The Marion Pender Piano Fellowship

About the Fellowship

The Australian Ballet is offering a full time Piano Fellowship commencing in January 2026 for an initial period of one year. The purpose of this fellowship is to give a pianist the opportunity to gain insights into, and experience in, the specialised art of playing for dance with a large touring classical ballet company and its partner orchestras and venues, as well as the workings of a busy Music Department.

The recipient will work with The Australian Ballet as a member of the Music Department throughout 2026 and will be mentored by Head of Music Staff & Principal Pianist, Andrew Dunlop in addition to working closely with Music Director and Chief Conductor, Jonathan Lo, visiting guest conductors and other members of the Music team.

What will you gain from the Fellowship?

The Fellowship will provide the opportunity to gain insights and experience in all aspects of dance musicianship. The recipient will work alongside The Australian Ballet pianists as a member of the Music Department and will:

• Observe ballet classes, stage, studio and orchestral rehearsals
• Participate in coaching sessions with company pianists
• Accompany ballet classes and rehearsals, as appropriate
• Perform as an orchestral pianist with our partner orchestras in Company productions, as appropriate
• Work with senior Artistic, Music and Production staff in studio rehearsals, orchestral rehearsals and performances in the preparation of all seasons
• Work alongside the Music team of The Australian Ballet and assisting conductors, performing duties relevant to being a member of The Australian Ballet Music Department

What does the commitment involve?

This is a full-time position, for an initial duration of 12 months. This is a Melbourne-based position, but as The Australian Ballet is a touring company, applicants must be able to spend months away from home at various times throughout the year.

Salary

Salary $55,000 per annum. pro rata, plus 11.5% superannuation (or in line with Superannuation Guarantee).

How to apply

Applicants are required to submit an application containing the following:

1. Written application material:

• Current curriculum vitae that clearly details education and career information.
• Statement of why the candidate is interested in working with The Australian Ballet and why they think they are suitable for the role.
• Names and contact details of a minimum of two referees who are familiar with the applicant as a pianist.

2. Audio-visual examples of the applicant’s playing (must be recent – post 2022):

• An own choice work of a maximum of 10 minutes duration in one continuous and unedited recording.
• A brief explanation of the material: title, composer and date of the recording.
• Audio Visual material sent as an email attachment will not be accepted.
• Files may be submitted in one of the below formats only:
  • As a weblink to a file on YouTube (www.youtube.com) or Vimeo (www.vimeo.com);
  • As a .MOV or .MP4 file sent through WeTransfer (www.wetransfer.com) or similar file transfer service.

Recording requirements:

• Please ensure the recording shows a clear view of the candidate and their hands on the keyboard from a static/ locked-off camera view.
• The recording audio should be of appropriate quality and unedited/post-produced.
• The recording must be made in one take.

Audition requirements:

• Specific details will be advised on progression to the audition round. The live audition will involve playing 2 short solo works, excerpts from the ballet repertoire, sightreading, and improvisation / extemporisation. The audition will conclude with a brief and informal interview.

All material must be the applicants own work and be clearly labelled with the applicant’s name.

Shortlisted candidates are responsible for any costs and arrangements for their attendance at the audition venue in Melbourne.

This position is open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and those with full Australian working rights.

Applications should be sent no later than 5pm (AEST) on Friday 20 June 2025

The Australian Ballet reserves the right to defer the appointment of a Piano Fellow at the sole discretion of the interview panel should no applications be deemed suitable for the position.

Timeline

• Closing date for applications is 5pm (AEST) on Friday 4 July 2025
• Shortlisting completed by Friday 11 July 2025
• Audition/Interview round will be held in Melbourne w/c Monday 4 August.
• Arrangements can be made for an online audition if a candidate is unable to travel.
• Fellowship Commencement date: Wednesday 14 January 2026