Every exam session we receive a high volume of last-minute enquiries from exam candidates looking for an accompanist, usually for an exam within 2 days’ time. Often the candidates has been let down by a pianist hence the late request, but other times, it appears that they haven’t realised an accompanist is needed. Here are a few tips to guarantee you will be able to find an accompanist.
- Book an exam time that takes place before 1.30pm. Most private music teachers start working when children finish school. That means that from 3.30pm onwards, we are not able to accompany as we will have a busy afternoon and evening of teaching. The minute you get your exam time do call them up and change it to an earlier slot, even if that means choosing a different venue.
- Pick an exam centre with a warm-up piano. As the requests are sent so late, this does not usually allow time for a rehearsal in advance. This only leaves us with the option to rehearse in the 5 or 10 minutes you get in the warm-up room. However if your venue does not have a warm-up facility, then this won’t be an option. Do check in advance with the Local Representative or the exam board directly to find out about each venue. Exam centres often change the layout so we can’t reliably inform you which centre has a piano for warming up!
- How Much to Pay? Here are the Musician’s Union rates. As an example, Grades 1 – 5 will be a minimum of £49 plus travel time and the cost of the travel fare. Sundays or Bank Holiday incur time and a half costs. We will quote a price when you enquire. Payment is required in advance by bank transfer. If you are driving, a lift back to the station is always appreciated. Some of our lovely musicians even book us an Uber which is also very helpful to get back to East Dulwich in time to teach our students.
