Piano Accompanying
Degree Programs
Master of Music – Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music
Doctor of Musical Arts – Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music
Language Requirements and Exam Details for ACM Majors
Helpful Hints for Accompanying Majors taking the Language Exams
Master of Music with a Major in Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music
Prerequisites
An undergraduate degree or its equivalent, normally with a major in Piano Performance or Accompanying. Language proficiency equivalent to one year of college-level instruction in one of the following languages: French, German, or Italian.
Course of Study
Studio Instruction in Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music (16 credits total)
Lessons ACM 460A (4 semesters @ 4 credits)
Music History and Literature (5 credits total)
Bibliography MHS 480
One period course to be selected from the following:
MHS 423, 424, 425, 426
Music Theory (6 credits total)
Analytical Techniques TH 400
Intermediate Keyboard Skills TH 475 or
Advanced Keyboard Skills TH 476
Major Courses (8 credits total)
Instrumental Sonata and Duo Repertoire CHB 401
Voice Repertoire for Pianists VCC 402
Diction ACY 415 English, ACY 416 French, ACY 417 German, ACY 418 Italian
Electives (1-2 credits total)
Recital Requirements
Two recitals, one vocal and one instrumental
Language Requirements
Diction proficiency in English, French, German, and Italian. Reading proficiency equivalent to at least one year of college-level instruction in one of the following languages: French, German, and Italian. Language Requirements
Oral Examination
Candidates must pass an oral examination administered by the department (to occur before one of the degree recitals and to be scheduled by the student through his or her program chair). This examination will focus on the student’s recital and related matters. In addition, the candidate will be expected to pass a comprehensive listening examination in music literature.
Professional Training
All Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music graduate students are expected to accompany as part of their professional training; they will collaborate with individual partners, chamber ensembles, larger ensembles, or opera for each year in which the student receives a graduate stipend. The department views the accompanying requirement as integral to the degree and critical preparation for a career in collaborative piano, in that it provides experience working with a partner or ensemble, coaching, and performing in recitals and concerts.
Residency Requirement
Normally, two academic years.
Doctor of Musical Arts with a Major in Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music
Prerequisites
A master’s degree or its equivalent, normally with a major in Piano Performance or Accompanying. Language proficiency equivalent to at least one year of college-level instruction in one of the following languages: French, German, or Italian.
Course of Study
Studio Instruction in Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music (16 credits total)
Lessons ACM 460A (4 semesters @ 4 credits)
Minor Field
In consultation with their program advisor, students majoring in piano accompanying and chamber music will develop a minor in an area such as pedagogy, Baroque performance practice, opera coaching, or interdisciplinary studies in the humanities. (10 – 12 credits)
Music History and Music Theory (19-21 credits)
Must include 3 Doctoral Music History Seminars (3 credits each), one of which may be substituted with one of the following: TH 481, TH 482, TH 525, TH 526, TH 581, TH 590, MUY 400- or 500-level course, or independent study at the 500 level.
Electives (11 credits)
May include keyboard study
Recital Requirements
Four recitals (one lecture, one vocal, one instrumental, and one as determined in consultation with the program director).
Language Requirements
Diction proficiency in English, French, German, and Italian. Reading proficiency equivalent to at least one year of college-level instruction in two of the following languages: French, German, and Italian. These requirements must be completed before comprehensive examinations. Language Requirements
Professional Training
All Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music graduate students are expected to accompany as part of their professional training; they will collaborate with individual partners, chamber ensembles, larger ensembles, or opera for each year in which the student receives a graduate stipend. The department views the accompanying requirement as integral to the degree and critical preparation for a career in collaborative piano, in that it provides experience working with a partner or ensemble, coaching, and performing in recitals and concerts.
Comprehensive Examinations
Candidates for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree must pass comprehensive examinations and satisfy the department and the Graduate Professional Committee that he/she has attained broad competency as a practitioner of music. The comprehensive examination will consist of a written examination in the fields of music history and theory, and an oral examination of a broad nature covering the student’s major and minor fields of study. The committee of examiners for the qualifying examination will consist of designated members of the graduate faculty, of the Graduate Professional Committee, and appropriate faculty members representing the major and minor fields of study.
Residency Requirement
Normally, two academic years. Candidates with the ESM Master’s degree in Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music may only need to take ten credits of studio instruction and have a one-year residency.
