2021-2022 Academic Catalog

Offered in: Chicago

The goals of the Piano Program are to prepare the student for the many facets of a diverse performance career (soloist, collaborative pianist, and chamber musician) and to provide the student with the musical skills and pedagogical background to become a productive teacher.

The undergraduate program's objectives are to:

• acquaint the student with the vast literature for the piano through study and performance of a cross-section of standard repertory encompassing all stylistic periods; systematically develop technical facility;
• develop the student's collaborative and practical skills progressively;
• develop musicianship skills, analytic abilities, and knowledge of musical style;
• introduce principles and methods of piano teaching of children and young adults, from beginning to early advanced levels;
• support the music curriculum with an array of general studies coursework.

Development of repertory and technique is assessed every semester at juries and at the recitals given in the junior and senior years. Jury and recital requirements are published in the Music Conservatory Handbook (Academic Supplement).

Admission requirements

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

Grade requirements

C- is the minimum passing grade in PIA 211 PIANO (MAJOR),PIA 212 PIANO (MAJOR), and PIA 213 PIANO (MAJOR) and the related jury exams. At the completion of the second year, the student must receive a minimum grade of B- in PIA 214 PIANO (MAJOR) and PERF 262 SOPHOMORE JURY to be admitted to the upper division. In the upper division (PIA 311 PIANO (MAJOR)-PIA 314 PIANO (MAJOR), PERF 361 JUNIOR JURY, PERF 313 JUNIOR RECITAL, PERF 362 SENIOR JURY, and PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL), grades of B- or higher are required in all courses.

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.