The nature of professional accompanists and their roles: Performing with musical excellence and enjoying communicative interaction

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the traits and roles of professional accompanists. This study is based on an internet survey. Professional accompanists were asked to complete a questionnaire through an internet website. The participants (n=96) identify themselves mainly as being sensitive, thoughtful, logical, and optimistic. At the start of rehearsal, accompanists generally try to establish a collaborative tempo and timing while seeing the big picture of the music. At the end of rehearsal, they concentrate on mood/feeling, dynamics, and aesthetic goals much more than at the start. Although some insist that accompanists should follow the soloist’s expression, most accompanists enjoy and expect communicative musical activity within music. Expert accompanists point out that they have an important role in making music that is better than that created by the soloist him/herself. It would seem that professional accompanists should have an ability to perform with an overall structure of music with confidence from the very start of rehearsal. Furthermore, it is likely that particular techniques for accompaniment, including practical communication skills (social, physical, and musical), with flexibility and artistic excellence, have considerable influence on their work.

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