Music Librarian

New York City Ballet is one of the foremost dance companies in the world, with a roster of spectacular dancers and an unparalleled repertory. Founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, New York City Ballet quickly became world-renowned for its athletic and contemporary style. Widely acknowledged for its enduring contributions to dance, New York City Ballet is committed to promoting creative excellence and nurturing a new generation of dancers and choreographers.

NYCB’s musical repertory is a broad collection of works both written for the ballet and not, including canonical works of the orchestral, chamber and solo music repertory to new music commissioned by the company. Frequently performed ballets are set to music by Bach, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Hindemith, Shostakovich, Philip Glass and John Adams.

Reporting to the Music Director, the Music Librarian is responsible for maintaining the company's extensive collection of music performance and reference materials. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position covered by the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 collective bargaining agreement. The hours of work will vary according to performance schedules and will require flexibility to meet the company’s seasonal demands.

This position offers an opportunity to participate in a uniquely challenging and exciting artistic environment while working with music of all periods and genres.

Application Requirements:

Applications will be accepted through May 29, 2026.

A one-page resume and a representative work sample are required to apply.

A select number of highly qualified applicants will be invited to complete an at-home practical skills assessment, which will commence June 1, 2026, upon email distribution of the assessment materials.

The assessment must be completed and returned on or before June 7, 2026, according to the instructions provided.

Primary Responsibilities:

Duties include timely preparation and distribution of music for all company activities including performances in New York City, tours, special events, and contracted services; maintaining an accurate and up-to-date inventory of musical materials; managing archival and conservation concerns; computer engraving of music and supervising the Performance Librarian who distributes materials for orchestra performances.

Minimum Requirements:

Formal education in classical music and previous music library experience, including practical knowledge of orchestral performance practices, music notation and terminology, professional catalogue management and materials conservation.

Knowledge of the orchestral repertory (specific knowledge of the ballet repertory is not required).

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, adaptability, extraordinary attention to detail, and self‐

The ability to assess workflow, anticipate additional staffing needs, delegate tasks efficiently, and work collectively in high-pressure situations.

The ability to respond efficiently and effectively under the pressure of production deadlines to late-stage changes required by choreographers and composers during the creation of new ballets.

Proficiency in Dorico and/or Sibelius, Microsoft Office applications, and OPAS.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently exposed to office, rehearsal studio, and theatrical settings including stages, orchestra pits and backstage environments.

Physical Demands

The following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the minimum requirements of this position. They include lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds, often from overhead shelves; climbing stairs and maneuvering safely in confined and darkened spaces that may have uneven floor surfaces and contain an array of theatrical, electrical and musical equipment and high levels of physical activity.

Other Duties

The following job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

New York City Ballet is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship status, disability, pregnancy, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military status or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, unemployment status, familial status, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

New York City Ballet, one of the foremost ballet companies in the world, pursues the highest levels of artistic excellence and innovation. Therefore, we seek to attract, retain, and cultivate the most talented dancers, musicians, designers, stage technicians, and arts administrators. To this end, we are deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values and reflects inclusion, equity and access for all.  We are inspired by our founders, George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, who envisioned an authentically American expression of ballet with a company that reflects the rich cultural diversity of this nation. In pursuit of their vision, we are committed to all by educating, developing, and supporting an organization that welcomes and amplifies the voices and lived experiences of everyone.