The following guidance for working as a piano accompanist is not exhaustive, but covers the main items to consider when accepting and charging for a gig.
WAMTA Teaching members can advertise their availability to work as an accompanist in our online WA Music Teachers Directory.
- Ensure adequate preparation time allowing to practice sufficient number of rehearsals. Last minute engagements have the potential to be sloppy due to insufficient preparation time. Be realistic about taking on an accompanying project and charge accordingly.
- Base the number of rehearsals upon the candidate soloist’s requirements. If they are prepared you should not require as much rehearsal time.
- When setting your fee for accompanying, incorporate any travel, parking and waiting/warm up time. It may also be useful to consider your preparation time when setting your fee, e.g. whether you have already played the work/s, etc.
- Ensure all terms of the job are in writing, specifically:
- performance date, time and venue
- list of repertoire required
- number of suggested rehearsals and their cost
- cost of performance
- Remember your role as a supportive musician.
- You may be expected to give musical advice to your soloist so ensure you have a clear understanding and knowledge of the relationship between your part and their part so that you are able to advise accordingly, should this be required.
- Inexperienced players often require extra support and reassurance with nerves. Be confident enough to provide those as well as your musicianship.