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
Module Code : PAR 3
Institution : Parma
Dates : Autumn Semester: 01 October 2024 – 2nd week of February 2025 OR Spring Semester: 3rd week of February 2024 – 30 June 2024
Student : Pianist
Language : Italian / English
Activity : Training/ Opera Coaching
Module Type : Professional training