Etiquette with your Pianist

As we approach the end of the school year, I put on recitals for my students so they have a chance to perform a solo in public and show off the hard work they have put in.  Before the recital, however, each student meets with a pianist for a rehearsal.  It is so important to learn the professional rules of etiquette in dealing with a collaborator - in this case, a pianist.  Not only is this a life-long skill useful in ANY field of industry, the music business is very tight-knit, and people talk.  A kind, courteous singer will get far more jobs than a rude one!  So here are my rules for a good, professional rehearsal with your pianist.

1) First, introduce yourself and say 'thank you' for playing.  While you are paying the pianist, they still appreciate the 'thank you'.

2) Ask the pianist if they would like their music hole-punched, stapled, front and back etc...  While they will likely do the work themselves, this is another way to show the pianist that you care about making their life easier.  Brownie points!

3) Run through your piece, no stopping.  Then go back over areas that need work.  Be sure to number your measures so you can quickly communicate what section of the music to work on.

4) Ask the pianist if there are any areas THEY would like to run again.

5) Say "thank you" when you are done. 

Very simple rules, but they go a long way to establishing a professional relationship and a good reputation.

DWS