How to become a piano accompanist

How to become a Piano Accompanist

Becoming a piano accompanist requires a combination of musical skill, training, experience, and networking. Here are some steps you can take to pursue a career as a piano accompanist:

• Develop Your Piano Skills: Start by taking formal piano lessons and dedicate time to practicing regularly. Build a strong foundation in piano technique, sight-reading, music theory, and interpretation. Seek guidance from experienced piano teachers who can help you refine your skills and musicianship.
• Study Collaborative Piano: There are very few degree programs for collaborative piano, although some do exist. A Bachelor's Degree in Music, Music Theory and Composition, or Fine Arts has become the standard for pianists looking for careers in accompaniment. Undergraduate students will initially study music and piano performance.
• Gain Experience: Seek opportunities to accompany other musicians, singers, or ensembles. This can include participating in school or community musical productions, collaborating with fellow musicians, or accompanying singers during recitals or auditions. Building experience in a variety of musical contexts will help you develop your accompanying skills and expand your repertoire.
• Network With Musicians: Connect with musicians, singers, conductors, and music teachers in your local music community. Attend concerts, workshops, and musical events to meet and network with potential collaborators. Let people know about your interest in accompanying and be proactive in seeking opportunities to work together.
• Collaborate With Vocalists and Instrumentalists: Reach out to vocalists, instrumentalists, or music students who are seeking accompanists for performances, auditions, or rehearsals. Offer your services as an accompanist and demonstrate your ability to enhance their performances with your piano skills. Collaborating with others will not only help you build experience but also expand your musical network.
• Continuously Expand Your Repertoire: Familiarize yourself with a wide range of musical styles and genres. Develop a diverse repertoire that includes classical, jazz, pop, or any other genres that are relevant to the musicians you collaborate with. This versatility will make you more desirable as an accompanist.
• Attend Workshops and Masterclasses: Take advantage of workshops, masterclasses, or seminars that focus on collaborative piano or accompanying. These events provide opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, gain insights into effective accompanying techniques, and further develop your skills.
• Seek Feedback and Ongoing Learning: Actively seek feedback from musicians, vocalists, or mentors you work with. Their input can help you refine your playing and grow as an accompanist. Continuously seek opportunities for further learning and improvement through lessons, online resources, or professional development programs.
• Build a Professional Portfolio: As you gain experience, create a portfolio that showcases your accomplishments as a piano accompanist. Include recordings, performance reviews, and references from musicians you have worked with. This portfolio will serve as evidence of your skills and experience when applying for accompanying opportunities.
• Promote Yourself: Establish an online presence by creating a website or social media profiles that highlight your skills, experience, and repertoire. Utilize these platforms to showcase your playing, share updates about your collaborations, and connect with potential clients or collaborators.

Helpful Resources
There are several resources available that can be helpful for piano accompanists. Here are some suggestions:

• Sheet Music Platforms: Websites like IMSLP (imslp.org) and Sheet Music Plus (sheetmusicplus.com) offer a vast collection of sheet music for piano accompaniment across various genres and styles. These platforms allow you to explore and access sheet music that is specifically arranged for accompaniment.
• Collaborative Piano Blogs and Websites: Explore websites and blogs dedicated to collaborative piano and accompanying. Some notable ones include Collaborative Piano Blog (collaborativepiano.com) by pianist Chris Foley, which offers articles, resources, and insights on the art of piano accompanying. The Accompanists' Guild of South Australia (agsa.org.au) also provides resources and information for piano accompanists.
• Accompaniment Books and Method Books: Many publishers offer specific accompaniment books and method books for piano accompanists. These books provide arrangements and exercises that are designed to enhance your skills as an accompanist. Examples include "The Collaborative Piano: A Guide for Performers" by Martin Katz and "Accompaniment and Technique: A Guide for Keyboard Accompanists" by Frederick Harris.
• Online Communities and Forums: Joining online communities and forums for piano accompanists can be a great way to connect with fellow professionals, ask questions, and share experiences. Websites like Piano World (pianoworld.com/forum) and Reddit's r/piano subreddit (reddit.com/r/piano) have active communities where you can engage in discussions, seek advice, and learn from others in the field.
• Professional Associations: Consider joining professional associations or organizations that focus on collaborative piano or accompaniment. These associations often provide resources, networking opportunities, and access to workshops and conferences. Examples include the Collaborative Piano Institute (collaborativepianoinstitute.com) and the National Association of Accompanists and Coaches (naac-us.org).
• Masterclasses and Workshops: Look for masterclasses and workshops specifically tailored to piano accompanists. These events are often led by renowned accompanists or collaborative pianists who share their expertise and insights. Participating in such events can be a valuable learning experience and an opportunity to receive feedback on your accompaniment skills.
• Online Video Lessons: Explore online platforms that offer video lessons and tutorials for piano accompanists. Websites like ArtistWorks (artistworks.com) and Piano With Jonny (pianowithjonny.com) provide video lessons that cover various aspects of piano accompaniment, including techniques, repertoire, and musical interpretation.