Master the art. Live the career.
Master the art of professional ballet accompaniment through the first comprehensive online academy built by a former professional dancer and Principal Pianist.
— Children’s Staging Director, Pennsylvania Ballet
About
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.
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...
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.
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.
Included in the essentials and pro tract course(s)
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
One destination. Three ways to get there.
Try any track for 7 days. If it's not for you, we'll refund every penny
Don't wait to make this your reality.
Questions?
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