Accompanying
If you're a pianist who prefers making music with others to solo repertoire, UIUC's accompanying program will help you develop your skills in chamber music, coaching vocalists and conducting opera, or accompanying choirs. Established half a century ago, the curriculum was set by Paul Ulanowsky, who shuttled between Urbana and New York City in the 1960s to fulfill accompanying and teaching activities. Professor Emeritus John Wustman, piano partner to such singers as Luciano Pavarotti, broadened the performance and repertoire aspects of our accompanying program. In performances from a Bach Aria series in the 1970s to a cycle of all Schubert's Lieder in the 1990s, accompanying students and faculty have enriched the campus life and gained collaborative performing experience. For more than 40 years until his retirement in 2004, Professor Emeritus Eric Dalheim, long in demand as a chamber musician and vocal accompanist, guided graduate students in specialized courses and training. Now, pianist Dennis Helmrich brings to the campus a decades-long career of experience in New York and other major musical capitols as he assumes responsibilities for this important area of musical performance.