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Something I have not seen mentioned (and pardon me if it HAS been mentioned), but an expert accompanist can "take over" when guiding an inexperienced player. I used to "pull" students back or push them forward when an adjustment in tempo was necessary, and at times, by placing a piano at just the right angle, I actually gave signals where a "judge" could not see them.

A recording is most definitely better than nothing, but it puts extra demands on the soloist, who then has to follow it even if he/she has had input into the making of the recording.

This is for music that is traditional and that does not have a 100% steady beat. For commercial music it is different.

Yes. Commercial music has a consistent beat, but not pitch.

And you think all the classical singers sing the right pitch all the time???

well..............I do! Hee, hee. Or if I sing a wrong note, it's actually a mistake, not an almost right right note.

I suspect digital autotune lets some people sell CDs that otherwise would be unable to. And click track keeps the rhythm steady - but that part I enjoy.

I don't listen to Idol regularly, but my family does, and I hear it in the background. It's really very instructive to hear the difference between a decent amateur and a pro. A wandering key center is one of the symptoms that drives me nuts.

I provide a lot of accompaniment services during festival time, and I made a standard contract last year, which people have been great with so far.

I charge a flat rate, which includes accompaniment for two pieces, and two rehearsals. Any extra rehearsals requested by the family are charged the same as a private lesson with me. Any more than two pieces requires additional fees.

As for the CD, I charge $20, because not only do I have to learn the music to a higher standard a little earlier than expected, it is also my time in making sure the recordings are at a good standard.

It's up to you, but I find that if you have standards with this, parents are usually more than willing to pay the extra money if you give them the service.

IPlayPiano, I am interested in what you decided to do. I have been doing alot of accompanying the last 12 years or so. I always quote a price which includes the performance and two 30 minute rehearsals. Recently, I got a Roland HPi-7, and I can make awesome midi and audio recordings, and burn cds. I am thinking of changing my pricing next year, offering the additional service of making a recording for x amount. I agree with the others that nothing takes the place of live rehearsal. With some students, however, they really need a recording they can use to practice with at home. This was a very good question for the forum!