A Flute Student's Guide to Collaboration: 7 Rules for Peaceful Piano Partnership

 Learning to play with piano accompaniment is a vital skill for all musicians.  Flute composers generally write solo sonatas for flute AND piano.  The piano part provides harmonic and melodic structure that supports the flute part.  It brings a depth to the music not necessarily achieved by the flute itself.  As a student, learning to collaborate with a pianist is an essential skill.  By playing with another instrument, you learn teamwork, leadership, listening skills, and the essential elements of music are deepened (tone, rhythm, dynamic contrast, musicality). 

When working with pianists, it's important to understand their role as well as your own.  Here are a few easy guidelines to follow to make sure you're being the best soloist possible.  After all, you definitely want the pianist to be excited about working with you in the future instead of running away from you!

 

 1. Initial Contact

When you first either email or call a pianist you're interested in playing with, it's important to include the following information:

• Who you are
• How you received their contact information
• Date, time, and location of the performance
• The piece(s) you're playing.  Ask if they already have a copy of the piano part or if they would like you to bring or send your copy before the first rehearsal
• Desired number of rehearsals
• The day and time of your regular lesson and if they are generally available then
• Ask about the hourly fee and cancellation policy if not already known
• The best way to contact you
• How excited you are about working with them!

 

2. Scheduling

Collaborative pianists are working professionals, and their schedules constantly change.  The sooner you can get rehearsals and lessons booked, the better off you'll be.  Just because one time is open in a pianist's schedule one day does not mean that time will be open the next day.  There is no such thing as scheduling rehearsals too soon!

Either ask pianists for their current availability or suggest the days and times that work best for you.  As a general courtesy, please do not list all the reasons why you cannot come at a particular time (ballet, swimming, little brother's baseball practice, class).  Try to work together to find a comparable time that fits both of your schedules.

 

How many rehearsals do I need?

Definitely schedule one rehearsal one to two days before the performance.  Working backwards, try to book at least one rehearsal each week for the 3 weeks leading up to the performance.  Always bring your pianist to at least 2 private lessons depending on your level and the number of pieces you're playing.  If the pianist is not able to come to your normal lesson time, ask your private teacher about any other times they might be able to accommodate you.

Do not wait until the last minute to schedule rehearsals and lessons!  Pianists, private teachers, and you all have very busy schedules.  The more in advance you can book rehearsals and lessons, the better!

3. Cancelling

Most pianists have a cancellation policy of one to two days before the rehearsal.  This means that if you have to cancel and you do so the day of or the day before the scheduled rehearsal, you will still need to pay the pianist for their time.  The pianist has reserved that time for you.  When you have to cancel close to the rehearsal time, they cannot fill that time with any other rehearsals.  Make sure you are understanding and appreciative of their time!

If you need to make a change to your rehearsal schedule, make sure you contact the pianist ASAP.

4. General Courtesies

•  Before your first rehearsal, make sure you have the correct address and have already looked up directions.  Leave earlier than you think you need to in case you run into traffic or get lost.
• When you arrive for your rehearsal, make sure you are on time or early.  If you are early, wait until a few minutes before the scheduled time to meet the pianist.  Pianists often come from other rehearsals, concerts, or events, or could be working with another musician before your scheduled time.  Coming in very early can disrupt the rehearsal before you.
• If you know that you will be late, call the pianist to let them know.  If they do not answer, they are probably en route to the rehearsal site or working with someone else.  Leave a message.  If you are running late, do not expect the pianist to add time to the end of your rehearsal.  You've scheduled only that specific time to work with them. 
• When you're in rehearsal, turn off your cell phone.  If you have a friend or family member sitting in the rehearsal with you, it's okay for them to quietly use their phone, laptop, or tablet.
• Have a check prepared before you go into the rehearsal.  Do not wait until when the rehearsal is over to write a check.  Having to wait on a check can make the pianist late to their next rehearsal.
• Make sure you include the concert fee in the last rehearsal's check.
• Always thank the pianist for their time.  They're your music-making partner and half of your team!

 

5. When am I ready for my first rehearsal?

Answer the following questions before going to your first rehearsal.  If most of the answers are "yes," you're ready to meet with the pianist!

•  Have I listened to the recording while looking at the piano part?
• Am I familiar with what the piano plays during rests or interludes?
• Have I practiced playing along with the recording so I am comfortable hearing another instrument play while I am playing?
• Can I play the whole piece without stopping?
• Have I recorded myself playing the whole piece without stopping including counting, singing, hearing the piano part during rests?
• Does my teacher think I'm ready to rehearse with the pianist?
• Do I know how to tune with the piano?
• Do I know the tempo that I want to play the piece?
• Am I confident in how I want the piece to sound (phrasing, dynamics, musicality)? 
• Have I practiced cues, cutoffs, and how I am going to handle ritardandos or accelerandos?

 

6. Rehearsals

It's important to make the most out each and every rehearsal.  Follow these tips to help stay organized before, during, and after rehearsals.

• Before heading to rehearsals, make sure you spend plenty of time warming up.  You should never go into a lesson or rehearsal "cold."
• Make sure you bring your music, your instrument, and a pencil.
• Tune with the piano before beginning to play.
• Talk about your general goals for the piece.  If there's a section that's not up to tempo, it's okay to play it slower.
• Sing the melody in your head to make sure you know which tempo you will take before beginning to play.
• Be a leader!  Do not follow the piano.  You have the melody line most of the time.  Don't wait on the piano (even though it sounds really cool)!  
• Don't be intimidated by how loud the piano is.  Play out!
• If the tempo is too fast or too slow, say something!
• Work together with the pianist to make the music sound the best it can.  It's okay to ask the pianist for advice or for help.  Make sure you're confident in your own playing so that the pianist does not have to give you a lesson on your own piece. 
• Work section by section until you are comfortable playing together.  Then put the piece back together.  Try to play the entire piece through at the end of each rehearsal.
• If there's a place where you continually mess up, mark it in your music.  Go home and listen to the recording a thousand times where that spot is, and make it a priority to make sure you get it right at the next rehearsal.
• If the pianist tells you you're out of tune on a note, you're slowing down without realizing it, etc., also mark it in your music so you can work on it at home.
• Thank the pianist for their time at the end of rehearsal, and confirm the next rehearsal day and time.
• If you want to be a super star collaborator, RECORD your rehearsal, go home and listen intently.  Take notes on what you and your pianist talked about and places you can make better on your own.

 

 7. Concert

• Before playing your piece, make sure you tune very carefully with the pianist.  If you don't know if you're in tune or not, look at the pianist with a concerned face and they will help you! 
• When you are finished playing your piece, be sure to acknowledge your pianist.  
• It's always a nice gesture to give your pianist a card, nice chocolate bar, or some other small gift to thank them for playing with you.
• Get a picture with your pianist!  They're the other half of your team!

 That's all, folks!  Follow these rules and your rehearsals will be a breeze.  Pianists spend many years in school to not only learn their instrument but also how to collaborate with instrumentalists.  Appreciate your pianist's talents, and enjoy making beautiful music together!