Hi all,

I'm very keen to do a Diploma in Piano Accompaniment and was hoping someone could shed some light on the various options available.

I graduated from LCM in 1996, first study piano, 2nd piano accompaniment (dropped clarinet after 1st year in favour of accompanyment)... I teach full time and accompany instrumentalists for exams, competitions, recitals.

Which is the best board to do it with and what are the components within the exam???? Is it only Trinity/Guildhall that do it, or do the others?

Many thanks...
PG

Hi PianoGalway

I took the Trinity Diploma in Piano Accompanying in December 07 and really enjoyed it. I did investigate other boards but I liked the freeish choice with Trinity.

Basically you choose your pieces from the grade 7/8 repetoire of your soloist. I accompanied my son Mark on his cello. With your soloist you have to give around a 25 minute recital plus programme notes etc. The other tests are: Ear Tests, Accompanying skills, Sightreading and Presentation skills. These are explained in the syllabus. On top of this you need to perform a solo on the piano from a small selection of chosen works. I played the beautiful Faure Nocturne in Eb major.

the Accompanying of the pieces were worth 40 marks and the piano solo 20. The other tests are all marked out of 10 giving a possible total of 100.

After the exam I wrote to TG with a whole list of things I didn't think were entirely clear in their syllabus so I do hope when they republish it things will be a little clearer.

If you need any more help let me know.

PS I managed a Distinction!

My LGSM is in accompaniment but it was a very long time ago and I'm sure it will have changed a lot since then. I can remember having to accompany a violinist and a vocalist, and I had to do a theory/harmony paper too, but I can't remember anything else I'm afraid.