12277 / 18210 · Workshop 99 — Accompanying Another Musician: Following a Singer, Leading Without Controlling, Recovering from Unexpected Changes, and Making the Piano Behave Like a Listening Partner← prev⊞ allnext →
99.3The four accompanist roles
Follower
responds to the soloist.
Predictor
anticipates where phrase is going.
Stabilizer
maintains key, pulse, form, and harmonic floor.
Leader
provides cues when the ensemble needs direction.
A mature accompanist can switch roles instantly.