by copying and taping individual parts; record and upload music and vocal parts for instructor and student use; edit music as needed. E
• Consult with instructor regarding upcoming activities; research and plan appropriate music for classes and performances; sight-read music to find appropriate music for specific composition assignments. E
• Play the piano from scores, lead sheets or from memory to accompany class units. E
• Improvise music in various meters and styles such as 3/4, 4/4, 5/4 and 6/8 tempos, narrative, classical, impressionistic, 20th century and pop for exercises, combinations and compositions; compose music for special assignments. E
• Rehearse and tutor individual or small groups of students; recommend modifications to vocal harmonies during practice and encourage student involvement and participation. E
• Participate in communicating musical theory and concepts to students. E
• Assist in the coordination of and participate in student group activities related to music education; attend after-school events as needed. E
• Rehearse with various guest musicians including drummers and guitar and bass players; arrange and chart music for guest musicians as necessary. E
• Arrange for and schedule piano tuning and repairs. E
• Maintain a library of categorized files of sheet music and audio recordings; copy music in accordance with copyright laws. E
• Operate a variety of audio equipment including CD and MP3 players; evaluate sound balance on electronic equipment for classes, rehearsals and performances. E
• Set up or oversee the setting up of instruments, monitors, amplifiers and microphones for rehearsals and performances. E
• Perform a variety of general clerical duties relating to classroom and student activities including assisting the instructor with paperwork and maintaining records; operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software. E
• Correct student work as assigned.

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized E which identifies essential duties required of the classification. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

Music theory, language, and history. Musical styles and keyboard literature from various historical periods. Musical forms and phrase structure. Standard musical performance procedures and practices. Techniques of music editing. Basic techniques of choral and individual vocal singing. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Basic record keeping techniques. Oral and written communication skills. Operation of a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software.

Ability to:

Provide piano accompaniment for soloists and dance or choral groups at a variety of performances and special events. Play piano at an advanced level and sight-read musical scores accurately. Play a wide range and variety of musical styles. Transpose and transcribe music. Assist in the selection of music for special performances. Follow the conductor's tempo and dynamics. Rehearse and tutor students in the areas of proper musical and vocal techniques. Create abstract sounds, color effects, mood and energy sensations at the keyboard. Watch dance movements and play music that reflects and supports the energy or dynamic of the movements. Assist instructors with reinforcing instruction to individuals or small groups of students. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software. Maintain records and files. Work collaboratively as an educational team member.

Education and Training:

Consistent with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 and other related legislation, candidates for this classification must meet the following standards:

The equivalent of graduation from high school and one of the following:

1. Completion of at least two years of study (48 semester units or 60 quarter units) at an institution of higher education; Or
2. Attainment of an Associate of Arts degree or higher degree; Or
3. Meeting a rigorous standard of quality by receiving a passing score in an examination administered by the Personnel Commission which demonstrates the knowledge and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing and mathematics.

In addition to the above standards, applicants must provide proof of completion of college-level coursework or advanced private training in piano and music theory.

Experience:

One year of experience as an accompanist.

Any other combination of training and experience that could likely provide the desired skills, knowledge or abilities may be considered, however, experience cannot substitute for the required minimum education.

Special Requirements If you have questions regarding your applications or the recruitment process you may contact: perscom@lbschools.net or 562-435-5708.

Nondiscrimination Statement: The Long Beach Unified School District prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, or bullying, targeted at any student or employee by anyone, based on the student or employees actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy and related conditions, parental status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

For questions or complaints, contact Equity Compliance Officer: Steve Rockenbach, Director of Employee Relations,1515 Hughes Way, Long Beach, CA 90815, 562-997-8220, srockenbach@lbschools.net and Title IX Coordinator: Kimberly Dalton, Director of Human Resource Services, 1515 Hughes Way, Long Beach, CA 90815, 562-997-8108, kdalton@lbschools.net and 504 Coordinator: Jenny R. Acosta, Program Administrator, 2221 Argonne Ave, LB 90815, 562-986-6870, JRAcosta@lbschools.net.

If you have questions regarding your applications or the recruitment process you may contact: perscom@lbschools.net or 562-435-5708.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

The examination process for this recruitment may be comprised of one or any combination of the following: screening of the applicant's training, background, and experience; scored evaluation of responses on a supplemental application; written examination(s); qualifications appraisal oral examination; performance examination; or technical oral examination, scored on a job-related basis. Only the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the examination process. Successful candidates who pass all parts of the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list in order of their relative merit as determined by these competitive examinations.Benefits The District provides excellent medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits as well as an income protection plan for eligible Classified employees.

For more information regarding health benefits please visit:

https://www.lbschools.net/departments/personnel-commission/classified-benefits

Classified employees earn paid vacation at the initial rate of 14 days for full-time 12 month employees (.055 hour for each hour worked) and receive increases after 5, 10, and 15 years of service for a total of 21 days after 15 years.

12 month Classified employees earn 13 working days of sick leave each year which are accumulated indefinitely. Employees of other California school districts who have accrued sick leave may transfer it to LBUSD in accordance with the California Education Code.

12 month Classified employees receive 14 paid holidays per year.