Pianist

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
By admin, ago

GEN 1. So knusprig!

Period of the EOA module in 2024-2025:

  • From 06 January to 17 April 2025; or
  • From 17 February to 17 April 2025

      Open for:

      Min. 1, max. 3 vocal students

      SINGERS + PIANISTS

      Description:

      The witch has moved to Lake Geneva and is looking for some tasty singers to join her in a fully-staged production of Humperdinck’s opera “Hänsel und Gretel “.

      This module addresses coaching in German repertoire as well as tuition in German phonetics within the framework of the opera production. There will be a possibility to participate in a master class on Lied and German opera provided by our German-speaking faculty members of the HEM.

      The module covers also an audition training course and a seminar on recording a professional video if the inbound date is the 6th of January 2025.

      Pianists are most welcome to join this module. They will receive coaching from our teachers of collaborative piano and actively participate in the rehearsals of the opera project.

      Kind of voice and role:

      All voices

      Speciality of this module in comparison with other courses in Europe

      Possibility to perfect German language and repertoire skills as well as skills in French language.

      Names of the professors of this module:

      • Heidi Brunner, vocal studies
      • Susanne Schimmack, vocal studies
      • Sacha Michon, phonetic coaching in German
      • Nina Uhari and James Alexander, collaborative piano
      • Cédric Dorier, stage director

        Possible extras:

        • Possibility to assist to rehearsals at the Grand Théâtre de Genève.

        Number of ECTS within master:

        24 ECTS

        Entrance examination:

        • Required repertoire:
          • If the participant would like to audition for the production/scenic project, he/she should send a good quality video with a French aria by 01 May 2024.

        Description of the final examination:

        • Progress examination
        • and final public performance (only in Full-time module)

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

        • Full-time module: free for students in the Erasmus Programme (Swiss Mobility Programme)

        Communication language:

        English and French

        Deadline for application:

        • 1st deadline: March 2024
        • 2nd deadline: N/A

        Date for expected answers:

        • 1st deadline: May 2024
        • 2nd deadline: N/A

        By admin, ago

        FLO 2. The Maestro Collaboratore (Vocal coach)

        Period of the EOA module in 2024-2025:

        • 01 February 2025 – 04 May 2025

        Meet the Italian Belcanto tradition in the town that hosted the first operatic creation. An all-Italian experience on the operatic repertoire from Baroque to Verdi and Puccini. Piano accompanying lesson on style and technique, repertoire study with vocal coaches, Italian language and diction class, Opera class with acting and staging seminars, final concert with semi-staged performance of full operatic scenes.

        Study repertoire:

        1. Two Opera vocal scores in Italian, from Mozart to Puccini
        2. A group arias in Italian, including recitativos and/or cabalettas, if present
        3. A group of Italian Art songs

        Participants:

        Pianist / vocal coach

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

        We give the participants the possibility to develop their skills as a vocal coach (maestro collaboratore). Our teachers and coaches have a long experience in the tuition of international students, as in our Vocal studies Faculty more than 50% of students are from all the continents. Being in Firenze (Dante’s home town) allows you to absorb the good “reference” Italian diction directly from the people you will meet in the street, as the Florentine language is the basis of the modern Italian language.

        Name(s) of the professor(s):

        • Piano and Vocal Coaching Teachers: Andrea Severi, Antonella Bellettini, Ulla Casalini, Anna Toccafondi, Elisabetta Sepe, Daniela Freschi, Marco Bargagna, Elisabetta Sepe
        • History of Opera: Guglielmo Pianigiani
        • Art song practise/ Italian diction for coaches: Leonardo De Lisi

        Possible extras:

        • Masterclass with renown singers and opera
        • Free entrance to rehearsals at Teatro del Maggio Musicale
        • A short programme (incl. city tour) concentrating on special ‘musical’ aspects of the city: Palazzo Pitti (where the first opera ever was staged in 1600, Peri’s “L’Euridice”), Accademia Bartolomeo Cristofori (historic pianos), Museo degli Uffizi, Galleria dell’Accademia,

        Minimum and maximum number of EOA students:

        1/6

        Number of teaching / production hours:

        Up to 20 hours/week

        Number of ECTS within master:

        3 months Module will award 24 ECTS

        • “Piano accompaniment lessons” 1-to-1 6 ECTS
        • “Repertoire practice lessons” 1-to1 3 ECTS
        • “Conducting techniques for opera coaches” 3 ECTS
        • “Italian Diction for singers/coaches” 3 ECTS
        • “History of Opera” 3 ECTS
        • “Art song practise” 6 ECTS

        ONLY Erasmus mobilities for Studies or Traineeship from EOA partners will be accepted

        Entrance examination:

        Before 08 May, 2024, by email erasmus@consfi.it only:

        1. Please, send a link to a recent performance of yours (from not more than 1 year ago) including at least:
        • ONE piano solo piece of free choice or TWO Lieder (or Art Songs) accompanying a singer
        • ONE operatic aria or scene, accompanying a singer
        1. A brief curriculum and a complete list of studied operatic vocal score in Italian (only word or pdf file, please, or link to personal artistic website)

        By May 15, 2024, candidates will receive a response about selection. If successfully selected, students will be required to confirm their choice before June 30.

        Description of the final Examination:

        • Module: Semi-staged operatic scenes and recital with arias/songs in public concerts at the end of the module
        • Erasmus mobility : each class will award a note of evaluation by the teacher and ECTs

        Teaching language/ Required level of language:

        • Italian (main)
        • English (secondary)
        • We require that EOA students have a minimum B1 Italian language level.

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

        Erasmus mobility: no tuition fee

        ONLY Erasmus mobilities for studies or traineeship from EOA partners will be accepted

        Contact person:

        Prof. Leonardo De Lisi

        e-mail: erasmus@consfi.it

        By admin, ago

        VAL 3. Repetiteur training (pianists)

        (Title to be announced)

        Period of the EOA module in 2024-2025:

        • From 08 January 2025 to 15 April 2025 (Easter holidays from 29 March to 08 April 2025)

        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)

        Speciality 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 collaborate 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 8 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: 01 June 2024
        • 2nd deadline: 15 September 2024

        Date for expected answers:

        • 1st deadline: 15 June 2024
        • 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
        By admin, ago

        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
        By admin, ago

        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
        By admin, ago

        OSL 2. Opera repetiteur

        Period of the EOA module in 2024-2025:

        15 September – 15 December, 2025

        Content:

        Get possibilities of coaching from our professors and conductors, and play for stage rehearsals, performances and concerts.

        Names of the professors:

        • Jacopo Spirei
        • Luca de Marchi
        • Olesya Tutova
        • Markus Kvits
        • Anne Sofie von Otter
        • Bengt Forsberg
        • Solveig Kringelborn
        • Toril Carlsen

        Possible extras in addition to this module:

        • Italian language course

        Open for:

        2 pianists

        Number of teaching / production hours of the EOA module:

        Preparation 180 hours

        Production 200 hours

        Number of ECTS:

        12

        Description of the final examination:

        • CV
        • Repertoire
        • Two videos of accompanying W.A. Mozart: Il contes aria and G. Puccini: Mimis aria

        Description of the final Examination.

        • Performances and concerts in November/December.
        • Play for a masterclass with Anne Sofie von Otter and Bengt Forsberg

        Deadline for applications: 

        • 1st deadline: 08 May 2024

        Deadline for expected answers: 

        • 1st deadline: 01 June 2024
        By admin, ago

        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
        By admin, ago