Accompanists train on one or more instruments beginning at a young age. Some supplement private lessons and school band experience with a formal, post-secondary music education.
Accompanists play a wide variety of musical styles, study regularly, learn new material and travel. All performers, accompanists included, must handle rejection, perform well and show artistic creativity.
Accompanists work odd hours, often part-time on evenings and weekends. Some work indoors with orchestras or at night clubs or outdoors at festivals and concerts.
Advancement occurs mostly through networking and building a reputation as an excellent accompanist within the local music community. A college degree in music leads to teaching jobs for some accompanists.
Intermittent employment causes financial stress, though contracts offer some job stability. Wages for musicians in general vary from $7.64 to $36.36 per hour as of 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.