Become a Piano Accompanist

Are you joining a band to perform? Or are you planning on doing a duet like where you see a pianist playing the piano while a singer sings beautifully? Then you want to become a piano accompanist.

A Piano Accompanist is a piano player/a pianist that acts as a background musician for a singer or a band or an orchestra. Piano accompanists are very musically talented because they should be able to accompany and assist another musician or a singer. Although the soloist (singer or another musician) whose being accompanied is highlighted, the performance or the show would not be successful without a talented piano accompanist.

To become a piano accompanist you must be able to sight read music well. Most of the time when performing, some singers or soloist provides a piano sheet music of their own version or key to be played.

While in some occasions such as gatherings or parties, a piano accompanist must know how to play music with ear and piano chords improvisation. You may encounter performances requests from friends and guests. A piano accompanist must be able to know what key does the singer sings. This helps for a great show and performance. It also allows an accompanist showcase his or her talent even if the singer is off-key. It’s all about you, piano accompanist.

There are endless possibilities and careers when you choose to be a piano accompanist. You can play with bands, with a soloist or even with an orchestra. Just harness your piano playing skills and you’re good to go.

Simple tips for piano accompaniment:

• Practice your piano regularly.
• Make sure to practice the piece you're going to play.
• Run-through the piece several times with the singer you're going to accompany.
• Make certain adjustments to your playing to suit the singers' vocal style and technique.
• On the day of the performance be prompt and dress appropriately.