Accompanying is a regular component of the piano studio curriculum, providing an educational opportunity for student pianists to develop the necessary skills in sight reading, chamber music, and in experiencing the individual and group effort required in learning and performing music in ensemble and with other students.

The Music Department does not provide accompanists to students. Rather, the department encourages an open collaboration between student pianists and studio musicians to work toward a common goal of thoughtful and competent performance.

To help ensure an equitable and even distribution of responsibilities among student pianists, students in need of an accompanist should make arrangements with their studio instructor and the head of the keyboard area, Dr. Edward Turley. As a courtesy to collaborative pianists, musicians should provide music at least three months in advance or the semester prior to the performance date. Note that during peak performance times of the semester students may need to seek an accompanist from off campus. Studio instructors and members of the piano faculty can recommend professional pianists.