Help! Need an accompanist for Grade 4 flute exam in Ealing next Sunday...

[RainyAfternoon]

I'm feeling a bit silly as I booked a flute exam for my daughter and have only just found out I need to organise an accompanist. I've called the exam board (trinity) but they say I have to organise myself.

I have no idea where to start other than google. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thank you!!

Who teaches her? Won't they recommend someone? She'll need a couple of practises with the accompanist as well....

No, I'm feeling slightly grumpy about this. Our county is only arranging exams on three days this term which she couldn't make due to compulsory work experience. I think if she had done that then an accompanist would have been provided.
Her teacher suggested I booked an exam independently to suit, as my daughter is way overdue to take a grade due to Covid. But didn't mention an accompanist. I am not familiar with music exams so just booked the slot. I could only find one miles away as well, so we have to travel and the teacher won't know anyone there.
So I'm on my own trying to solve this. We might just have to cancel the exam and try again in September...

Is there an Ealing Facebook page you could ask on? Or contact a London music college who might have students who could help?

Local music service (local to the exam venue; if such a thing exists). Our local music service has a list of accompanists you can contact. If the exam venue is linked to some sort of music hub, you can also contact them to ask who they use.

Her teacher will almost certainly have some contacts though. Even if not attached to the borough music service. My dd's teacher was involved with all sorts of groups as a hobby and had a good range of personal contacts through those groups she could draw from.

Thanks I will ask her again.

If all fails don’t worry, it’s not essential to sit every grade and she could always skip to grade 5 next time.

Try a local (to the exam venue) church - if they have an organist they will be linked in to local music making and may well know someone.

OP - unlikely but I may be able to help.
What time is the exam on Sunday 26th?

If @Grumpyoldpersonwithcats can't help DM me and I'll see if DD or one of her music college mates can do it.

If none of the PPs can help, try an online search for piano teachers in the area where the exam is being held. Some freelance teachers will be willing to be accompanists.

I would give Ritz Music in Richmond a call. They are brilliant at solving this sort of thing and close enough to Ealing.

Hi OP, I’ve sent you a PM.

OP I'm on the ealing and Northfields friends Facebook group (ex ealing resident) let me know if you'd like me to post on there for you?

@BobDear that was a great recommendation. I got a great guy through Ritz music in the end and my daughter has just finished her exam. Thank you all for all the advice.

Oh I am so pleased. They are great at Ritz