Accompaniment

The team of five accompanists plays a central role in Chetham’s vibrant musical programme. Singers and most instrumentalists in Years 4-11 are paired with an individual accompanist who supports them throughout their time in these year groups. This long-term partnership enables students to develop a strong musical rapport, helping them to refine, broaden and challenge their solo performance skills.

In Years 12 and 13, students benefit from working with several members of the team, gaining a wider range of musical perspectives as they prepare for higher education and professional study.

Accompanists regularly collaborate with students and instrumental tutors on repertoire for concerts, assessments and other performances. Support is also available to pianists and instrumentalists who do not require accompaniment on a regular basis. In addition, members of the team provide accompaniment tuition for some Sixth Form pianists, helping first-study pianists develop valuable collaborative and professional skills.

The accompaniment team performs with students in most of the School’s free Lunchtime Concerts, as well as in regular performances beyond Chetham’s. Their expertise and encouragement help students perform with confidence, poise and musical excellence.

The team’s dedication extends well beyond the concert platform. Accompanists frequently travel to external performances, support ABRSM examinations and diploma assessments, and occasionally assist at competitions. They play a vital role in encouraging students to share their music with peers and public audiences alike.

All five accompanists are accomplished performers in their own right, regularly collaborating with professional artists and appearing alongside students in masterclass-recitals at School.

At the start of their journey at Chetham’s, every student meets with the Head of Accompaniment to discuss their musical interests and individual needs. This personalised approach, together with the allocation of a dedicated accompanist in Years 4-11, creates trusted musical partnerships that students value highly throughout their time at the School. The result is a level of individual support that sets Chetham’s apart among specialist music schools.