Although I am a farirly competent pianist, I have a problem with a frozen shoulder which is affecting my left hand agility. I an accompanying my Grade 5 flute student and finding my playing difficult. How important is the accompaniment and should I get a professional in to play?

If you don't feel able to accompany properly because of your current problem, then you should get someone else to do it. Your local rep may have a list of willing accompanists, or you could try local piano teachers or look on musicteachers.co.uk who list accompanists as well. Many instrumental and vocal teachers do not routinely accompany their students and expect the student to arrange and pay for an accompanist.

Where are you, Jean? (PM me if you'd rather)

I do sympathise. I had a frozen shoulder about 12 years ago and for a time I could hardly move.

I hope yours is less severe than mine was. Is the exam this coming session?