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Piano Accomanists

Official Accompanists for 2024

William-Schmidt_279x279.jpg
Official Accompanist for String Solos
 

Mr William Schmidt

M: 0478 757 933

E: willjsch@gmail.com

Official Accompanist for
Mini Recitals

 

Ms Melanie Lee

M: 0412 664 044

E: leemelanie80@gmail.com

Jenny Lu Professional Head Shot 1000x1000.jpg
Official Accompanist for Vocal Solos

 

Ms Jenny Lu

M: 0425 233 390

E: jennydfl@gmail.com

Official Accompanist for
Woodwind & Brass Solos 
 

Ms Anne Lewitzka

P: 9808 2173, M: 0455 848 209

E: alewitzka@vcass.vic.edu.au

Official Accompanists 2023

William-Schmidt_279x279.jpg
Official Accompanist for String Solos
 

Mr William Schmidt

M: 0478 757 933

E: willjsch@gmail.com

Official Accompanist for
Mini Recitals

 

Ms Melanie Lee

M: 0412 664 044

E: leemelanie80@gmail.com

Jenny Lu Professional Head Shot 1000x1000.jpg
Official Accompanist for Vocal Solos

 

Ms Jenny Lu

M: 0425 233 390

E: jennydfl@gmail.com

William-Schmidt_279x279.jpg
Official Accompanist for
VCE Recitals
 

Mr William Schmidt

M: 0478 757 933

E: willjsch@gmail.com

Official Accompanist for
Woodwind & Brass Solos 
 

Ms Anne Lewitzka

P: 9808 2173, M: 0455 848 209

E: alewitzka@vcass.vic.edu.au

Alison Conrau.png
Official Accompanist for
Brass Solos B01-B02
 

Ms Alison Conrau

M: 0418 514 876

E: alisonconrau@hotmail.com

Accompanists

The Monash Youth Music Festival provides a free professional Accompanist for your performance so you don't have to book your own.

This service is included in your entry fee. All you need to do is check the box in STARDOM, and then contact the Accompanist. (WHY?).

You can return to STARDOM at any time to check the box, but ensure you do so NO LATER THAN 2 WEEKS BEFORE THE FESTIVAL AND ALWAYS CONTACT THE ACCOMPANIST

 

You can use your own accompanist if you prefer, or you can perform unaccompanied. Most soloists perform with an accompanist. While performing with an Accompanist is optional, if the music you select requires accompaniment, then the adjudicator may penalise your performance if you perform without an accompanist.

Pre-recorded backing music is not permitted in any sections. 

 

ATTENTION VCE MUSIC RECITAL ENTRANTS: We are not offering an official accompanist for the VCE Music Recital section in 2024. If you are entering the VCE Music Recital section this year and need an accompanist, you are more than welcome to contact any of our Accompanists above. All are very fine musicians and experienced accompanists. 

Rehearsals

We strongly recommend that you have a rehearsal with the Accompanist. Please note that rehearsals are NOT included in your entry fee.  While rehearsals with the Accompanist are not compulsory, they are strongly recommended for all senior sections and highly desirable for all others. Even a single rehearsal is beneficial to sort out phrasing, tempo and other details, and gives your performance greater musicality. Best of all, you will be far more prepared and relaxed for your performance.

 

Please contact the Official Accompanist for your Discipline privately to ask about their rates and to arrange a rehearsal time as soon as possible and no later than 2 weeks before your performance day.

 

Even if you are unable to arrange a rehearsal time, then please send a copy of the  accompaniment sheet music to the Accompanist as soon as possible and no later than 2 weeks before the Festival so that the Accompanist has time to read over your music and prepare.

 

Why contact the Accompanist beforehand?

1. COURTESY. It is not acceptable to present your music to the Accompanist on the day of performance without asking them beforehand. You would never perform in public without preparation, and neither would your Accompanist! All you need to do is contact your Accompanist and provide them with your sheet music two weeks before the day.

2. IT'S IN THE RULES. Rule 9 states that "Entrants requiring the Official Accompanist must make contact and supply sheet music at least 2 weeks prior to the Festival. The Accompanist reserves the right to decline to accompany if this condition is not met." Yes, that's right. The Accompanist is entitled to say NO to accompanying you if they hadn't heard from you before.

 

3. TO ORGANISE A REHEARSAL. As mentioned above, a rehearsal is essential to ensure a smooth performance for your benefit. The Accompanist can also offer extremely useful advice to help you achieve a more polished performance.

 

Why contact your Accompanist

On your Performance Day

Please bring copies of your music on your performance day:

  • one for the Adjudicator with bars clearly numbered at the beginning of each system

  • one for the Accompanist (even if you have already sent a copy) , and

  • the original publication for you (unless you are playing from memory)

What do we mean by "accompaniment sheet music"?

Accompaniment

This is the sheet music the piano accompanist needs to read in order to accompany you.  The accompaniment sheet music is usually a separate supplement that comes with a soloist's music book.

 

Your music teacher may have a copy of the accompaniment sheet music specially for the music you are learning, so talk to your music teacher if you can't find it or are not sure.

 

You can recognise the accompaniment sheet music by the fact that there are (usually) three lines of music, one for the soloist, and two for the pianist (often) with a treble clef and a bass clef. 

 

Please note that the Committee does not provide sheet music. You must find your own or ask your music teacher.

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