Fixed Term Contract - 10 months

Start date: September 2025

Salary £28,808 pro rata p.a. for the fixed term

Location: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

The Royal Ballet is seeking an Associate Pianist. Applications for the Associate Pianist role are invited from pianists aspiring to gain experience of the particular skills required to play for professional ballet class and rehearsals. Reporting to the Head of Music, the Associate Pianist will be able to initially learn the skills required to play for class and rehearsal, with coaching sessions from members of the Music Department, before beginning to play for company classes and rehearsals after a few months. The post is offered as a fixed term contract for 10 months during the main ballet season, from September 2025 - June 2026.

Reporting to the Head of Music, the successful applicant will have directed study and preparation to gain experience of The Royal Ballet repertoire and of playing for scheduled class and rehearsals, as well as other events with The Royal Ballet. The programme includes coaching and guidance on building networks relevant to the role and the profession.

The ideal candidate will be a professional team player with these qualities:

• A high level of pianism and general musicianship, and a good understanding of the dance-music relationship
• Some experience of playing for professional ballet class and rehearsal or the ability to demonstrate in audition the skills required to achieve this in a short space of time
• Ability to develop a broad knowledge of the classical ballet repertoire
• Ability to respond in a positive way to feedback and direction, and to demonstrate effective teamwork and harmonious working relationships
• The flexibility to be available for scheduled classes and rehearsals
• Strong verbal communication skills for ballet rehearsal studio environment

The Royal Ballet and Opera is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential minimum criteria for our vacancies.

A full job description and ROH information pack is attached below. If you have any access requirements for your application, please contact the ROH Recruitment Team on [email protected]

Closing Date for applications: 8am, Friday 11^th April 2025

Auditions will be held on: Wednesday 14^th May 2025

Auditions must be in-person in London, online auditions will not be possible

Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK.