Ballet Accompaniment

Accompanying a ballet class is an art form, one that requires a great deal of training and experience. This expertise is accessible through our ballet accompanist course that includes observation, theory and practice.

This training which can be taken in person or online, is accessible to pianists from all over the world!

The training includes the following apprenticeships:

Each pianist accepted into the program gains a deep understanding of ballet vocabulary, mastering the rhythmic and expressive musical requirements. They develop a repertoire of hundreds of pieces, ranging from ballets and operas to classical composers from the Baroque to the modern era, as well as popular music from cinema and musical theater. Pianists learn to adapt and phrase the music to perfectly accompany dance exercises, a task that requires great flexibility and precision.

Accompanying a ballet exercise requires a keen understanding of how music interacts with movement. The quality of movement is reflected in the musical choices, dynamics, articulation, and subtle use of the pedal. Many renowned dancers, teachers, and choreographers speak of their ability to "visualize" the movements in the music, a unique skill developed by our accompanists.

The program also teaches pianists to modulate their playing, translating the nuances of slow, sustained gestures, sharp accents, and dynamic jumps. Our graduates bring both energy and inspiration to each class, offering essential musical support to teachers and students alike.

Admission is possible at any time. Acceptance is based on an audition and a short period of orientation.

Each applicant must possess:

• Proficiency in classical or jazz piano
• Excellent sight-reading and musical sense
  or
• Previous experience in ballet accompaniment.

All selected candidates will be invited for a short audition and an interview.

Being an accompanist appeals to you?
Get in touch with the Head of Pianists and Music Education, Elaine Gaertner.

Contracts for both regular classes or replacements await successful candidates.

Several of the pianists we trained are working with us today:

• Geoffroy Doyon
• Oscar Da Silva
• Ian Baird
• Philippe Bortsov
• Mayu Funaba
• Juan Gamboa
• Antoine Rivard-Landry
• Olga Trofanova
• Thelonius Garcia
• Si Yunun
• Felipe Souza
• Kangkyi Torneing Fillion
• Jakub Tokarczyk