Without getting to professional, would it be a good idea to compose for a local production company, a small play or something.

Any other ideas, to accompany/compose?

Local secondary schools may well be lookng for accompianists for GCSE coursework etc. I'm in demand at my school, and my piano playing is rubbish!

If you want to be an accompanist and/or a composer, almost any work you can get now will be a good idea.

Local music groups are always looking for an accompanists, so make it known that you're prepared to work with them. There will probably be less demand for original music, but again if people know you can do it you'll probably get something.

Also, get paid for anything you do. You don't want to be in a situation, five years or whatever down the line, where you are doing this professionally, and someone says "Ah, but you did it for free five years ago."

Thanks a lot for the replies