Bachelor of Music in Collaborative Piano
(Advisor, Elizabeth Temple, Professor of Music)
The Bachelor of Music in Collaborative Piano curriculum is designed for the talented pianist seeking a career in the fields of chamber music performance and vocal accompanying. The student aspiring to college teaching or concertizing as a collaborative pianist should realize the exacting standards required for such careers. The student who hopes to achieve professional status should plan to continue study at the graduate level.
Program Objectives
Students completing the Bachelor of Music in Collaborative Piano will be expected to:
• demonstrate musicianship in solo and ensemble performance;
• perform a variety of repertoire and styles;
• perform in a variety of instrumental and vocal chamber music settings;
• demonstrate the ability to lead a rehearsal;
• demonstrate knowledge of opera literature, vocal literature and piano chamber literature;
• demonstrate basic knowledge of classical music languages and diction as encountered in standard vocal repertoire;
• demonstrate knowledge of music theory, music history, world music and music technology;
• demonstrate the ability to express ideas orally and in writing;
• attend a variety of public performances and events.
Audition Information
A live audition on campus is encouraged. Applicants who live more than 250 miles from the Shenandoah University campus may request approval in advance from the Conservatory Admissions Office to submit a recorded audition via Citizen Groove through the Shenandoah Conservatory Audition Dropbox. Audition repertoire should include at least 10 to 15 minutes of a major instrumental work or works (e.g., duo, trio, quartet) with piano (no orchestral transcriptions); 8 to 10 minutes minimum of piano/vocal art song
repertoire, which may include an example of operatic recitative & aria; a solo piano work or works (8 to 10 minutes) by memory. The applicant is responsible for obtaining support performers for the audition and is responsible for the overall quality of the performance. A demonstration of sight reading is required as is a thorough performance knowledge of major and minor scales and arpeggios.
Entrance Examinations
International students must take the TOEFL examination and earn a minimum score as published by the Office of Admissions. Complete information regarding the requirements for non-native speakers of English is available from the Office of Admissions. Placement examinations in music theory are given to all applicants.
Master of Music in Collaborative Piano
(Advisor, Elizabeth Caluda, Professor of Piano)
(Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Temple, Professor of Piano)
The Master of Music in Collaborative Piano curriculum is designed for pianists who wish to further refine their ensemble performance skills. The curriculum provides a foundation of studies in performance and interpretation supported by a knowledge base in historical and analytical areas.
Program Objectives
Students completing the Master of Music in Collaborative Piano degree will be able to:
• demonstrate musicianship and leadership in rehearsal and performance settings;
• perform in a variety of instrumental and vocal chamber music settings;
• demonstrate a knowledge of music theory and music history;
• demonstrate knowledge of solo, vocal and chamber music literature;
• demonstrate practical knowledge of languages and diction of standard vocal repertoire;
• demonstrate the ability to research and write.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants to the Master of Music in Collaborative Piano curriculum must possess a baccalaureate degree in music, or the equivalent, with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) prior to admission into the program. The credits presented from baccalaureate level study must parallel those required in the Bachelor of Music in Collaborative Piano curriculum at Shenandoah Conservatory. Applicants must present an audition recital, with a printed program, of at least 30 minutes in length including a solo performance of 5 to10 minutes with memorization preferred. The remainder of the recital includes both chamber and art song
repertoire. Complete chamber works (all movements) are required. The applicant is responsible for obtaining support performers for the audition and is responsible for the overall quality of the performance. A demonstration of sight reading is required at the on-campus audition. Applicants who live more than 250 miles from the Shenandoah University campus may submit a recorded audition via Citizen Groove through the Shenandoah Conservatory Audition Dropbox.
Transfer of Credits
Up to nine credits may be transferred into this curriculum when earned at an accredited institution and when the credits fulfill required courses or appropriate electives. Students who enroll in a second master’s degree at Shenandoah Conservatory may transfer up to nine credits from the first degree completed into the second degree when those credits fulfill curricular requirements.
Degree Requirements
The degree requirement is 30 credit hours with a grade point average of 3.0 and includes:
• 4 semesters of applied collaborative piano study
• 2 successful completions of a Graduate Performance Recital
• Bibliography and Research
• Graduate Theory Seminar I & 2
• Music Electives with the following recommended:
• Vocal Literature,
• Choral and Opera Literature,
• Piano in Chamber Literature,
• Piano Duet/Duo Repertoire,
• Language and/or Lyric Diction,
• Physiology and Mechanics of Piano Technique,
• Accompanying Ensemble
Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance (Collaborative Piano)
(Advisor, Charlotte Aiosa, Professor of Music)
(Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Temple, Professor of Piano)
The Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance curriculum emphasizes artistic development in a specific performing medium at the highest professional level. Historical and theoretical knowledge support the artistic development of each student. Competencies also include broad knowledge of repertoire, music literature and pedagogical studies. Career objectives for students in this curriculum include performance and teaching at the collegiate level or in studio and other professional settings.
Program Objectives
Students completing the Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance (Collaborative Piano) degree will be able to:
• demonstrate advanced musicianship and leadership in instrumental and vocal ensemble rehearsal settings;
• perform a variety of advanced level repertoire;
• perform in a variety of settings at a professional level;
• demonstrate advanced knowledge of music theory, music history, and music literature;
• demonstrate advanced skills in language and diction as appropriate to vocal repertoire and performance.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants to the Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance program must possess a baccalaureate degree in music, or the equivalent, with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). In addition, completion of a master’s degree in music, or the equivalent, with a grade point average of 3.25 from a regionally accredited institution, or the equivalent, is required. A resumé documenting professional experiences in performance, research and teaching is required. Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s performance capabilities must be submitted.
Audition Requirements
Collaborative Piano applicants must present an audition recital, with a printed program, consisting of approximately 50 minutes of music and including a solo performance of 10 to 15 minutes with memorization preferred. The remainder of the recital must include both instrumental chamber music and art song repertoire. Complete chamber works (all movements) are required. The applicant is responsible for obtaining support performers for the audition and is responsible for the overall quality of the performance. Sightreading is included at the audition. Doctoral students must audition in person with the exception of international applicants residing outside the United States. Non-resident applicants must submit a video prepared following the Shenandoah Conservatory Audition Guidelines and submitted via Citizen Groove through the Shenandoah Conservatory Audition Dropbox.
Degree Requirements
The degree requirement is 90 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree, 30 of which may be presented in the form of a completed master’s degree from an accredited college or university when the work relates to the degree. Reconfiguration of this curriculum is in progress to reflect increasing emphasis on applied study, collaborative recitals, repertoire development, collaborative career preparation, etc. Diagnostic exams in music theory, literature and history at the beginning of study assist in determining course work.
