FAQs

Last updated on 15 February 2009 at 11:06 AM

Why did you make this site?

A couple of reasons. First, to take my mind off the tedium that is my job (external audit), I decided to start a side project. Second, as someone who's performed as a singer and accompanied singers, I know how hard it is to find a good accompanist, so I thought that I could record some piano instrumental backing tracks for those who want to learn songs, practise at home or perform but can't play or don't know anyone who can play piano. And lastly, because I've had a look at the other websites offering instrumental tracks and noticed they make you jump through a lot of hoops before you can download anything and/or make you pay through your nose (and you can't even be sure if it's any good!). (back to top)

What's the catch?

There's no catch really! All the instrumental tracks are free for you to download and released under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Australia License. (back to top)

How do you record the songs?

I first started out armed only with a Plantronics .Audio 450 Audio 450 Ultimate Performance On-The-Go Headset, my Kawaii upright piano and Audacity. In June 2009, I bought a Casio CDP 200R and started recording .midi files, converting them to .mp3 before editing them in Audacity and normalising with MP3Gain. (back to top)

I really, really want [this song] from [this musical]. Can you post it please?

Sure. If you're lucky and I already have the sheet music and some spare time coming up, I may get around to posting it some time in the future. But due to the fact I have limited time and money, I can't possibly post everything. After all, I'm just a girl with a piano. However, if you really, really, REALLY want me a particular piece, feel free to contact me and we can work something out. (back to top)

Do you charge for commissioning a piece / accompanying?

It depends. For example, if you ask for something I have music to, already played before, you don't need it in a hurry and where it's just a matter of me sitting down to record it, no. On the other hand, if you ask for something I don't have music to, is a difficult piece and/or a complex arrangement that I need to invest time to practise and you need it by a certain time, yes.

All I need is a copy of the sheet music (or if you don't have it, reimbursement for buying the sheet music) and a small token fee for practise time (sliding scale which is affected by the length and difficulty of the piece). For accompaniment, as standard practice with all other accompanists, there'll be a base fee for learning the piece/sheet music, plus an hourly rate for each rehearsal with you and the performance itself. (back to top)

What happens after I commission a piece from you?

You'll get the .mp3 file provided directly to you. I get to keep the sheet music. I'll also upload and make available the .mp3 file on this site for others to enjoy and link to you as the sponsor/commissioner of the work. The work will still be released under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Australia License. (back to top)

I want to perform [this piece] but with a live accompanist, not a recording. Can you help me out?

Sure, if it fits into my schedule and workload. Get in touch with me and we can work something out. (back to top)

What are your qualifications?

I've played piano since I was 4 years old, began lessons at 6 and won my first piano eisteddfod in the "9 years and under" division at the age of 7. I was awarded my Licentiate of Music in Performance on Piano with Distinction (L.Mus.A) at the age of 16 in 2002 and achieved top results (Band 6) in both Music 2 and Music Extension in the HSC. I've been performing as a group and solo vocalist in choir, chamber choir and school musicals since high school, as well as performing in, accompanying in and organising local community concerts. I recently came back from a semester of exchange at New York University, where I took a course in "Musical Theatre Writing Workshop" and performed in "A Night of Disney Music". But really, that's all bits of paper and words. The thing that speaks the most eloquently is my playing. (back to top)

How is this site funded?

This site is mainly funded from my own pocket. I do participate in affiliate programs with MusicNotes.com and Amazon.com. If you would like to help out, why not commission a song or ask me to accompany someone? PayPal donations are also welcome. (back to top)