<p>Did anyone here take accompanists to the auditions? I was looking at the JMU info on auditions and I was surprised to see the comment that "singers my bring their own accompanists, which is most desirablel..." I had read on the board that using the school accompanist might be better because the jury can judge how a student performs with new accompaniment.</p>
<p>Most schools provide accompanists for entering voice students. THe literature for 18 year old singers is pretty standard, and if a school does not have pianists who can play it for an audition, it might not be an adequate school for training. To battle finding a good collaborative pianist would be exhausting and very trying. Go somewhere there is a solid piano program with some degree of emphasis on collaborative artistry. Even at the graduate level, good, experienced pianists have seen a lot of the repertory, and/or can whip it into shape rapidly. Some of the conservatories ask you to send copies of the music ahead for the pianist, and you can always inquire about that option anywhere else.</p>
<p>Lorelei - thanks, that was what I had assumed. I had not given it much thought actually until I read the info on the JMU audition page. Fortunately, my daughter has worked with a number of different accompanists at her school. She had one who turned two pages together so he skipped a page, and another who started the wrong piece completely - both at recitals. That is probably good experience to have.</p>
<p>I had one accompanist during my graduate work, who would slap at the pages to keep them open during performance. I insisted that he use a page turner, which he did not like, but he agreed to do so. Perhaps your daughter could also make that request, and the problems you mention could be avoided.</p>