Recently I read Every Brain Needs Music, and I loved this definition of the role of an “accompanist.” In church, I view this person frequently as the one on the keys, and in my own guitar playing, it’s the role I am most comfortable with compared to that of lead guitar….one of support, alongside those who lead in a choir, band, or musical performance. I often find myself in a similar role professionally, accompanying my colleagues and school leaders. And I strive to be this type of presence at home, too, for Brigid and our teenagers.

Enjoy these quotes along with a beautiful rendition of a Smashing Pumpkins song performed by Olivia Rodrigo with the band at their recent Lollapalooza show. Note how lead singer and guitarist Billy Corgan plays the accompanist role in his support of Olivia, it’s beautiful. Blessings on your week ahead!

“An accompanist doesn’t play every instrument in the orchestra. They stay present, listen carefully, and contribute their own part without trying to become the whole performance.” –Every Brain Needs Music

“In normal life, when you’re accompanying someone, you’re signing on to another person’s plan. We’re most familiar with the concept of accompaniment in the world of music. The pianist accompanies the singer. They are partners, making something together, but the accompanist is in the supportive role, subtly working to embellish the beauty of the song and help the singer shine. The accompanist is sensitive to what the singer is doing, begins to get a feel for the experience she is trying to create.”

-David Brooks, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen