Music Factsheet 9: Auditioning as a freelance pianist

Introduction
From time to time the Academy holds auditions for freelance pianists for work either at Academy headquarters or for courses and exams in the UK. It is not an obstacle course or a talent competition: The auditions are very informal, and merely provide an opportunity for you to show us what you can do, and for us to show you what kind of work is available,

What will I have to play?
There are two types of audition: the first is for relative newcomers to the dance scene (let's say you've had about a year's experience at your local dance school). The second is for those who already have considerable professional experience.

Type 1: audition for a pianist with up to 12 months experience:

• a short piano piece of about 2-3 minutes in length. Choose something that you enjoy playing and that has contrasting moods and techniques in it.
• a short piece of sight-reading.
• a quick spot-test on a grade or level of your choice.
• demonstrate at the keyboard a selection of different music from your own repertoire or improvisations for classwork. This could include examples for skipping, ports de bras, sautés etc.
• demonstrate at the keyboard a selection of dance rhythms such as habañera, mazurka, polonaise etc.

Type 2: Audition for a pianist of several years experience, including vocational level classes 

• accompany a classical ballet class lasting about one and a half hours.
• a spot check on any known syllabus
• demonstration at the keyboard (following the class) of examples dance rhythms not featured in the class.

What else do you need to know about me?
The auditions are mainly concerned with the skills needed to accompany a ballet class, but there are other opportunities from time to time to be involved in other styles such as contemporary, musical theatre, singing, creative dance and repertoire workshops. We'll be very glad to hear about all the skills and experience that you have in any genre.

What are we looking for?

• A sound piano technique
• Your ability to cope with unprepared situations i.e. sight-reading or freework
• Knowledge and understanding of the RAD syllabus work
• Knowledge and understanding of dance rhythms
• Breadth and variety of music for freework including consideration for a clear introduction
• Ability to respond to indications of rhythm, tempo and dynamics from a teacher

If I am successful, what kind of work can you offer me?

• RAD Dance School: This is a comprehensive programme of classes for children from pre-school age upwards. They are generally syllabus-based and cover both Graded and Vocational work leading to examination. Classes are held on weekday evenings and Saturdays during term time.
• Graded Examinations at Headquarters: There are 3 examination sessions a year at Headquarters, and teachers have the option to book a pianist through the Academy.
• UK Vocational Graded Examinations: Examinations are held each year at Headquarters as well as in regional centres throughout the UK.
• Faculty of Education Programmes: Pianist are required to varying degrees on the following programmes: BA (Hons) Ballet Education, Professional Dancer’s Teaching Diploma, Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies, Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance.
• Teachers’ Courses: These will require the playing of either syllabus or freework.
• Student Courses: These could include syllabus coaching or a Repertoire Workshop. Summer Schools and Performance Courses will consist of activities such as Ballet, Creative Dance, Repertoire and Character and usually culminate in a display or demonstration.

To be included on our pianists database you'll need to fill in a form with contact details, and extended details of your experience. You can download the Pianist Database form by clicking the link below. 

  PIanist database questionnaire (52 KB)