NDI seeks dynamic Pianists - National Dance Institute

NDI seeks dynamic Pianists to join our teaching teams in NYC Public Schools!



ABOUT NDI

National Dance Institute (NDI) was founded in 1976 by New York City Ballet principal dancer Jacques d’Amboise, and leads the field of arts education with a model program that has been studied and replicated worldwide. Since our inception, more than two million children have been impacted through engagement in immersive, participatory dance programs with live music led by NDI’s professional teaching artists.



In order to fulfill our mission, NDI is dedicated to building and sustaining an organizational culture grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We are committed to hiring and advancing musicians who reflect and represent the rich diversity of the children, families, and communities we serve. Black, Indigenous, people of color, musicians with disabilities, musicians from underrepresented ethnic groups, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ musicians are especially welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.



NDI is seeking musicians who…



Play dynamically, expressively, energetically and with a sense of theatricality

Have a varied repertoire (contemporary, jazz, pop, classical, etc.)

Have experience accompanying dance

Have experience teaching music to children

Are able to read music

Are flexible and able to adapt to the different needs of each classroom environment

Are collaborative; thrive in a team dynamic in which power and responsibility are shared

Are committed to anti-racist education and culturally responsive and inclusive teaching practices

Are reliable, consistent, and always on time



JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Accompany in-person classes in NDI partner schools

Arrange, compose, and serve as music director for mid-year and culminating performances

Participate in required professional development, including a fall retreat, bi-monthly workshops, and all-staff equity trainings

Maintain an NDI email account and communicate promptly and professionally with NDI administrative staff, teaching artist teams, and school partners

Complete an annual performance review and meet with the NDI music leadership

Submit bi-weekly digital timesheets, adhering to deadlines communicated by NDI



COMPENSATION

- Are hired on a part-time basis starting at $40/class, dependent upon experience

- Classes typically run for 45 to 50 minutes, and we generally schedule no fewer than three classes per day in succession at any partner school

- Are required to attend paid professional development sessions, including an intensive, multi-day “retreat” at the start of the school year; bi-monthly, all-staff workshops; and specialized trainings for new musicians

- Will receive a stipend for out-of-school time planning for every residency

- Will receive additional compensation for evening performances and special projects

- Will receive paid sick and bereavement leave

- Eligibility for a pay increase following one year of continuous employment



QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY

- Ability to travel within NYC’s boroughs.

- Offers for employment are contingent upon the candidate having successfully completed a background check and fingerprinting with the NYC Department of Education (DOE).

- Must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. No visa sponsorship is available for this position.



What’s Next?



- Submit an application by Aug 15th.

- Selected candidates will be invited to audition IN-PERSON AUDITION at NDI’s Jacques d’Amboise Center for Learning & the Arts in Harlem, NY on the following times:

- Thursday, August 21st, 9am – 1pm | 2pm – 5pm ET (Auditions will be 20 minutes each and are by invitation only)

- A small group of selected candidates will be invited to participate in a paid Musician Training on September 4th and 5th, 2025

- Hired Musicians will be required to participate in the following paid professional development:

- Tuesday–Thursday, September 16th–18th: Annual Teaching Artist Retreat at NDI’s Center. $150/day for 3 days; Total: $450

- October–-June: Teach in NDI partner schools
Salary: $40/hour