On 9 February 2024, the presidents of the accompanists’ guilds of Queensland, South Australia and NSW met online with David G. Miller to discuss the idea of an Australian Guild of Collaborative Pianists (AGCP).

 

It was agreed that it would be beneficial to establish a national forum for the guilds, pianists, piano teachers, students and others involved in accompaniment and other collaborative performance activities around Australia to share relevant information, experiences, thoughts, ideas and opinions. The association could also establish contact and information sharing with related associations and institutions around the world.

 

The AGCP would also promote the interests of its associates at a national level to examination boards, music teachers’ associations, voice, instrument and chamber music societies, schools, conservatoriums and universities, the media, government authorities and the general public. These topics of interest might include the status of professional accompanists and collaborative pianists involved in activities such as public performances, examinations, auditions and collaborative performance training, including rates of pay, rehearsal arrangements, public recognition, the role of the collaborative pianist and the expectations of fellow musicians, students, parents and teachers.

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In March 2025, Graham Johnson OBE, International Chair in Art Song and Vocal Accompaniment at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, UK, agreed to become the Patron of the AGCP.

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Our online discussion sessions are generally held on the last Thursday of each month. Please contact us if you would like to attend, to confirm the day and time and so you can be sent the Zoom link​