2022-2023 Academic Catalog

Offered in: Chicago

The MM in Collaborative Piano will be offered beginning in the Fall 2023 semester.

The goal of the Collaborative Piano Program is to prepare the student for a collaborative career with emphasis in vocal or instrumental specialization, depending on the individual’s interest. 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 3 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. Jury and recital requirements are published in the Music Conservatory Student Handbook.

Admission Requirements

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.

Please consult the CCPA Admission and Audition Information web page for audition requirements for collaborative pianists.

Grade Requirements

The minimum passing grade in the collaborative major lessons (PIA 415-418), PERF 451 MASTER OF MUSIC JURY, the secondary solo lessons (PIA 411-414), PIA 405 and 406 Studio Accompanying, PERF 461 and PERF 462 Collaborative Seminars, and in PERF 428 GRADUATE RECITAL), is B-.

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Music academic electives will include at least one MAS (Music Academic Studies) course. Other 400-level courses from subject areas MCMP (Music Composition), MTA (Music Theory and Analysis), and MUHL (Music History and Literature) may be taken in fulfillment of this requirement.

Your degree map is a general guide suggesting courses to complete each term on the academic pathway to your degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information from your academic program. Your program’s degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change (although you retain the same course requirements as long as you are continuously enrolled in your degree program).

Always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan can look slightly different.

Your degree map is a general guide suggesting courses to complete each term on the academic pathway to your degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information from your academic program. Your program’s degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change (although you retain the same course requirements as long as you are continuously enrolled in your degree program).

Always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan can look slightly different.