Rebecca Wilt
Collaborative Pianist



Workshops

Joint Responsibilities | Pianist's Responsibilities | Soloist's Responsibilities


Joint Responsibilities


Communication
  1. Exchange phone numbers, addresses, e-mail, and studio/rehearsal locations.
  2. Agree on the most effective means of regular communication.
  3. Exchange schedules so each of you have a general idea of the other's availability.
  4. Hone your communication skills. You each are responsible for communication with each other.

Rehearsal Scheduling
  1. If a rehearsal schedule is needed, a set weekly time is usually most convenient.
  2. Immediately enter any changes or appointments into your date book. If you don't have one, get one!
  3. Decide who is responsible for procuring a rehearsal space.
  4. If you need to book a rehearsal in one of the performing halls, do so well in advance.

A collaborative pianist's hours are finite. The best way to secure a good relationship is through long-range planning. No one should be overextended to accommodate your lack of foresight. Graduate TA's have a designated work load and will not be expected to work beyond this load unless they are compensated for it.



Cancellations
  1. Contact your partners immediately. If necessary, by several means: mailbox, phone, note on teacher's door, or e-mail.
  2. If you know you are going to be late by more than a few minutes, a message to those involved is most appropriate.
  3. Whenever possible, make cancellations at least 24 hours in advance.


The Rehearsal
  1. Come to rehearsal with music well prepared.
  2. Neither partner should be expected to teach the other notes and rhythms.
  3. Academic research should be shared with members of the ensemble. This may be in the form of historical style, the composer's life and the work in the context of such, text translations, or other pertinent information.


Professionalism
  1. Act professionally and expect your partners to do so, as well.
  2. Be at the right place at the right time. Physically and musically.
  3. Be well prepared for the rehearsal. Mentally and physically (i.e. be alert and have all of the proper instruments, mutes, pieces of music, etc.)


Scores and Parts
  1. Copying of copyrighted music is illegal.
  2. If a piece of music is worth one's time in coaching, practice, and performance, then it is worth buying.
  3. The Music Library is a resource for music literature, not performance scores which require alteration (fingerings, interpretive marks, etc.). Every attempt should be made to preserve the library's scores.
© Rebecca Wilt 2009