Harpist

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Harpist is the pilot position for our client's Performance Scholar program. All Performance Scholars help bring the organization's mission to life through intensive rehearsal and study, performances, educational outreach, and community engagement activities. Working both independently and collaboratively, Performance Scholars contribute to a variety of artistic programs designed to inspire, educate, and connect audiences through music.

Candidates for the Harpist position should possess advanced technical skills, and be able to demonstrate strong solo, ensemble, and improvisatory musicianship. In addition, reasonable fluency in music reading and interpretation is essential. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the ability to perform across diverse styles with confidence and adaptability.

The position requires a flexible schedule of 20-25 hours per week, consisting of scheduled performances, independent study and practice, rehearsals with the band or guest musicians, and educational or community events. It is expected that Performance Scholars will make themselves available to work evenings and weekends and attend all scheduled performances and events.

This position reports to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Rehearse and perform as a harpist with the organization's sponsored band, chamber music programs, and other approved musical collaborations. Perform live at venues including community spaces, concert halls, cafes/restaurants, schools, and other performance settings.
• Participate in solo, chamber, and ensemble performances for concerts, community programs, educational events, and public engagements.
• Provide live music for meditation programs, special events, receptions, and ambient performance settings.
• Support educational outreach efforts by providing musical demonstrations and performance examples during lectures, workshops, and presentations.
• Collaborate in the creation and recording of musical arrangements and other audio or multimedia projects.
• Contribute to administrative support for organizational programming, such as maintaining the music library or supporting event planning and execution

Logistics & Administration

• Maintain personal instrument(s) and related equipment in performance-ready condition.
• Transport personal instrument(s) and equipment performance locations.
• Rehearse using a harp provided by the organization.
• Communicate availability and scheduling needs in a timely and professional manner.
• Report accurate work hours via a weekly timesheet.

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• High level of proficiency in harp performance (10 years' experience).
• Strong solo and ensemble skills in cultivated styles.
• Improvisational experience in varied styles, or a willingness to learn.
• Ability to read standard musical notation.
• Commitment to study of diverse repertoires within the Anglo-American tradition.
• Alignment with our mission and vision to leverage music as a force for positive social change.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, and attendance at all required performances and events.
• Reliable transportation within Massachusetts.
• Ability to collaborate in a creative ensemble environment.
• Professionalism, punctuality, and accountability.

Preferred:

• Extensive live performance experience in cultivated and vernacular idioms.
• Ability to sing a modest percentage of performance repertoire.
• Experience working in a mission-driven environment.

Work Environment

Work is performed in performance venues, community spaces, and a private residential music studio. The studio requires climbing stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. This role requires lifting and transporting musical equipment and may necessitate prolonged periods of standing during performances.

EEO Compliance:

Ryde is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Ryde will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.