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

Period of the EOA module in 2023 – 2024:

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

  • Winter Semester: 1 October 2023 – 2nd week of February 2024
  • Spring Semester: 3rd week of February 2024 – 30th June 2024

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 – max 2

Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module

60h of 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, that needs to include

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

 

Final examination:

  • 30 minutes 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 2023
  • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2023

Date for applications

  • 1st deadline: 30 June 2023
  • 2nd deadline: 15 December 2023

ANT 2. #Politically Correct?

EntARTet – Then&Now: Schreker, Zemlinsky, Berg, Korngold, Eissler, Krenek, Weill, Ullmann, Schönberg

Period(s) of the EOA module in 2023-24:

Around 18-22 March 2024 (TBC): 

  • 5 days short module of presentations and performances (TBC)
  • 1-3 months preparation of performances (personal choice between)

Description of the EOA module:

MUSIC & ART IN THE MIRROR OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS

EXPLORE – CREATE – PERFORM.

Singers, Pianists and Composers will collaborate in this module with the aim to examine, explore and question some of the impacts the notion of “political correctness” is having on the arts and artists in the past and presence.

For the National Socialists, all works of art, cultural styles and musical works that were not in harmony with their own ideal of beauty and understanding of art were considered “degenerate” and were banned, their creators persecuted. We will explore and perform the works of these „forbidden composers“, thereby honoring their legacy.

Together, we will inquire if today art itself is being pushed back within new forms of discrimination and closure instead of challenging the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in social, moral or aesthetic terms. What are the consequences for today’s artistic landscape?

In collaboration with the Composition & Research Department.

Optional repertoire: 

  • Brundibár – Opera by Hans Krása

Brundibár is a children’s opera by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krása with a libretto by Adolf Hoffmeister, made most famous by performances by the children of Theresienstadt concentration camp in occupied Czechoslovakia. The name comes from a Czech colloquialism for a bumblebee.  Written1939

  • The Passenger (opera)- Opera by Mieczysław Weinberg

It is a 1968 opera by Mieczysław Weinberg to a Russian libretto by Alexander Medvedev [Wikidata]. Medvedev’s libretto[2] is based on the 1959 Polish radio play Pasażerka z kabiny 45 (Passenger from Cabin Number 45) by concentration-camp survivor Zofia Posmysz. The opera, scheduled for the Bolshoi Theatre in 1968, was not premiered until 2006, when musicians of the Stanislavsky Theatre presented a semi-staging conducted by Wolf Gorelik in the Svetlanov Hall of the Moscow International House of Music on 25 December. Medvedev’s libretto was reworked in 2010 for the first staged performance of the opera at the Bregenzer Festspiele into German, English, Polish, Yiddish, French, Russian and Czech. It has then been performed internationally.

  • Il Viaggio Di Roberto – Un Treno verso Auschwitz by Paolo Marzocchi in 2014

Kind of voice:

All

Specialty of this module in comparison with other courses in Europe:

Unique collaboration between the vocal department, the research department, the composition department and local communities.

Transversal collaboration between the classical roles of creating – performing – reflecting 

Names of the professors of this module: 

  • Susanne Schimmack
  • Gary Jankowski
  • Michelle Losier
  • Anne Cambier
  • Sabrina Avantario
  • Aaron Wajnberg
  • Guest lecturers: TBC

Possible extras besides the module:

Students taking part in this module can request to join additional courses and projects. Please mail charlotte.saelemakers@ap.be  

Minimum and maximum number of EOA students: 

5 days: 1-3 people

1-3 months:

  • 3-4 voice students
  • 3-4 pianists
  • 2 composers

Number of ECTs: 

  • 5 days: 3 ECTs
  • 1-3 months: 6-15 ECTs

Entrance examination: 

Apply through EASY with the clear mention of  the EOA-module.

Application period is from 1 January 2023 till 1 May 2023 Please find all information here; https://www.ap-arts.be/en/education/music/register#Exchange%20students

Description of the final examination: 

Participants are evaluated based on their participation in the online offer and the live courses. The module will culminate into a final performance with the enArtete repertoire by a selection of participants.

Teaching language and Required level of language:

English B2

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

Taking part in the module is free but students need to pay for travel and accommodation themselves. They can apply for a grant at their home institution.

5 days: We can administratively support your application for a short blended mobility if your institution provides this offer.

1-3 months: regular Erasmus+ exchange grants

Deadline for applications:

  • 1st deadline: 8th of May 2023
  • 2nd deadline: 1st of September (still possible via EASY as well)

Date for expected answers: 

  • 1st deadline: 1st of June
  • 2nd deadline: 30th of September

    REY 1. CAMERATA – Building and perfecting vocal technique and performance through collaboration

    Period of the EOA module in 2023 – 2024:

    23 January – 31 March 2023

    Description of the EOA module:

    CAMERATA Baroque ensemble – Build and perfect your vocal technique and performance skills through collaboration.

