Piano accompanists at the National Conservatories of Music and Dance of Paris (CNSMDP) and Lyon (CNSMDL) began strike action on February 12, 2025, demanding better pay and the removal of a €1,650 monthly wage cap.
Since then, colleagues from both institutions and beyond have joined the protests, expressing support for the accompanists’ call for fairer compensation, citing that the pay does not match the level of work and expertise required.
The staff of both schools have also been waiting since 2009 for a ministerial decree that would set clear guidelines for their recruitment and pay conditions, as outlined by the striking artists.
Represented by the SAMUP union, which signed their strike notice, the accompanists argue that their salaries fail to reflect the qualifications and experience needed for their roles in higher music education.
As reported by Diapason, more than 1,000 artists have rallied behind the accompanists’ “legitimate” requests for fairer pay, urging the schools to reassess their compensation structures. Many music professors also joined the strike in solidarity.
Prominent petitioners in support of the cause include Alain Altinoglu, Raphaël Pichon, Tugan Sokhiev, Natalie Dessay, Sabine Devieilhe, Julie Fuchs, Patricia Petibon, Ludovic Tézier, Pascal Dusapin, Thierry Escaich, Tedi Papavrami, Nemanja Radulovic, and Katia and Marielle Labèque.
“We would like to emphasize that their artistic, educational, and human expertise is indispensable to our entire profession,” the petitioners stated in Diapason. “It can no longer be so undervalued and underappreciated.”
They continued, “Regularizing this situation, which has raised serious questions due to the Ministry of Culture’s inaction since 2009, must be a priority. These artists are left in a state of unacceptable precariousness and a shocking lack of recognition.”
A fundraiser to support the striking accompanists has raised nearly €5,000 through over 90 donations. On March 3, 2025, another rally will be held outside the Paris Conservatoire.
Negotiations with the French Ministry of Culture have been ongoing since late 2024. Currently, CNSMD leaders believe significant progress has been made regarding accompanists’ pay and status.
On February 15, the school’s management announced that exams would proceed without piano accompaniment until February 19 “to ensure fairness between candidates.”
“The [Paris] Conservatoire emphasizes the essential role of accompanists in music and dance,” the school stated alongside the announcement. “This difficult decision was necessary under the circumstances.”
“The Conservatoire remains engaged with the concerns raised by this movement, which is regularly discussed with the involved parties,” CNSMDP added. “We are fully aware of the issues affecting accompanists and are closely monitoring ongoing negotiations with the Ministry of Culture.”
In response, the jury members for the CNSMDP’s entrance exams issued a statement expressing their support for the accompanists.
“We wish to express our complete and unanimous solidarity with the just mobilization of our fellow accompanist pianists,” the jury wrote. “Experiencing the current exams without a piano has shown us what a conservatory would be like without an accompanist.”
They continued, “We understand the Conservatory’s decision to maintain the competition schedule while providing fair testing conditions for candidates. However, we believe it’s unfeasible for the remaining exams to proceed without the necessary support of accompanists. We hope the ongoing negotiations are resolved quickly so the remaining tests can be held with pianists who are recognized for their talent and crucial role in helping candidates express their passion for music and dance.”
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