PAR 4. Piano Accompaniment and Opera Coaching (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. 

Speciality of this module, in comparison with other courses in Europe

A full immersion into Italian opera and the opportunity to develop the best practice in the 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-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 application:

  • 1st deadline: 8 May 2023. Answers from EOA are expected on 8 June 2023
  • 2nd deadline: 1 September 2023. Answers on 15 September 2023

VAL 3. Repetiteur training (pianists)

(Title to be announced)

Period of the EOA module in 2023-2024:

  • From 15 January 2024 to 30 April 2024 (Easter holidays from 29 March to 8th April 2024)

Description of the EOA module:

Specific training as repetiteur working in the preparation of a fully staged opera production (title to be announced).

This includes:

  • Attendance at individual Singing and Repertoire lessons of the cast. Vocal coaching
  • Language training
  • Musical rehearsals with the conductor and singers
  • Stage rehearsals with the stage director, the conductor and the singers
  • Chorus rehearsals with the chorus director

 Kind of voice and role (Title and roles to be announced):

  • Tenor
  • Baritone
  • Bass

Specialty of this module in comparison with other courses:

Valencia is a major cultural centre and encourages immersion into the professional opera and music scene:  Palau de les Arts Opera House, concerts and presentations by major international musicians,..

In addition, there are many events and festivals throughout the year (i.e. Las Fallas). With a rich history in modern architectural masterpieces (City of Arts and Sciences), Valencia’s deep, multicultural roots, cosmopolitan flavor, and warm climate to make it a true Mediterranean gem.

Also, Valencia is one of Spain’s (and Europe’s) most affordable cities for student accommodation.

Names of the professors of this module:

  • Singing: Gloria Fabuel, Carlos López Galarza, Pilar Moral, Amparo Quevedo, Ofelia Sala, Charo Vallés
  • Opera coaches: Laïla Barnat, Carles Budó, Pablo García-Berlanga, Adrià Gràcia, Diego Sánchez, Miquel Carbonell, Francesc Gamón
  • Conductor: Juan Pablo Hellín
  • Stage director: Jaume Martorell, Araceli Bergillos

Possible extras besides the module

  • Masterclasses
  • Concerts at different venues in Valencia
  • Attending opera performances at Palau de les Arts
  • Exchange and collaboration with other students of the Conservatory working on the same production.

Minimum and maximum number of EOA students

  • Minimum 1 student
  • Maximum 3 students

Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module:

Teaching: The first 9 weeks

  • Working with the singing teachers
  • Working with the opera coaches
  • Working with the conductor and vocal coaches
  • Working with the stage director and vocal coaches

Production: The following 4 weeks

  • Ensemble rehearsals with the singers and conductor
  • Ensemble rehearsals with the singers and stage director

 

Number of ECTS within master accreditation:

25 ECTS

Entrance examination:

Contact the coordinator:

Charo Vallés

master.opera@csmvalencia.es

The materials to submit with your application are:

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

Deadline:

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

Date for expected answers:

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

Description of the final Examination:

Public performance of a fully staged chamber opera at the Concert Hall of the Conservatory Superior of Music

Teaching language:

Spanish, English, Italian, French and German

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

  • Free for students in Erasmus Programme
  • Module is available within an Erasmus exchange