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Collaborative Piano

Purpose of the Course

This Collaborative Piano course is designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success as a collaborative artist in the musical performance world. The curriculum focuses on enhancing pianistic abilities, promoting musical versatility, fostering a personal musical aesthetic, and gaining expertise in stylistic and musicological knowledge as it pertains to performance. Additionally, the course will provide opportunities for students to gain experience in collaborative techniques, including instrumental accompanying, chamber music, opera coaching, and art song performance.

Required Materials

In addition to the required texts, Grill, Joyce. (1987). "Accompanying basics" San Diego: Kjos West, Katz, Martin. (2009). "The complete collaborator" New York: Oxford University Press and Price, Deon Nielsen. (2005). "Accompanying skills for pianists, 2nd ed" Culver City: Culver Crest Publications, students will also be expected to bring their own instrument, a metronome, and a notebook for taking notes during class.

Throughout the course, students will be required to participate in assigned readings and listening assignments, as well as in-class exercises and discussions. In addition to class participation, students will be evaluated on their performance of assigned repertoire and their ability to demonstrate the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the course.

Additionally, students will be required to attend and participate in all scheduled rehearsals, coachings, and performance opportunities throughout the semester. These will include accompanying rehearsals and performances with voice and instrumental students. It's important that students bring their own piano or keyboard for practice and rehearsals.

Regular practice, preparation and participation are essential for success in this course. Students should be prepared to spend a significant amount of time outside of class practicing and preparing for rehearsals and performances.

Program Learning Outcome

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1 Demonstrate proficiency in collaborative piano ensemble repertoire, including instrumental duos such as sonatas, and songs and arias with voice.
2 Apply appropriate performance practice to the music being performed.
3 Match articulation and timbre with voice and individual instruments.
4 Demonstrate collaborative stage presence and etiquette.
5 Understand and execute requirements and modifications applicable to orchestral reductions for piano.
6 Utilize proper piano pedalling techniques when performing as an ensemble.
7 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of what constitutes a high-quality collaborative piano performance.
8 Develop music reading skills at a higher level as a collaborative pianist.
9 Become more comfortable performing with others in a concert setting as a collaborative pianist.
10 Explore, study and learn a portion of the vast collaborative piano repertoire.
11 Create a definition of what elements are needed for a high-quality collaborative performance with piano.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired the knowledge, skills, and confidence to begin to engage in the practice of collaborative piano performance, and will have developed a deeper appreciation of the collaborative process.
Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G minor for 4 hands Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Handel - Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Solomon - Piano Duet 4 hands
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Dr. Archie Chen is a Sony Classical Recording Artist
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