I have paid anywhere from $25 to $100 an hour for a professional accompanist. It will depend on the accompanist and how difficult the music is. Remember all the time they have to spend learning the music before they make a tape for you. If you can find someone who has played the show before they might give a break. I have had student accompanist work for almost nothing to get the experience, and then they add the show to their resume. In a pinch when I have needed a professional to fill in for a regular accompanist: rehearsal quality was  $50 show was quality $100. This was when I hired someone who accompanies for a living. Most of the time I work with a brilliant accompanist who works for what I do: gas money.

Linda