PAR 4. Piano Accompaniment and Opera Coaching (pianists, training)

Period of the EOA module in 2024-2025:

ERASMUS students (STT) may choose a mobility of minimum 3 – maximum 6 months during the academic year 2024-2025

Content:

This module offers an entirely specific traineeship for piano accompaniment of voice and opera scenes, designed for pianists who consider a future in the world of opera by adding to their curriculum a first work experience in this various and challenging environment. Trainees will accompany singers on the piano in different settings:

  • singing lessons,
  • scenic interpretation lessons,
  • staging
  • preparation for exams and concerts and during public performances. This always under supervision of a tutor.

The goal is to improve the knowledge of opera repertoire and to practice the specific skills requested.

The trainee will receive weekly tasks from the coordinator of piano accompaniment.

A module for professional pianists who wish to broaden their knowledge of the operatic repertoire in compliance with all the specific attitudes. With a full immersion into Italian opera together with the opportunity to develop the best practice in Italian language applied to opera. To exercise, develop and improve their skills as a pianist in accompanying different voice parts.

Specialty of this module in comparison with other courses in Europe

A full immersion into Italian opera together with the opportunity to develop the best practice in Italian language applied to opera. Choice of repertoire (title and characters) according to student’s needs. Exchange and collaboration with other students of the Conservatory (from all over the world) working on the same repertoire.

A unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the rich operatic music culture of the territory, attending places of unique musical interest, within the Conservatory (Musical Section of Libreria Palatina, Boito’s Studio and Toscanini’s Studio) or the nearby of it (the Library of the Istituto Nazionale di Studi Verdiani, the Museo dell’Opera, the Casa della Musica etc).

Names of the professors of this module:

  • Nicola Mottaran (Coordinator of Piano accompaniment) Fabio Ferrucci (Tutor)
  • Teaching staff  (Piano Accompaniment Teachers)  from the Singing and Music Theatre Department of the Conservatory.

Possible extras in addition to this module:

Upon request a little tour of the main “music treasures” of Verdi’s land: the birthplace of Verdi and Villa Sant’Agata, the Toscanini Museum, the world-renowned Teatro Regio, the beautiful Teatro Farnese (17th century), the Casa del Suono, etc. Opportunity to join Italian Course level A2+B1 in the first semester or English Course level B1 or B2 in second semester. October is the month of the Parma Verdi Festival. Facilities are offered to enrolled students who want to experience a show at the Teatro Regio and/or other planned locations.

Minimum and maximum number of EOA students

1-5 (no max limit)

Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module

  • Semester 200 hours (about 10 hours per week)

Number of ECTS within master accreditation

Depending on the effective number of hours.

Entrance examination:

Online examination through the Application, that needs to include

  • CV
  • Repertoire
  • Videos
  • Motivational letter (optional)

Final examination:

30-minute performance in piano accompaniment of voice (and/or opera scenes).

Teaching language/Required level of language

Italian (min A2 to be improved) and English (B2)

Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included/excluded in this price

Erasmus students (SMS) only. No extra fees.

Deadline for applications:

  • 1st deadline: 30 April 2024
  • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2025

Date for expected answers:

  • 1st deadline: 30 June 2024
  • 2nd deadline: 15 December 2025

PAR 3. Piano Accompaniment in Opera (Pianists, Traineeship for pianists)

Period of the EOA module in 2024 – 2025:

ERASMUS students (STT) may choose mobility within one or two semesters in 2024-2025: 

  • Winter Semester: 1 October 2024 – 2nd week of February 2025
  • Spring Semester: 3rd week of February 2025 – 30 June 2025

Content:

This module guides the student to master the complex and difficult art of the piano accompaniment in opera.

  • Performance practice and repertoire (individual lessons, on specific operas according to student’s needs and choices, main opera repertoire, analysis, study and practice on chosen opera scores, different (vocal) accompaniment techniques according to different music styles)
  • Répétiteur and coach techniques (theoretical and practical lessons on the basso continuo, as a stage-rehearsal accompanist, how to play under direction)
  • Specialized practice (vocal repertoire: chamber music and opera scores)
  • Score playing (reading piano- and orchestra opera scores)
  • Little practical internship in Singing lessons and Scenic Art lessons (different needs, different skills)
  • Possible participation in Masterclass(es), essays and concerts as a piano accompanist.

Classes will be held in Italian and English.

ERASMUS students might have to choose other courses among those annually proposed by the Conservatory, to reach the total number of required credits.

Specialty of this module in comparison with other courses in Europe

This module represents a perfect opportunity to get to know and experience the tools to become an Opera accompanist, in a welcoming atmosphere of exchange and collaboration with the other students of the Conservatory, from all over the world.

