Update: Collaborative Piano Studies at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Dr. Allison Gagnon sends the following updated information about collaborative piano at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts:

The Graduate Program in Collaborative Piano allows pianists to develop their collaborative skills and learn the repertoire of their chosen discipline through studies shaped by the professional mentoring model of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Enrollment in the program is limited to four students. Students in the program study both instrumental and vocal repertoire, but may specialize in one of these in their second year. An annual degree recital comprises highlights of each year’s work, and a quick study examination is the final test in the graduate program. In addition to projects undertaken as part of their major study, students participate in chamber music, opera workshop and production, and other ensemble possibilities. Students in the program share two rehearsal studios allocated exclusively to the program, and have weekly master classes in both of the School's recital halls on Steinway concert grand pianos.

Coursework in the graduate program includes two seminars specific to collaborative piano: the literature seminar, which over two years focuses on the principal instrumental and vocal literature for collaborative pianists, and the support skills seminar, which allows development of a myriad of professional skills for collaborative pianists. These seminars are also open to students majoring in piano and organ at the graduate level.

For complete information on the graduate program, and its curriculum, please see:

http://www.uncsa.edu/music/gradprograms_collabpiano.htm

To learn more about the artist-faculty of the School of Music at UNCSA, please see:

http://www.uncsa.edu/music/faculty.htm

Auditions for the program are arranged individually with the program’s director. For more information and to schedule an audition, pelase contact Dr. Allison Gagnon at gagnona [at] uncsa.edu. For information on how to apply to UNCSA, and for audition requirements, please see:

http://www.uncsa.edu/music/gradadmissions.htm

Financial support includes assistantship and service award funds in Collaborative Piano, as well as graduate tuition waivers for out-of-state applicants. For current information, please contact Dr. Steven LaCosse, Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies, at lacosses [at] uncsa.edu.

UNCSA also offers collaborative training to students majoring in piano at the high school and undergraduate levels of study. As a result, the School of Music features a spectrum of piano support extending from introductory training for student pianists, to the work of trained professionals who are members of the staff and faculty.

Thank you for your interest in the Collaborative Piano Program at UNCSA!