    This module will consist of:

    • Collaborative music making with experts in Baroque interpretation.
    • Voice lessons with a team of voice teachers
    • Performance classes
    • Coaching
    • Lunchtime recital series managed by students

     

    Possible extras:

    • Dramatic interpretation classes (2ECTS)
    • Movement classes (2ECTS)
    • Vocal improvisation (2ECTS)
    • Music, culture and society, lectures (3ECTS
    • Icelandic for beginners (4ECTS)

    https://www.islit.is/en/art-and-culture-in-iceland/music/

    Specialty of this module in comparison with other courses in Europe:

    The collaborative learning environment that is the core of the Voice Department gives you a unique opportunity to develop your individuality as a singing artist. You will build your vocal technique and interpretive skills while working with a team of expert voice teachers who work in tandem empowering you to clarify your goals and make your own choices. A number of performance opportunities gives you valuable possibilities and practical experience in managing and leading projects. Working on baroque interpretation in an ensemble setting, making music together with skilled professionals will give hands on experience. The relatively small size of the music department makes it a very flexible learning environment and a fertile ground for initiative and creative ideas.

     

    Name of the professors of this module:

    • Hanna Dóra Sturludóttir (voice and performance)
    • Sigurður Halldórsson (music director)
    • Matthildur Anna Gísladóttir (coach, piano accompaniment)
    • Kristinn Sigmundsson (voice and performance)
    • Dísella Lárusdóttir (voice and performance)

     

    Minimum and maximum number of EOA students:

    • 1-3 singers
    • 1-4 baroque instrumentalists primarily, strings and continuo

     

    Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module:

    Up to 20 hours per week

    Number of ECTS within master accreditation

    • 20 ECTS

    Entrance examination:

    To deliver the following documents, via the application at the EOA website:

    • CV
    • Repertoire
    • Two Videos (it can be a link to YouTube or any other platform)
    • Motivation letter

    Description of the final Examination:

    • Assessment based on students journaling and self-assessment
    • Across project (50%)
    • Performance in project (50%)

    Teaching language:

    English

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

    • The module is available within an Erasmus exchangefor students at BA-level in vocal performance and for some instrumentalists.
    • Participants pay for their own accommodation and travel.

     

    Deadline for applications:

    • 1st deadline: 08 May 2023
    • 2nd deadline: 01 September 2023

     

    Date for expected answers:

    • 1st deadline: 01 June 2023
    • 2nd deadline: 15 September 2023

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

    Period of the EOA module in 2023 – 2024:

    ERASMUS students (STT) may choose mobility of a minimum 3 – maximum 6 months during the academic year 2023-2024

    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 in the immediate nearby of it (the Library of the Istituto Nazionale di Studi Verdiani, the Museo dell’Opera, the Casa della Musica 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 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 minutes 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 2023
    • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2023

     

    Date for expected answers:

    • 1st deadline: 30 June 2023
    • 2nd deadline: 15 December 2023

    MAA 2. Opera production experience: collaborative piano

    Period of the EOA module in 2023-2024:

    January – February – March 2024

    Period of production:
    • First Musical Rehearsal: 22 January 2024
    • Generals: 01 and 02 March 2024
    • Performances (and exams): 04 and 05 March 2024

    Gain hands-on experience as a repetiteur in a fully staged opera. Learn the craft under the baton of maestro Federico Santi and work closely together with the conductor and singers during the rehearsal process to gain insight into the life of an opera pianist.

    Title to be performed: 

    Hänsel und Gretel  by E. Humperdinck

    Open for:

    • 1 or 2 piano students or conducting students with a pianistic background.

    The coaching includes:

    • working with a professional conductor/director
    • a professional stage director individual vocal coaching on style, interpretation and applied technique by our vocal staff.
    • language coaching (depending on the language of the programmed opera)

    Names of the professors of this module:

    • Musical Director: Federico Santi
    • Conductor: Enrico Delamboye
    • Stage director: Barbara Haveman
    • Vocal coaches: Yvonne Schiffelers, Susanne Schimmack, Axel Everaert, Raimund Nolte

    Possible extras besides the module

    • Individual coaching, the possibility to participate in non-opera group and individual lessons as an accompanist.

    Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module

    • 20-30 hours a week of production rehearsals

    Application:

    Via the application form on the EOA website. Keep in mind that you will need to include:

    • CV
    • Motivation letter
    • Videos: 2 pieces accompanying a singer

    Final Examination:

    • The piano dress rehearsal
    • Evaluation and feedback from the musical director
    • Certificate of Participation

     

    Teaching language and the Required level of language

    English will be the primary language, so the ability to fluently communicate is necessary.

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

    Available through Erasmus, living costs are to be covered by the applicant.

    Deadline for applications

    • 1st deadline: 08 April 2023
    • 2nd deadline: 15 September 2023

     

    Deadline for expected answers:

    • 1st deadline: 01 June 2023
    • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2023