A unique chance to fully immerse themselves in the rich operatic music culture of the territory, attending places of unique musical interest, within the Conservatory (Musical Section of Libreria Palatina, Boito’s Studio and Toscanini’s Studio) or in the immediate nearby of it (the Library of the Istituto Nazionale di Studi Verdiani, specialized in 19th century opera and music in general, with particular emphasis on the life and work of Giuseppe Verdi, the Museo dell’Opera, the Casa della Musica, Teatro Regio, etc).

Name(s) of the professor(s) of this module:

  • Nicola Mottaran (Coordinator of Piano accompaniment)
  • Fabio Ferrucci (Tutor)
  • Teaching staff  (Piano Accompaniment Teachers)  from the Singing and Music Theatre Department of the Conservatory.

Possible extras in addition to this module:

Upon request a little tour of the main “music treasures” of Verdi’s land: the birthplace of Verdi and Villa Sant’Agata, the Toscanini Museum, the worldrenowned Teatro Regio, the beautiful Teatro Farnese (17th century), the Casa del Suono, etc. Opportunity to join Italian Course lev. A2+B1 in the first semester or English Course level B1 or B2 in second semester. October is the month of the Parma Verdi Festival. Facilities are offered to enrolled students who want to experience a show at the Teatro Regio and/or other planned locations.

Minimum and maximum number of EOA students

2 piano students

Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module

  • 60 teaching hours per semester

Number of ECTS within master accreditation

Min 24 ECTS/semester (but possibly increasing according to the Learning Agreement)

Entrance examination:

Online examination through the Application, which needs to include

  • CV
  • Repertoire
  • Videos
  • Motivational letter (optional)

Final examination:

30-minute performance in piano accompaniment of voice (and/or opera scenes) 

Teaching language/Required level of language

Italian (min A2 to be improved) and English (B2)

Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included/excluded in this price

Erasmus students (SMS) only. No extra fees.

Deadline for applications:

  • 1st deadline: 08 May 2024
  • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2024

Date for expected answers:

  • 1st deadline: 30 June 2024
  • 2nd deadline: 15 December 2024

PAR 2. Opera buffa in the 18th Century (singers)

Period of the EOA module in 2024-2025:

ERASMUS students (SMS and STT) may choose a mobility within one semester (or both)

  • Winter Semester: 1 October 2024 – 2nd week of February 2025
  • Spring Semester: 3rd week of February 2025- 30 of June 2025

Description of the EOA Module

This module guides the student through a path of vocal and scenic interpretation of one or more scenes from eighteenth-century Opera Buffa’s repertoire: Pergolesi, Cimarosa, Paisiello or Rossini (preferably his “Farces in one act”)

  • Analysis, study and full understanding of the libretto(s) and character(s) chosen. 
  • Vocal technique and style coaching in Opera Buffa repertoire. 
  • Advanced Italian pronunciation and diction classes. 
  • Specific lessons on Recitativo. 
  • Individual coaching and group work: vocal and score lessons and group work on Scenic Art (Training of the actor’s body, physical and gestural laboratory). 
  • Preparation for final exam and concert(s).

Classes will be held in Italian and English.

ERASMUS students have to choose other courses (e.g. Opera History, Poetic and Dramatic Literature, etc.) among those annually proposed by the Conservatory, to reach the total number of required credits.

Special attention will be given to the study of proper Italian diction and pronunciation with native Italian teachers, in building the chosen Opera Buffa character (both scenic and vocal) with full linguistic and stylistic background. Special focus on Recitativo.

Kind of voice and role

All kind of voices suited for Opera Buffa repertoire.

Specialty of this module in comparison with other courses in Europe

A full immersion into Italian opera together with the opportunity to develop the best practice in Italian language applied to opera. Choice of repertoire (title and characters) according to student’s needs. Exchange and collaboration with other students of the Conservatory (from all over the world) working on the same repertoire.

 A unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the rich operatic music culture of the territory, attending places of unique musical interest, within the Conservatory (Musical Section of Libreria Palatina, Boito’s Studio and Toscanini’s Studio) or in the immediate nearby of it (the Library of the Istituto Nazionale di Studi Verdiani, the Museo dell’Opera, the Casa della Musica etc).

Possible extras in addition to this module:

Upon request a little tour of the main “music treasures” of Verdi’s land: the birthplace of Verdi and Villa Sant’Agata, the Toscanini Museum, the worldrenowned Teatro Regio, the beautiful Teatro Farnese (17th century), the Casa del Suono, etc. Opportunity to join English Course level B1 or B2 in second semester. 

