The Guild cannot dictate the level of fees for accompanists. The Council has, however, been requested to recommend guidelines for accompanists and for present and prospective employers regarding payment.
The Council recommends that the minimum fee for a professional accompanist is $70 per hour. This is in line with the 2016 minimum fee recommended by the Music Teachers’ Association of SA for studio teachers.
The Council urges all accompanists to make their fees clear before undertaking accompanying work. It is recommended that accompanists provide a written form outlining their fees and conditions before rehearsals commence and issue a written invoice. It is suggested that payment be made after each rehearsal or 50% in advance if a series is arranged.
In this Register, accompanists describe themselves as Professional, Semi-professional or Amateur. This is not necessarily an indication of the standard of their work. It is more likely to reflect a) their tertiary qualifications or b) their experience or c) the percentage of work they currently undertake as accompanists.
To those wishing to engage accompanists the Guild suggests the following hourly rates: (in line with Music Teachers’ Association rates)
| Amateur | $30.00 to $46.00 |
| Semi-professional | $46.00 to $70.00 |
| Professional | $70.00 to $200.00 or as negotiated. |
It must be realised that the accompanists should also be paid for performances after the series of rehearsals. Some accompanists may charge for time spent in transit or waiting for performances or may simply ask for a minimum fee regardless of time spent accompanying.
Some accompanists may prefer to arrange a “package”, e.g. $600.00 for the rehearsals and performances required.