The Art of Ballet Accompaniment: A Comprehensive Guide

by Gerald R. Lishka, Kyra Nichols (Foreword by)

Overview

The Art of Ballet Accompaniment: A Comprehensive Guide addresses every imaginable topic and challenge that a ballet accompanist—whether a novice or a more experienced practitioner—might encounter.

More than just a facile anthology of accessible music, this inclusive guide details all aspects of playing for ballet, including a complete manual for editing piano literature to accompany ballet technique classes. Author Gerald R. Lishka encourages ballet accompanists to be imaginative, creative, independent artists who can also communicate effectively with dance instructors. In addition, he clarifies the necessary balance between the use of existing musical scores and the art of improvisation.

Featuring a new foreword by Kyra Nichols, an expanded section on Lishka's personal philosophy, an updated section on barre from Alison Hennessey, and over 100 music examples, The Art of Ballet Accompaniment offers invaluable advice for all levels of pianists and accompanists.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780253063342
Publisher:	Indiana University Press
Publication date:	11/22/2022
Pages:	214
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Gerald R. Lishka plays for ballet in Los Angeles, California, and surrounding cities. His present affiliations include California School of the Arts—San Gabriel Valley, University of Southern California—Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, and C. Round Ballet Works. He has played formerly at, among others, Interlochen Arts Academy; the American Dance Festival; Indiana University Bloomington; Wayne State University Detroit; National Academy of Arts in Champaign, Illinois; Louisville Ballet; Westside School of Ballet in Santa Monica; and Pasadena Dance Theatre. Lishka holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in piano from the University of Illinois–Champaign and did postgraduate work there and at Indiana University–Bloomington. He is author of A Handbook for the Ballet Accompanist.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Kyra Nichols
Preface
Introduction: How I View the Art of Ballet Accompaniment
1. The Ballet Class
2. Advice and Guidance
3. Barre and Center Combinations
4. Suggested Piano Repertory for Barre and Center Work
5. Preparing and Arranging Piano Repertory for Ballet Class
6. Adapting Piano Repertory with Complex Phrasing Challenges: Four Advanced Lessons
7. Improvisation
8. Ballet-Related Accompanying Outside the Ballet Class
Index of Steps

What People are Saying About This

Allen Peiffer

In my opinion, a skilled accompanist can be one of the greatest assets to a ballet teacher and their students. There are many layers of knowledge necessary to facilitate success in the classroom, and I find that this book touches on them all in great detail. I believe that it is a must-read for pianists interested in playing for ballet class, as well as informative for both teachers and students alike.

Editorial Reviews

"In my opinion, a skilled accompanist can be one of the greatest assets to a ballet teacher and their students. There are many layers of knowledge necessary to facilitate success in the classroom, and I find that this book touches on them all in great detail. I believe that it is a must-read for pianists interested in playing for ballet class, as well as informative for both teachers and students alike."—Allen Peiffer, Professional Placement Manager, Faculty, School of American Ballet; Former Dancer, New York City Ballet

"The Art of Ballet Accompaniment is a no-nonsense, well-written must-read for dance teachers and musicians alike. Dance teachers, accompanists, and dancers will benefit from adopting Gerald Lishka's easy-to-follow suggestions to hone their craft."—Patrick Corbin, MFA, Associate Professor of Practice, USC–Glorya Kaufman School of Dance; Artistic Director, CorbinDances; Former Dancer, Joffrey Ballet, The Paul Taylor Dance Company

From the Publisher

The Art of Ballet Accompaniment is a no-nonsense, well-written must-read for dance teachers and musicians alike. Dance teachers, accompanists, and dancers will benefit from adopting Gerald Lishka's easy-to-follow suggestions to hone their craft.

Patrick Corbin