Open for:

Max 5

Name(s) of the professor(s) of this module:

  • Romano Franceschetto, Lucetta Bizzi and Teaching staff (Vocal coach) from the Singing and Music Theatre Department of the Conservatory
  • Roberta Faroldi (diction and actor’s work)
  • Riccardo Mascia (Recitativo coach, Score and Repertoire)
  • Claudia Rondelli, Roberta Ropa, Laura Soracco, Luca Sabatino (Score and Repertoire)

Description of final examination:

Performance    of    an    operatic    full    Opera Buffa   scene    in    front    of    a    jury.    The examination may coincide with a public concert.

Number of teaching / teaching hours

60h of teaching (individual lessons + group lessons) per semester

Number of ECTS within master accreditation

Min 24 ECTS/semester (but possibly increasing according to the Learning Agreement).

Entrance examination

Online examination through the Application, that needs to include:

  • CV
  • Repertoire
  • Videos
  • Motivational letter (optional)

Teaching language/Required level of language

Italian (min A2 to be improved) and English (B2).

Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included/excluded in this price

Erasmus students (SMS) only. No extra fees.

Deadline for applications

  • 1st deadline: 30 April 2024
  • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2024

Date for expected answers

  • 1st deadline: 30 June 2024
  • 2nd deadline: 15 December 2024

PAR 1. Giuseppe Verdi: Vocal and Acting interpretation in Verdi’s operas

Period of the EOA module in 2024-2025

ERASMUS students (SMS and STT) may choose a mobility within one semester (or both)

  • Winter Semester: 1 October 2024 – 2nd week of February 2025
  • Spring Semester: 3rd week of February 2024- 30 of June 2025

Description

This module guides the student through a path of vocal and scenic interpretation of one or more scenes from Verdi’s operas. They are planned as follows:

  • Analysis, study and full understanding of Verdi’s libretto(s) and character(s) chosen.
  • Vocal technique and style coaching in Verdi’s repertoire.
  • Advanced Italian pronunciation and diction classes.
  • Individual coaching and group work: vocal and score lessons, and group work on Scenic Art (Training of the actor’s body, physical and gestural laboratory).
  • Preparation for final exam and concert(s). Classes will be held in Italian and English.

ERASMUS SMS students have to choose other courses (e.g. Poetry for music and dramaturgy, Opera History etc.) among those annually proposed by the Conservatory, to reach the total number of required credits and complete the Learning Agreement.

Specialty of this module in comparison with other courses in Europe

Special attention will be given to the study of proper Italian diction and pronunciation with native Italian teachers, in building the chosen Verdi’s character (both scenic and vocal) with full linguistic and stylistic background. Choice of repertoire according to student’s needs. Possible exchange and collaboration with other students of the Conservatory working on the same repertoire. A unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the rich operatic music culture of the territory, attending places of unique musical interest, within the Conservatory (Musical Section of Libreria Palatina, Boito’s Studio and Toscanini’s Studio) or in the immediate nearby of it (the Library of the Istituto Nazionale di Studi Verdiani, specialized in 19th-century opera and music in general, with particular emphasis on the life and work of Giuseppe Verdi, the Museo dell’Opera, the Casa della Musica etc.).

Kind of voice and role

All kind of roles, suited to Verdi repertoire

Name(s) of the professor(s) of this module:

  • Donatella Saccardi, Lucetta Bizzi, Claudia Marchi and Teaching staff (Vocal coach) from the Singing and Music Theatre Department of the Conservatory 
  • Roberta Faroldi (diction and actor’s work)
  • Claudia Rondelli, Roberta Ropa, Laura Soracco, Luca Sabatino (Score and Repertoire).

    Possible extras in addition to this module:

    Upon request a little tour of the main “music treasures” of Verdi’s land: the birthplace of Verdi and Villa Sant’Agata, the Toscanini Museum, the world renowned Teatro Regio, the beautiful Teatro Farnese (17th century), the Casa del Suono, etc. Opportunity to join Italian Course level A2+B1 in the first semester or English Course level B1 or B2 in second semester. October is the month of the Parma Verdi Festival. Facilities are offered to enrolled students who want to experience a show at the Teatro Regio and/or other planned locations.

    Open for:

    Max 2

    Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module

    60 hours of teaching (individual lessons + group lessons) per semester

    Number of ECTS within master accreditation: depending to the effective number of hours done

    Entrance examination:

    Online examination through the Application, that needs to include:

    • CV
    • Repertoire
    • Videos: AT LEAST ONE VERDI!
    • Motivational letter (optional)

    Description of final examination:

    Performance    of    an    operatic    full    Verdi    scene in front    of    a    jury.    The examination may coincide with a public concert.

    Teaching language/Required level of language

    Italian (min A2 to be improved) and English (B2).

    Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included/excluded in this price

    Erasmus students (STT) only. No extra fees.

    Deadline for applications:

    • 1st deadline: 30 April 2024
    • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2024 

    Date for expected answers:

    • 1st deadline: 30 June 2024
    • 2nd deadline: 15 December 2024