Working With An Accompanist

When preparing for a performance, it’s always good to get your music prepped way in advance for your accompanist. An accompanist is the person who will be performing along side you, supporting your solo. This person is usually a pianist. Here are a few thoughts on how to work with your accompanist for a successful performance.

1. Call your accompanist EARLY: You want to give your accompanist AT LEAST a month’s worth of time (if you can). This way they can clear their schedule and practice the music you want them to learn. As talented as accompanists usually are, they - just like you, require time to learn the music and to understand how you perform it. The more time you allow for them to practice the better your performance will be. This applies very much to NYSSMA participants; schedule early because accompanists’ schedules are often filled up at an alarming rate!

2. Make sure your music is prepared: If the music doesn’t come from a book, please make sure that you make it double-sided. The less page turns an accompanist has to make, the less chances of making a mistake will occur. If your copier doesn’t do double-sided copies, then tape the two sheets together on one side, and hole punch the other side. ALWAYS make sure your music can be put into a three-ring binder. The faster your accompanist can set up their music, the better. If there are any strange markings that you think might confuse your accompanist, make sure you remove them, or at least notify them about it.

3. Performance changes: Are you doing your piece a little faster or slower than usual? Or perhaps changing the key? Any places you need to breathe that aren’t indicated otherwise? Will they be performing on a piano or keyboard? How many keys are on the keyboard and/or is the piano/keyboard in perfect working order? The sooner you can let your accompanist know this, the more helpful.

4. Payment: Always discuss payment before you begin work with an accompanist. Rates vary from person to person, so don’t be afraid to “shop around” first. Some accompanists charge per hour, some per rehearsal and/or performance and some a combination of the two. Typically, a one hour rehearsal may be anywhere from $45 - $100, and similar rates for a performance, if not a little more. Again, check with who you are working with to establish rates.

5. Be on time: This may seem obvious, but try your best to be on time. You and the accompanists’ schedule are sure to be jam packed, so if both of you show up on time then you are maximizing your rehearsal time to it’s potential.

6. Have a backup: I’ve heard of one or two horror stories of accompanists ditching their gig last minute for whatever emergency or reason. This shouldn’t happen, as accompanists should be professional, but it’s always good to have a backup in your pocket in case something completely random does comes up!

7. Have fun: This may be your first foray into working with a professional musician! Ask their opinion on your piece, perhaps they have accompanied or taught it before. Enjoy the time you have together and concentrate on making beautiful music!