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.

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.

Reviews

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



Book Information
ISBN 9780253063342
Author Gerald R. Lishka
Format Hardback
Page Count 214
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press