Helping Others Perform Enjoyably
Piano accompaniment for individuals and groups; information and fees
When I was a midwife and breastfeeding specialist, I loved helping to bring something beautiful to birth and enable real enjoyment between mother and baby. I view the accompanist’s role in a similar way!
My background
I have many years of experience in accompanying choral groups, and have also sung in the alto section of a number of choirs. I started accompanying in my teens in the 1960s, while I was having piano lessons to Grade 8, and discovered a talent for both helping the singers and anticipating the conductor’s wishes. After returning from Pakistan in 1990, I was the accompanist for Streatham Choral Society for 10 years, performing the Beethoven Choral Fantasia twice. Since 2001 I have acted as regular or occasional accompanist for Farnham Amateur Operatic Society; Fleet & District Choral Society; Surrey Heath Choral Society; Savoy Singers; Guildford Opera; and played for two performances of Bugsy Malone. I also play the organ and my own piano, Mahogany, for some services at St Michael’s Church, Aldershot.
My services
I am available to accompany individual musicians and groups for
- music examinations (Associated Board, GCSE, A level, and others) in Guildford, Farnham, Fleet, Camberley and Woking
- competitions and festivals (Farnham Competitive Music Festival; Farnborough & Aldershot, Woking, and Godalming Music Festivals)
- recitals
- auditions
- regular or ad hoc choral rehearsals
My charges are based on a fee of £24 per hour for rehearsal and a fee to attend the event. They may be adjusted up or down to take into account the length and complexity of pieces. Travel to homes and/or examination sites is charged at 50p/mile, plus any parking fees, and will be shared if accompanying multiple entrants. (Travel charges may not be levied for some music festivals.) Please contact me for more details.
Concessions may be made for
- family groups
- discretionary needs
Enhanced fees may be requested for
- very complex accompaniments
- adult examinees in paid employment
Recitals/concerts for individuals or groups by arrangement
Regular or ad hoc choral rehearsal accompaniment minimum £30 per session of up to 2 hours plus travel expenses if over 10 miles away