Ever wonder if there’s more to being an accompanist than meets the eye (or rather, ear)? That’s one reason Sarah Troxler prefers the term “collaborative pianist,” a true partner with the other performers she works with to get the final product right. In this episode, we unearth the various layers of being a music director and collaborator, and really, any kind of artist.

Here’s what we talked about:

• Where her love for collaboration in the community began
• Learning by observing and doing
• What it means to be a collaborator
• How to see the many layers behind the “big picture”
• The importance of preparation and not taking your skills for granted
• Taking care of yourself and rediscovering what you love