How much do I pay an audition accompanist?

Question

I am the theater teacher at a very modest high school in Northern California. For the musical auditions, this is the first time that I'm having students prepare a song to sing. I have a college student willing to be our audition accompanist, but I'm not sure how much to pay her. She's a piano major, no degree, but said she's worked auditions before. She might have her own rate, but I want to be prepared to offer her a price if she (like most college students) says she's not sure.

Answer 1

I agree with Theatre_gurl. Though I think $15 sounds low, I think $20 per hour sounds like a reasonable offer. You should keep in mind that since many of your students have likely not done this before they will be unprepared and your accompanist will have to deal with that. Tip her accordingly :-)

my two cents,
Marianne

Answer 2

I can't answer exactly, but to give you an idea, rates for professional accompanists in the DC area are around $50 per hour for rehearsal accompaniment. An audition situation, where they may be required to sight read music they're not familiar with, it may be more.

Obviously it depends on the level of the pianist as well. How long is your audition? For a college student, non-pro, I would guess that somewhere in the range of $15-20 per hour would be appropriate.

Answer 3

Whatever you offer her, low ball it. She can't expect much anyway since there is probably not much to offer. Also, you can be sure this girl doesn't get many gigs so keep that in mind. She should be willing to do this for little since it's for kids and a not-so-very tough job. If she wants what she thinks is industry rate she's probably not very cool and you'll see this attitude eleswhere.
Isn't there a music teacher involved in the production? There has to be somebody on the school's payroll who plays piano. Can't you put the charm on and get them on board?
Good Luck.

Answer 4

1

Answer 5

Since she is experienced, ask what she usually gets.