Piano accompanist hourly rate how to#

Some accompanists charge per hour, some per rehearsal and/or performance and some a combination of the two. Rates vary from person to person, so don’t be afraid to “shop around” first. Payment: Always discuss payment before you begin work with an accompanist. 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.Ĥ. 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.ģ. The faster your accompanist can set up their music, the better. ALWAYS make sure your music can be put into a three-ring binder. If your copier doesn’t do double-sided copies, then tape the two sheets together on one side, and hole punch the other side. The less page turns an accompanist has to make, the less chances of making a mistake will occur. Make sure your music is prepared: If the music doesn’t come from a book, please make sure that you make it double-sided.

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

Piano accompanist hourly rate how to#

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