1. An outstanding pianist who plays orchestrally – with absolute confidence, varying colors, clear voicing, full, rich tone and supportive quality – a technique so solid that their total focus is on you and the music you make together
2. A genuine connection with you and your artistry – phrasing, interpretative choices, a constant awareness and the confidence and flexibility to move and shift with you while you are rehearsing and especially when you are performing
3. A true collaborator – someone who works along imaginatively with you to create that magical atmosphere, mood and dramatic situation – someone totally respectful of your vocal strengths and artistic choices – who willingly contributes and always supports your creativity – completely connected with you – a mind reader, if you will . . .
4. NO AGENDA! – nothing whatsoever to prove – confident and comfortable with themselves and their own artistry – neither "needy" nor manipulative – never in any way defensive - ALWAYS POSITIVE & SUPPORTIVE!
5. Their playing style should be authoritative and confident – never overbearing or overly flamboyant so as to draw attention away from you and to themselves
6. Their physical appearance and attire both on and off the stage should compliment your own – they should never draw attention to themselves as a result of bad taste, overstatement, outright tackiness or simply unfortunate or sloppy grooming
7. A thorough knowledge of vocal repertoire (recital, concert and operatic), strong languages, unerring sense of style and performance practices
8. Willingness to participate, cooperate and be a positive and contributing part of your support "team" of advisors - your "board of directors" as it were – along with your significant other, management, voice teacher, repertoire coach, etc.
9. Deport themselves in all situations as a true lady or gentleman, always polite (to you and to others), intelligent, well spoken and comfortable in any social situation - always discrete and respectful of your privacy and any confidences with which you may have trusted them
10. No divas or divos, please!
