Leamington Spa Piano Teacher – Michael Barker

I’m a proficient and experienced accompanist working with musicians across a wide range of genres.

I play for Classical recitals, as an opera / musicals repetiteur, as an accompanist for ABRSM and Trinity exams, as a jazz pianist / accompanist for soloists and choirs and occasionally as a recording session artist. I’m equally comfortable playing recital performances, weddings and other ceremonies, accompanying jazz singers or as part of chamber music ensembles.

“Michael is a very sensitive accompanist – he gives you the scope to express yourself freely in terms of dynamics and phrasing, truly partnering with the soloist rather than leading – a rare talent in a pianist!”

Tom M – cellist, London

“I can thoroughly recommend Mike as accompanist and fellow musician.

He brings a sensitivity to accompanying the voice together with a wide and rich musical understanding.  He is a joy to work with.”

Jo de Waal – soprano, Oxford

“Michael is a highly skilled musician who is at home accompanying diverse vocal repertoire ranging from French melodies to verismo opera arias.”

Sarah Doughty – soprano, Rugby

“with his remarkable gifts as an accompanist, Mike supports you on a thrilling journey to discover your inner musician”

Jane Farrington – cellist, Leamington

Exam accompaniment includes:

Notes about exams:

• Rehearsals in my studio.
• Students MUST provide the original piano part in advance.  For copyright reasons this should not be a photocopy.

Non-exam accompaniment:

I accompany adults and children in non-exam contexts too, including for public and private performances, for weddings, for recording sessions, and of course simply for the pleasure of making live music.

For most repertoire I include my own practise and preparation time within the standard fee, although there is an additional charge for any unusually demanding piano parts which require significant preparation time (this is quite unusual and I will always advise if this is the case in advance).