The piano is a very versatile instrument and it is unique in that it is often used to accompany other instruments and singers, in addition to being played as a solo instrument. Being a solo pianist or an accompanist are two very different things, and in this post, I will be outlining 7 of the main differences between being an accompanist and a solo pianist.
As an accompanist…
1.You don’t get to choose what music you play
When you are an accompanist, in general, people will give you music to play. You will have to learn that music regardless of your musical tastes and whether you like the piece. If you are a soloist, you will have a lot more freedom to choose what music you would like to play.
2. You don’t get to choose the difficulty
If you are a soloist then you would naturally choose to perform pieces that are the right level of difficulty for you – not too easy and not too hard. Whereas if you are an accompanist, you will sometimes get asked to play pieces that are extremely difficult for you. You often have to put in hours of practice to get it to an acceptable level and do the best you can, accepting you will not play it perfectly.
Related post: How To Learn a Difficult Accompaniment at Short Notice
Other times, you will need to play music that is very easy for you. This is much more relaxed and less time-consuming. However, it could potentially be boring for you because of the lack of challenge.
3. You have to follow the tempo and phrasing of the person you are accompanying
As an accompanist, it is your job to follow the person you are accompanying, even if you don’t personally agree with their tempo or phrasing. Depending on the circumstances, you can sometimes make suggestions to the soloist and give them guidance, but ultimately it is up to them how they play or sing the piece.
4. You have to be constantly alert
People will sometimes make mistakes during a performance and as an accompanist, you will need to be prepared to suddenly adjust a rhythm or skip to a different place in the music to catch them. This is a separate skill for accompanists that solo pianists wouldn’t necessarily develop.
5. You feel a sense of responsibility to play well for their benefit
As an accompanist, it can sometimes be nerve-wracking during a performance because you feel a responsibility to play well and not make any mistakes that could put the soloist off. This is especially true when you are accompanying an exam or recital that is being judged. Obviously, if you are a soloist you still want to play well, but any mistakes you make will only affect you, not someone else.
6. You are out of the spotlight
Most of the time, the spotlight will be on the soloist, and the accompanist can fade into the background. This is a good thing if you prefer not to be the centre of attention.
7. It often involves more admin work
If you are a solo pianist, you can fit your practice in with your own schedule. However, as an accompanist, as well as your own practice you will need to arrange rehearsals with the soloist. These will need to fit in with their schedule as well as yours. If you are being paid, you will need to keep records of that too.
Are you an accompanist, a solo pianist or both?
Do you prefer to be in the spotlight, choose your own music and play it exactly how you want to? Or do you prefer to be an accompanist and let someone else take the lead? Are there any more differences between being an accompanist and a solo pianist that come to mind? Let me know in the comments below!