Period of the EOA module in 2025-2026:
ERASMUS students (SMS) may choose mobility within one semester (or both)
- Winter Semester: 01 October 2025 – 2nd week of February 2026
- Spring Semester: 3rd week of February 2026 – 30 June 2026
Content:
This module guides the student to master the complex and challenging art of 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), rehearsals, and concerts as a piano accompanist.
Lessons will be held in Italian and English.
ERASMUS students have to choose other courses from those annually proposed by the Conservatory to reach the total number of required credits.
The 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 exceptional musical interest within the Conservatory (Musical Section of Libreria Palatina, Boito’s Studio, and Toscanini’s Studio) or the immediately nearby 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).
Names of the professors of this module:
- Nicola Mottaran (Coordinator of Piano accompaniment) Riccardo Mascia (Erasmus Coordinator)
- Teaching staff (Piano Accompaniment Teachers) from the Conservatory’s Singing and Music Theatre Department.
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
max 2
Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module
- ca 60 ho of total teaching 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: 30 April 2025
- 2nd deadline: 15 October 2025
Date for expected answers:
- 1st deadline: 30 June 2025
- 2nd deadline: 15 December 2025
