Offered in: Chicago

The goal of the Collaborative Piano Program is to prepare the student for a collaborative career with emphasis in vocal or instrumental specialization. The vocal specialization engenders in-depth comprehension of the linguistic underpinnings of art song literature within an immersive performance environment. The instrumental specialization’s focus is the chamber music and instrumental sonata repertory.

The program's objectives are to:

• Develop and refine technical and musical abilities through the study and performance of a broad range of collaborative as well as solo piano repertory;
• Develop collaboration skills and sensibilities;
• Provide ongoing collaborative experiences in both studio and performance settings;
• Provide opportunities to investigate topics and repertories in advanced coursework.

The four semesters of applied study are directed toward both specialized collaborative lessons and a smaller component of solo developmental lessons, recognizing that collaborative situations often also require pianists to audition and perform as soloists. Students will also be assigned to vocal or instrumental accompanying duties by the Director of Piano for a maximum of 10 hours per week, providing a platform for consistent growth and strategic application of acquired skills within the specialization.

Two recitals are required, in the second and fourth semesters of the program. Each recital must be 60 minutes in length, and must encompass at least three stylistic periods chosen in consultation with the applied instructor. A maximum of 15 minutes may consist of solo repertory. The primary component of the program will include a minimum of 45 minutes of music within the chosen specialization, performed with vocal or instrumental ensemble partners secured by the student, which demonstrates the student's acquired collaborative skills.

Applicants to the M.M. in Collaborative Piano must audition with a combination of solo and collaborative repertoire appropriate to the area of specialization they seek, as determined by the CCPA piano faculty. Sightreading and vocal and instrumental collaboration are required during the audition.

To learn more about the program, please visit the program's dedicated webpage, and please consult the CCPA Admission and Audition Information web page for audition requirements.

All jury and recital repertoire requirements are listed on the Requirements tab within the academic catalogue.

Course Requirements - Vocal Specialization

Course Requirements - Instrumental Specialization 

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Enrollment in ensembles is contingent upon placement and assignment. All students in the Music Conservatory are required to participate in all ensembles to which they are assigned by the Program Director of Ensembles and Ensemble Coordinators, and in consultation with the Academic Advisors. Students who are assigned or receive permission to enroll as zero-credit participants in any ensemble will receive a grade; they must complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Assignments are made at the beginning of each semester following placement and seating auditions.

Grade Thresholds

Applied Lessons
B- is the minimum passing grade for collaborative major lessons PIA 415 PIANO (MAJOR)
as well as for secondary solo lessons PIA 401 PIANO (MINOR).

Recitals
B- is the minimum passing grade for each PERF 428 GRADUATE RECITAL.

Juries
B- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 451 MASTER OF MUSIC JURY.

Studio Accompanying
B- is the minimum passing grade for studio accompanying PIA 405 VOCAL STUDIO ACCOMPANYING and PIA 406 PIANO (MINOR).

This degree map charts a suggested pathway through all of your required courses. It is incumbent upon all students to fully comprehend curricular requirements and course schedules, and while it is feasible to chart an alternate pathway, it is highly recommended that you do so in close consultation with your academic advisor so as to determine a degree path appropriately tailored to your needs.

A full-time graduate course load comprises 9-13 credits per semester.

This degree map charts a suggested pathway through all of your required courses. It is incumbent upon all students to fully comprehend curricular requirements and course schedules, and while it is feasible to chart an alternate pathway, it is highly recommended that you do so in close consultation with your academic advisor so as to determine a degree path appropriately tailored to your needs.

A full-time graduate course load comprises 9-13 credits per semester.