108: Solo or Collaborative… Which Would You Choose?

About this episode

In this episode, Tim Topham discusses the differences between solo and collaborative performing with guest Rachel Ehring, reflecting on the benefits of collaborative piano.

As I wrap up this series on performance anxiety, I wanted to spend one more episode talking about something that has shaped my own performing life in a big way: collaborative piano. In this episode, I'm reflecting on the differences between solo and collaborative performing, what accompanying has taught me as a musician and teacher, and why it might be worth exploring if you’ve never considered it before. Rachel compared the unique challenges of solo and collaborative performing. Why collaborative performing feels less intimidating than solo playing. How accompanying has strengthened her listening and musical flexibility. Rachel how collaborative work helps pianists become more responsive musicians. How accompanying young students builds both musical and teaching skills. The importance of adjusting quickly when students lose their place. How collaborative work can create valuable paid opportunities for pianists. Common gig options such as choirs, soloists, weddings, and theater. Rachel encouraged teachers to explore low-pressure ways to start accompanying. She introduced her new collaborative pianist rate calculator to help teachers price gigs confidently. Links Mentioned Get…

People in this episode

Host: Tim Topham

Guest: Rachel Ehring

Topics covered

• performance anxiety
• collaborative piano
• solo performing
• musical flexibility
• teaching skills

Keywords

• performance anxiety
• collaborative piano
• solo performing
• accompanying
• musical flexibility

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Colorado Boulder

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