Become a Studio‑Ready Ballet Accompanist — Without Years of Frustration.
You've spent years mastering the piano. Now it's time to use that skill in the most elite, artistic and under-tapped career in the performing arts field : Ballet Accompaniment.
"Joseph's intuitive playing brought energy, nuance and rhythm... inspired them to reach deeper into their artistry."
— Children’s Staging Director, Pennsylvania Ballet
At a glance
Course Tier Table
Essentials
$179.00
Core modules
full structure
self-paced
Pro Tract
Admission by application and invitation only. Click the link below to schedule your complimentary discovery call!
Essentials +
2 Coaching Calls +
Direct Feedback
ABA Certification
Accelerator
Admission by application and invitation only. Click the link below to schedule your complimentary discovery call!
Pro Track +
4 weeks of private Mentorship
Resume Help
Job Prep
ABA Certification
Personal Letter of Recommendation
About
Our Founder
Joseph Cianciulli served as Principal Pianist for the Pennsylvania Ballet for five seasons after a successful career as a Professional Dancer with the Louisville Ballet. Throughout his extensive journey as a Ballet Pianist, he has collaborated with prestigious companies such as The Pennsylvania Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Houston Ballet, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. The Academy of Ballet Accompaniment was founded to provide comprehensive training for the next generation of Ballet Accompanists, addressing the lack of formal training available for pianists in this field. Recognizing that many pianists often learn on the job, our online course is designed to better prepare the next generation of Ballet Musicians for a fulfilling career at the Ballet, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in this unique environment.
How this course came to be...
Why this course exists — and why it matters now more than ever.
I didn’t start out thinking I’d become a ballet accompanist.
In fact, I was a 19 year old, fresh, green, and broke college student when the Hartt Conservatory asked me—almost out of desperation—to play for two of their star instructors: famed ballerina Hilda Morales and dancer Miguel Campaneria. They were short a pianist and needed someone immediately.
That moment changed my life.
The first time I walked into the studio, I was terrified. I had no idea what exercise they were giving. No clue what tempo was right. I fumbled through sheet music while dancers stared, waiting—impatiently—for the next combo. There was no manual. No mentor. No roadmap.
I learned the hard way: through years of trial, error, awkward moments, and on-the-job mistakes.
But over time—through blood, sweat, and repetition—I cracked the code.
And once I did, everything changed...
FROM “WHO’S THE PIANIST?” TO “WE CAN’T RUN CLASS WITHOUT HIM”
I went on to become the Principal Pianist for the Pennsylvania Ballet (now Philadelphia Ballet), a full-time accompanist for Tulsa Ballet, and a guest pianist with some of the most prestigious companies in the world—New York City Ballet, Houston Ballet, ABT, PNB, Boston Ballet, and many more.
I also danced professionally for the Louisville Ballet and taught at the Pennsylvania Ballet School, giving me a rare edge: I understood music and movement at the deepest level.
Once I mastered the art of playing for ballet, I was no longer treated like background music.
I was invited into conversations with choreographers, directors, and principal dancers. I collaborated with film teams and guest artists. I was trusted. Respected. Valued.
One director once told me:
“Joseph’s musicality, sensitivity, and deep understanding of movement elevated every class. His playing inspired dancers to reach deeper into their artistry. He is an exceptional talent who has inspired so many.”
My income followed suit—I went from $42/hr to a full-time contract where my director literally said:
“Tell me what you want, and I’ll find a way to make it happen.”
Because here’s the truth no one tells pianists:
When a dancer finally finds a pianist who gets it, they’ll fight to keep you for life.
WHY THIS COURSE EXISTS
The turning point came when Pennsylvania Ballet was hiring a rehearsal pianist—a highly coveted position.
They told me they wanted someone “from a big school.” So they brought in ten classically trained pianists from Juilliard and Curtis.
None of them were hired.
Not because they couldn’t play at a professional level.
But because they couldn’t play for a professional Ballet class.
They didn’t know the structure. The flow. The silent, invisible collaboration between pianist and dancer. No one had taught them that. No conservatory had prepared them.
That’s when I knew:
This isn’t just a niche… it’s a missing link.
So I built what I wish I had 15 years ago.
The Academy of Ballet Accompaniment is the first and only online course that gives pianists a step-by-step system to go from clueless to confident—to walk into any studio and hold their own with world-class dancers… and get paid for it.
FOR THE PIANIST WHO'S TIRED OF THE HUSTLE
If you’re a pianist…
Sick of teaching kids for $30/hr
Done playing background noise at weddings
Tired of gig-to-gig chaos with no clear path forward
This is for you.
This is a real career.
One with structure, prestige, consistency, and deep creative fulfillment.
And I built this course to get you there in months—not years like it took me.
There’s demand. There’s opportunity.
But only for those trained to meet it.
If that’s you, welcome to the Academy of Ballet Accompaniment. Let’s get to work.
Included in the essentials and pro tract course(s)
The Studio-Ready Music Book That Sets You Apart
Included with Essentials & Pro Track — this 70+ page companion book was designed to eliminate guesswork and give you the exact musical material ballet pianists need to thrive in class.
