Offered in: Chicago

The Collaborative Piano program prepares pianists for professional careers with specialization in either vocal or instrumental collaboration. The vocal specialization develops in-depth understanding of the linguistic and stylistic foundations of art song and operatic repertoire within an immersive performance environment. The instrumental specialization focuses on chamber music and the instrumental sonata repertoire.

The program’s objectives are to:

• Develop and refine technical and musical abilities through the study and performance of a broad range of collaborative and solo piano repertoire.

• Cultivate the artistic sensibilities and communication skills essential for effective musical collaboration.

• Provide sustained collaborative experiences in both studio and performance settings.

• Offer opportunities to explore advanced topics and specialized repertoire through focused coursework.

Four semesters of applied study include specialized collaborative instruction along with a smaller component of solo study, recognizing that collaborative pianists must also maintain strong solo performance skills. Students are assigned vocal or instrumental accompanying responsibilities by the Program Director of Piano for up to 10 hours per week, providing regular opportunities to apply and strengthen their collaborative skills within their chosen specialization.

Two recitals are required, typically in the second and fourth semesters of the program. Each recital must be 60 minutes in length and represent at least three stylistic periods, selected in consultation with the applied instructor. A maximum of 15 minutes may consist of solo repertoire. The primary component of each recital must include at least 45 minutes of music within the chosen specialization, performed with vocal or instrumental partners secured by the student and demonstrating the pianist’s collaborative abilities.

Applicants to the Master of Music in Collaborative Piano must audition with a combination of solo and collaborative repertoire appropriate to their intended specialization, as determined by the CCPA piano faculty. Sight-reading and both vocal and instrumental collaboration are included as part of the audition process.

For additional information, please visit the program’s dedicated webpage, and consult the CCPA Admission and Audition Information page for detailed audition requirements. All jury and recital repertoire requirements are listed on the Requirements tab within the academic catalog.

program requirements

Grade Requirements

• Applied Lessons: B- is the minimum passing grade for PIA 415 PIANO (COLLAB)
• Recitals: B- is the minimum passing grade for each PERF 428 GRADUATE RECITAL
• Studio Accompanying: B- is the minimum passing grade for studio accompanying PIA 405 VOCAL STUDIO ACCOMPANYING and PIA 406 PIANO (MINOR)

CCPA Graduate Degrees and Diplomas

Roosevelt University Graduate Degrees

No more than two grades lower than B- may be applied to master’s degrees. The grades of D+, D, D-, or F cannot be counted toward any graduate degree program. Additionally, graduate courses that are a part of a degree program may not be eligible for Pass/Fail grading.

Course Requirements - Vocal Specialization

Course Requirements - Instrumental Specialization 

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Ensemble participation is a defining element of conservatory training and reflects the collaborative practices of professional musicians. Students in the Interdisciplinary Conservatory are expected to participate each semester in any ensembles to which they are assigned by the relevant instructor-of-record, in consultation with the Program Director and Academic Advisor. Students enrolled in ensembles as zero-credit participants (by assignment or with special permission) receive a grade and are expected to complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Students enrolled in ensembles as zero-credit participants (by assignment or with special permission) receive a grade and are expected to complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Ensemble assignments are made at the beginning of each semester following placement and seating auditions.

This degree map outlines a suggested pathway through the required coursework for the program. Students are responsible for understanding all curricular requirements and course schedules. While alternative pathways may be possible, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisor when planning any variation in order to ensure a degree plan that meets program requirements and aligns with their individual goals.

This degree map outlines a suggested pathway through the required coursework for the program. Students are responsible for understanding all curricular requirements and course schedules. While alternative pathways may be possible, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisor when planning any variation in order to ensure a degree plan that meets program requirements and aligns with their individual goals.