Program Overview
After completing an undergraduate degree in music, students may wish to gain more practical collaborative experience before pursuing an advanced degree or a career in the industry. The Graduate Performance Diploma (GPD) in Collaborative Piano program seeks to take an established pianist with a strong foundation of skills and to build upon these capabilities with concentrated experience as a collaborative partner, without the pressures of academic coursework required in a master’s program. Because the GPD program is designed to maximize students’ time performing and collaborating, and to minimize their time in the classroom, students entering the program are expected to be strong performers and well-versed in their knowledge of music. Therefore, an undergraduate degree in music is required to be eligible for enrollment.
Performance Opportunities
GPD students receive weekly personalized lessons with their Conservatory instructor, with an emphasis on performance technique and presence. With ensemble assignments meant to emulate the pacing and rigor of a professional music organization, students perform continually throughout the semester with the Conservatory’s many large and small ensembles and chamber groups; in pit orchestras for dance, opera, and theater productions; and in solo recitals and specially auditioned groups.
Additionally, students are encouraged to take advantage of the Conservatory’s prime location in Boston by auditioning for local ensembles and participating in music festivals and competitions. This provides an excellent opportunity for students to build real-world experience and strong professional networks.
Course Requirements
The GPD in Collaborative Piano program requires students to complete 24 credits, consisting of the course requirements listed below. View the
sample curriculum by semester for additional details. - M-AP 0009 Applied lessons (12 credits total; 3 credits each)
- M-AP 0091 Applied Concentrate lessons (4 credits total; 1 credit each)
- M-EN 0xxx Collaborative Options (2 credits total; 1 credit each)
- M-LT 07xx / M-ST 779xx Repertoire Course (1 credit)
- M-SK 0009 Recital (0 credits; completed one time)
- M-SK 5001 Graduate Diction Intensive (1 credit)
- M-ST 0009 Applied Lesson Studio Class (0 credits; completed four times)
- M-ST 0629 Performance Seminar: Collaborative Piano (4 credits total; 1 credit each)
What You Will Learn
The GPD in Collaborative Piano program features an enhanced focus on training through performance-focused experiences. Upon successful completion of the program, students will:
prepare and accurately perform a wide range of musical styles, genres, and repertoire with a high level of technical and musical understanding developed in applied and secondary lessons, large and small ensemble experiences, coachings, master classes, and observations, as well as through genre-specific repertoire courses;analyze instrumental technique to overcome technical challenges and assess the quality of the collaboration with musical partners, with an ability to communicate the details of that technique to others, as studied in applied and secondary lessons;develop a skill set for work with singers and instrumentalists through focused repertoire studies and collaborative experiences; and,establish an artistic identity that represents their individuality, celebrating music of the past and present, and serving as a champion for the future of our industry.Your Future
Graduates from this program are prepared to:
create an operative score to partner with a conductor in staging, musical, or coaching rehearsal;accompany a piano rehearsal for a soloist and conductor of a symphony orchestra;partner with a vocalist or instrumentalist in recitals, master classes, and advanced study courses;partner with a chamber ensemble that explores standard and contemporary literature;command language proficiency in Italian, French, and German, sufficient to communicate an informed rubato and accurate ensemble balance, and continue to grow towards fluency or near-fluency;collaborate in musical theater score preparation and pit orchestra performances and rehearsals;develop the art and skill of vocal coaching; andpartner with a dance production through rehearsal and performance, with or without a conductor.
How To Apply
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