Accompanist career?

[the_accompanist]

Hi! Sorry, I know this is a long shot - does anyone know how to get their hands on data regarding largely self-employed careers in music? I'm talking chance of success, income, how to find actual positions if they exist beyond existing connections. I'm a piano undergrad in Canada and I'd love to be a professional accompanist/collaborative pianist but I'm having a really hard time finding info on how bad of an idea that would be financially, or if it's even possible a separate career and not something done in addition to teaching. Thanks very much!

[avguste]

It is absolutely possible to have a career as only an accompanist, however I would suggest to first start by doing both teaching and accompaniment. As to how to get started, I would recommend the following:

a) talk to your university accompaniment faculty and piano teachers about your goals.
b) talk to your university instrumental and vocal faculty explaining what you are looking to do and begin to accompany your university colleagues.
c) always charge for accompaniment (except if you are getting a scholarship and accompaniment is part of your requirements for the scholarship). I dont know the fees in Canada, however for college students, I would suggest 20-30/hour. You could even offer packages (4 hours for 120 paid upfront and the likes).

And for very long term, build your reputation, get a website and promote yourself 24/7

[j_tour]

I can only give anecdotes, but the accompanists I've known (as pianists) have typically had at least one advanced degree (typically a terminal M.F.A. [as it's called in the US], and their own studio/performance/rehearsal space with decent acoustics, and they charge a pretty penny indeed.  And they have been indeed very accomplished in their own right, but also have, to a person, done lessons and such on the side.  Some of them have indeed remained affiliated with universities, at least as adjunct instructors.

If I'm reading you right, you're an undergraduate and want to break into the "field"?

Well, I couldn't say any better than the above response by avguste  Print up those business cards, get some credits around town, have a web presence, you know, the basics.  That's literally all I know, and it's just anecdotal from me, especially about being a "legit" music accompanist (yeah, I've accompanied professionally people of dubious skills in public and private venues, mostly as a hired gun for various persons' vanity projects, but not anywhere near the level of a real dedicated pro at this particular skill). 

Other forms of improvised music, I could say more from experience, but that's what I know about your chosen profession.