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Accompanying your pupils or other musicians can be a daunting experience, especially if it's not something you take part in regularly. Below are some top tips we've written to help you next time you are facing an accompaniment challenge!
- Prepare the music in advance for any awkward page turns or repeats.
- Aim to provide firm rhythmic support. Positive cuing for entries if needed.
- Follow the soloists’ musical line visually as much as possible.
- Be alert to the soloist rushing/slowing/setting unsuitable tempi.
- Try to be a clear presence in the overall texture whilst being careful not to overpower.
- Contribute positively to musical content, e.g. articulation, dynamics etc. even if the soloist doesn’t.
- Retain a confident, positive outlook whatever you’re actually feeling!
- Playing all the notes is neither necessary or required.
- A skeleton version, leaving out inner notes of chords, octaves etc is totally acceptable.
- On leaving after the pieces in an exam or audition, say something positive to the candidate and look encouraging!
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Last modified: Wednesday, 28 June 2023, 9:27 AM