How do I Become a Piano Accompanist?

If you’ve always loved the soothing sounds of the piano and would like to learn more about becoming a piano accompanist, there are several fun ways to do this. Piano accompanists play piano along with other musical performers in a variety of settings, from churches to night clubs. In order to become a piano accompanist, it’s important to know what is generally required to share this talent on a professional level for the enjoyment of others.

Piano players of all levels, including accompanists, start by learning piano techniques using a variety of methods. From learning how to play the piano by ear to taking formal piano lessons from an experienced teacher, piano players must learn how to play the piano well in order to go on to become a piano accompanist. The best pianists start from an early age and learn how to create beautiful music from years of practice and experimentation on the piano keyboard.

A critical area of learning that is needed to become a piano accompanist is that of piano sheet music. It is important to be able to read music tablature so that you can be versatile as a piano accompanist when working alongside singers and other musicians. The best piano accompanists can read piano sheet music as well as write their own for adaptation of classic songs during live performances.

While many piano accompanists choose to work on an as-needed basis for community, civic and religious organizations, some decide to go on to more professional careers in music. To become a piano accompanist for a school, concert hall or recording studio, for example, it’s generally required that pianists have at least five years of verifiable public performance experience. In addition, you may find that a few years of training with an approved music theory program may give you the skills needed to branch out into a formal career as a pianist.

For the beginning pianist, the best way to become a piano accompanist may be to inquire with local churches, community organizations, schools, restaurants, theaters, halls, or clubs to see if there is a need for a quality piano player to accompany current performers. In most cases, you can expect to work on a part-time basis as a piano accompanist with future opportunities to perform as your skills increase and others learn of your abilities. Before long, you will have many more opportunities to work as a piano accompanist and be able to enjoy a life-long career in the entertainment industry.