Dance eXchange Musician

Reports To: Director of Education & Dance eXchange

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Status: Part-Time Hourly

BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, seeks a dynamic and collaborative Musician to join our Dance eXchange team for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. Based on the award-winning methodology of the National Dance Institute (NDI), Dance eXchange is BalletX’s in-school dance education program that uses music and movement to build confidence, creativity, collaboration, and self-expression in 3rd and 4th grade students at six Philadelphia public schools.

An essential member of the teaching team, the Musician provides live accompaniment for classes and performances while helping to create an engaging, joyful, and responsive learning environment. Working alongside two professional Teaching Artists, the Musician inspires movement, participation, and connection through dynamic, adaptable musicianship.

We are seeking a musician who brings positivity, energy, flexibility, and strong communication skills to the classroom. The ideal candidate thrives in collaborative environments, enjoys working with young people, and believes in the power of the arts to transform lives and communities.

Dance eXchange residencies take place during the school day at partner schools throughout Philadelphia, typically from September through April, and include twice-weekly classes, student performances, and occasional planning meetings and trainings.

This part-time position offers $45-$50 per hour for program delivery, commensurate with experience, and $20 per hour for administrative, planning, and training time. BalletX is an equal opportunity employer. To learn more about BalletX, our mission, and programs, visit BalletX.org.

Position Overview

The Dance eXchange Musician provides live accompaniment for classes, performances, and program events, working closely with Teaching Artists to support instruction, student engagement, and classroom culture. Through responsive, expressive musicianship, the Musician helps maintain the pace, energy, and spirit of the program while fostering students’ confidence, creativity, musicality, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Accompaniment

• Provide live musical accompaniment for Dance eXchange classes at partner schools throughout Philadelphia during the school day.
• Collaborate with Teaching Artists to support curriculum development, lesson planning, and classroom instruction.
• Support Dance eXchange's NDI-inspired curriculum through dynamic, responsive musical accompaniment and creative collaboration.
• Adapt tempo, style, and musical choices in real time to support instructional goals and student engagement.

Performance & Creative Development

• Arrange, adapt, and perform music for mid-year demonstrations, culminating performances, and other program events.
• Contribute to the development of annual program themes, musical selections, and performance concepts.
• Support rehearsals and performances, ensuring a high-quality artistic experience for students and audiences.

Program Collaboration & Administration

• Participate in required professional development sessions, planning meetings, staff trainings, and evaluations.
• Maintain professional communication with Dance eXchange staff, Teaching Artists, school administrators, and partner organizations.
• Submit timesheets and required documentation accurately and on time.
• Serve as a collaborative and positive member of the Dance eXchange team, helping to foster a joyful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong musicianship with the ability to play dynamically, expressively, and energetically.
• Skilled at improvising and adapting music in real time to support dance, instruction, and student engagement.
• Experience accompanying dance, theater, educational programs, or movement-based instruction preferred.
• Comfortable performing a variety of styles, including contemporary, jazz, pop, classical, and world music.
• Experience working with children and/or youth programs preferred.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Adaptable, creative, and responsive in diverse classroom environments.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel to partner schools throughout Philadelphia.
• Successful completion of required background clearances prior to employment.

Desired Attributes

• Passion for arts education and BalletX’s mission.
• Engages and inspires elementary-aged students through live music.
• Responsive, adaptable, and comfortable thinking on their feet.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in a shared leadership environment.
• Committed to inclusive, culturally responsive teaching practices.
• Warm, encouraging, and patient with young people.
• Strong relationship-builder with students, colleagues, and school partners.
• Reliable, professional, and consistently punctual.
• Believes in the power of music and movement to foster confidence, creativity, connection, and belonging.