The Need for Good Accompanists
KATHLEEN MARTIN - LECTURER
MUSIC TEACHERS
ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA
2004
Lecture audience: piano teachers
Outline:
A good accompanist is a partner in the singing process. He/she
supports and enhances the singer’s performance so that
the singer has the freedom to be creative, expressive, and
entertaining.
Auditions & Competitions: (is basically an accompanist)
a. Needs to know extensive repertoire.
b. In many cases the accompanist does not meet the singer
or see the music before the singer walks on stage.
c. Needs great sight-reading skills. No matter how experienced
there will always be some piece of music that is unfamiliar.
d. A basic knowledge of at least the pronunciation of the
major languages of singing is necessary.
e. Major auditions for opera houses; the accompanist is
usually an opera coach as well.
Coach
Opera/Art song: (is a teacher and accompanist)
a. Is responsible for foreign language
pronunciation and translation.
b. Must know traditions (typical cuts, cadenzas, phrasing,
etc.)
c. Knows repertoire and can suggest other pieces/roles.
d. In opera houses plays rehearsals, auditions, performances
(harpsichord, etc.) and concerts.
e. It is very helpful to have had some singing experience
or private lessons at some point since the coach often sings
vocal cues or other parts when teaching roles.
f. Most
opera conductors begin as opera coaches.