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

REY 1. CAMERATA Baroque ensemble – Build and perfect your vocal technique and performance skills through collaboration

Period of the EOA module in 2024 – 2025:

October 2024 – February 2025

The course will start at the beginning of the autumn term with one or two weekly rehearsals in sections, mostly singers with or without continuo. From October the rehearsals will include mostly the whole group, singers, and instrumentalists with continuo ending with a public performance at the end of October or beginning of November. 

In February 2025, there will be an intensive early-baroque project based on the work begun in the autumn term. The theme will be operatic repertoire by 17th-century women composers. It is not obligatory to participate in both periods, as this might not be practical for exchange students, however it is recommended. 

Description of the EOA module:

Collaborative music making with experts in Baroque interpretation. Sessions on ensemble singing, early baroque diminutions, Mixed ensemble work and working groups on various elements of early-baroque dramatic performance. 

Voice lessons where all voice students work with a team of voice teachers in a collaborative learning environment.  

  • Weekly Performance classes
  • Coaching
  • Lunchtime recitals at the Reykjavík Art Museums 

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.  

Many performance opportunities give you valuable possibilities and practical experience in managing and leading projects. Working on baroque interpretation in an ensemble setting, and 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 fertile ground for initiative and creative ideas.

Names 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) 
  • Guest-professors in Masterclasses 

Possible extras:

  • Dramatic interpretation classes  
  • Movement classes  
  • Vocal improvisation  
  • Music, culture and society, lectures  
  • Icelandic for beginners  
  • Collaboration with composition students 
  • Choir  

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

Minimum and maximum number of EOA students:

  • 1-3 singers (all type voices)
  • 1-3 baroque instrumentalists primarily, strings and continuo

 

Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module:

Up to 20-25 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:

  • Students are examined through the performance and the work they put into their studies. 
  • performance in class and concerts 
  • Assessment based on students journaling and self-assessment. 

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 exchange for students at BA-level in vocal performance and for some instrumentalists.
  • Participants pay for their own accommodation and travel.

Deadline for applications:

  • 1st deadline: 01 April 2024
  • 2nd deadline: 01 June 2024

 

Date for expected answers:

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

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

MAA 2. Opera production experience: collaborative piano

Period of the EOA module in 2024-2025:

January – February – March 2025

Period of production: 
  • Opera: Tancredi/Rossini
  • Location: Asta Theater
  • Conductor: Federico Santi
  • Ensemble of musicians of Conservatorium Maastricht
  • First rehearsal: 13/01/25
  • Two generals rehearsal with the public: 23/02/25 – 24/02/25
  • Two performances: 25/02/25 – 26/02/25

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: 

Tancredi

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: Federico Santi
  • Stage director: TBC
  • Vocal coaches: Yvonne Schiffelers, Susanne Schimmack, Axel Everaert.

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 2024
  • 2nd deadline: 15 September 2024

 

Deadline for expected answers:

  • 1st deadline: 01 June 2024
  • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2024