Content and structure

Course content.

The focus of this course for pianists is the development of a diverse repertoire that covers a range of periods and includes various piano formations (from duets to chamber orchestras). The flexibility of the combinations and the breadth of the repertoire lay the foundations for international concert work.
When they collaborate with instrumentalists and singers, pianists assume both a supporting and a leadership role. They respond flexibly to different musical personalities, and communicate with them in a fruitful dialogue.
They also learn the special role of vocal coaching/accompaniment in practical exercises and by studying adequate rehearsal techniques. This also includes training in the transposition of obbligatos and the transcription of orchestral scores.

Course structure.

Major

The instrumental Major is studied in the context of group work connected with the study
of works for different piano formations. Students plan their repertoire in discussion with the professors and build their own network of colleagues who play a role in the study and performance of the works. 

Extension

In the extension work for the Major, the focus is on vocal coaching/accompaniment. The reading techniques, rehearsal design and verbalization examined during individual tuition are applied in vocal coaching/accompaniment practice in the Major tuition of the department. Students have the opportunity to set their own focus areas through collaboration in particular classes, with specific instruments or with voice. This is supplemented with elective individual tuition in transposition, playing from a score, or orchestral piano with the goal of undertaking the work in a larger context.

Profile

Students are able to develop an independent professional profile and improve their use of audiovisual communication and production forms, social media, other digital platforms and company forms. Learning and development steps are continuously reflected on, supported and documented in the digital portfolio during a mentoring session. This empowers students to take control of their career planning.

Module plan:

Skills acquired in the course.

Professional piano chamber musicians are proven, sought-after experts in their areas and stand out due to their comprehensive training, experience, knowledge and practice in the professional field. They not only practise in diverse application settings but also develop the traditional field of piano chamber music by taking a reflective, explorative artistic stance for the purposes of innovation.

Admissions requirements.

The Major in “Piano Chamber Music” is aimed at advanced pianists who already work at a professional level. It enables them to distinguish themselves in the broad area of pianistic fields in specific roles: as chamber musicians, accompanists and as vocal coaches/accompanists. The course requires applicants to be organized, have social skills as well as a well-developed reading ability and capacity to learn.

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

Studying at ZHdK offers a wealth of unique benefits:

  • The Specialized Music Performance Master’s is a lively degree programme with approx. 80 musicians. 
  • You will gain extensive practical experience and have many opportunities to perform thanks to the diverse relationships with the regional cultural scene and its event organizations.
  • You will enjoy an inspirational environment with colleagues and partners from around the world for discussion and collaboration in a variety of ensembles and orchestras
  • You will meet students from other artistic areas on a daily basis, make contacts and enjoy stimulating collaboration. 
  • You will study at the Toni Campus – a public cultural and university campus for all artistic disciplines that is unparalleled in its dimensions anywhere in Europe.
  • You will benefit from outstanding infrastructure, live electronics and multimedia, audio productions with in-house sound engineers, historical instrument collections and an excellent library.
  • You will have opportunities to undertake exchange semesters and various possibilities to explore other cultures thanks to ZHdK Music’s international network.