📘 What’s Inside:
✅ 25+ curated pieces specifically matched to barre & center exercises
✅ Keys, meters, and tempos that actually work for dancers
✅ Class-tested selections drawn from ballet, classical, character, and improv forms
✅ Margins, cues, and notation adapted for live class flow
✅ Print-friendly & studio-ready — no flipping through random books mid-exercise
Choose Your Track
One destination. Three ways to get there.
🎼Whether you're just starting out or ready to go pro, theres a clear path for you.
Option 1 : The Essential Track
Learn at your own pace
$179
Perfect for:
Self-motivated learners
Pianists exploring the path
Those with limited ballet experience
Includes:
4 Core Training Modules
Lifetime Course Access
Downloadable Sheet Music + Playlists
Certificate of Completion
Outcomes:
Understand full ballet class structure
Learn to play for the Ballet Technique class, Pointe class, Pas de deux, Men's and character class with confidence.
Confidently play for basic level classes
Option 2 : Pro Track (Most Popular)
Live coaching + career support
*Admission to this program is by application only. Click the link below to schedule your complimentary discovery call and take the first step toward admission!
Perfect for:
Pianists who want mentorship
Actively preparing for auditions or school gigs
Looking for connection & feedback
Includes Everything in Essentials PLUS:
2x Live 60 minute Coaching Calls
Video Submissions + Personalized Feedback
Outcomes:
Become audition-ready
Get guidance from industry professionals
Build a network with like-minded musicians
Option 3 : Accelerator Cohort
1:1 mentorship + career placement strategy
*Admission to this program is by application only. Click the link below to schedule your complimentary discovery call and take the first step toward admission!
Application Only – Limited to 15 seats
Perfect for:
Serious pianists ready to make this their profession
Career-changers or conservatory grads
Those who want elite mentorship
Includes Everything in Pro Track PLUS:
Private 1:1 Onboarding Session
Direct Feedback from Course Creator
Mock Audition Prep + Resume Review
Recommendation Letter (Upon Completion)
Private Office Hours + Studio Footage Analysis
Job Board Access + Strategy Session
Outcomes:
Get hired faster and more confidently
Build elite-level confidence and skill
Direct path to paid opportunities
Which track is right for me?
🛡100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Try any track for 7 days. If it's not for you, we'll refund every penny
Cohorts fill fast. Accelerator only opens 4x/year.
Don't wait to make this your reality.
Why train with us?
The demand for skilled Ballet pianists is higher than ever. As Ballet companies, schools, and dance academies around the world continue to grow, so does the need for experienced musicians who can provide exceptional live accompaniment for company classes, rehearsals, and performances. By joining our Ballet Pianist Online Course, you’ll be stepping into an exciting career path with immense potential for growth and recognition in this dynamic field.
Career Growth & Opportunities:
The career opportunities for a trained Ballet accompanist are abundant. Whether you're working with a professional Ballet company, a prestigious dance academy, or offering your services as a freelance Ballet pianist, you’ll experience a rewarding career full of creative expression, job security, and flexible work hours. As a Ballet pianist, you can enjoy a unique balance of professional satisfaction and artistic fulfillment.
Flexible & Rewarding Career Path:
The world of ballet accompaniment offers unparalleled flexibility. Many ballet pianists enjoy the freedom to work on their own schedule, whether performing with companies, teaching, or working in rehearsal studios. With each new project, you’ll continue to develop your skills while maintaining the flexibility to design a work-life balance that suits you.
One-of-a-Kind Instruction from Industry Experts:
Led by Joseph Cianciulli, a former Principal Pianist for the Pennsylvania Ballet, full-time pianist for the Tulsa Ballet, and guest pianist for top Ballet companies across the country, our course offers unique, hands-on instruction from a true expert in the field. With over a decade of experience not only as a professional pianist but also as a former professional dancer, Joseph brings a rare perspective to the teaching of Ballet accompaniment. His deep understanding of both the musical and dance worlds ensures that you receive top-tier, practical education tailored to the specific needs of Ballet accompaniment.
Affordable & Valuable Training:
Many courses today charge excessively high rates, but the Academy of Ballet Accompaniment is committed to offering incredibly valuable information that will increase your versatility and enhance your skill set—without the prohibitive cost. Our course is designed to provide expert-level training while keeping the price affordable and accessible for pianists at all stages of their careers.
Further Your Education and Certification:
Upon completion of our free mini course, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge with our comprehensive online program and gain certification in the art of ballet accompaniment. This certification will not only enhance your skills but also set you apart in this field.
Start Your Journey Today
Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? Enroll now and step into the unique and rewarding world of Ballet Piano.
Our Products
- Waitlist
The Accelerator Cohort
- Bundle
- 2 Items
- Waitlist
The Pro Track (Most Popular)
- Course
- 121 Lessons
- Includes 1 additional product
Includes 1 additional product
- Free
The Ballet Accompanist : Free Mini Course
- Course
- 8 Lessons
What's Included in The Academy of Ballet Accompaniment Online Course?
Questions?
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