Episode 70 - In Conversation with Jeanette Wong

We have another In Conversation episode for you this week with a fabulous company pianist. She is the Head of piano at Birmingham Royal Ballet, Jeanette Wong.

Like many ballet pianists the job of playing for ballet lands in one’s lap by accident and that was the case with Jeanette. Her career began as a pianist for the Junior Associates of The Royal Ballet School in Birmingham.

Through connections and word of mouth Jeanette was given an opportunity to play at the prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School and took up a full-time job there. That meant more playing hours, lots of improvement, lots more repertoire and getting up to speed quickly.

From there she started freelancing at Birmingham Royal Ballet after being scouted for her talent, and the rest as they say is history. She was now at a top ballet company in the UK.

Listen to this episode and learn about Jeanette’s role as head of piano, from scheduling to rehearsals, working with conductors, playing for performances and managing her team and freelancers.

As a company pianist your pianistic skill level have to be extremely high and organisational skills too, and Jeanette has both in abundance. She is beyond loveable, and you’ll this episode.