The Chamber Music Pianist: An Exploration of the Skills Required by Pianists Working in Small Ensembles

Abstract

This document is submitted in conjunction with a creative portfolio of audio recordings for the Doctorate of Musical Arts program at Griffith University. An analysis of chamber music production from a practicing pianist’s perspective is at the core of this research. From a personalised viewpoint it explores the unique set of skills that a chamber music pianist calls upon for their work, specifically those distinct from the pianist in the role of soloist or accompanist. This practice-led project combines self-reflexive writing with data drawn from semi-structured interviews with fourteen international professional pianists. Overall, this research was driven by a desire to induce appreciation of the complex and demanding occupation of the chamber music pianist and the skills required to master this role. It aims to add to the currently limited information available on the subject and demonstrate why focused, distinct study of the skills needed for the preparing, rehearsing and performing of chamber music should be seen as an indispensable part of any pianist’s education.