M.M. in Collaborative Piano

Program Overview

The M.M. in Collaborative Piano is typically a two-year, full-time program, with classes held in-person on the Chicago campus. Admissions are for the fall term, and applicants must demonstrate exceptional collaborative piano skills through a combination of solo and collaborative repertoire during the audition, which includes sight-reading. The program aims to provide comprehensive career preparation, equipping students with diverse skillsets necessary for a modern collaborative pianist, including in-depth comprehension of linguistic underpinnings for art song literature (for vocal specialization) or extensive chamber music and instrumental sonata repertoire (for instrumental specialization). Students receive rigorous training and ample performance opportunities on campus and within Chicago's vibrant musical scene.

NASM Accredited: Yes, Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA), including all its music programs such as the M.M. in Collaborative Piano, is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Roosevelt University is a founding member of NASM, which signifies a deep commitment to maintaining the highest standards in music education. This accreditation is a strong indicator of the program's quality, ensuring that its curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student outcomes meet rigorous national benchmarks for professional music training.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.M. in Collaborative Piano is tailored to foster specialized skills in accompanying and chamber music. Core components include extensive "Applied Lessons" in collaborative piano, providing individualized instruction with world-renowned faculty who have vast international performing careers. Students also participate in "Piano Performance Class" or specific "Collaborative Piano Seminar" sessions. For vocal specialization, the curriculum engenders in-depth comprehension of the linguistic underpinnings of art song literature, often including diction courses and vocal coaching. For instrumental specialization, the focus is on chamber music and instrumental sonata repertoire, requiring active collaboration with instrumental partners. The program culminates in a "Graduate Recital," a public performance showcasing a substantial program of collaborative works. Academic coursework in music history and theory also supports the development of a well-rounded musician.

Research Focus: The M.M. in Collaborative Piano program at Roosevelt University embodies an applied research focus, particularly in the study of repertoire, performance practice, and the dynamics of musical partnership. While it does not typically involve a formal academic research thesis, students engage in deep scholarly inquiry into the diverse repertoire for voice and piano or various instrumental ensembles. They "research" historical performance practices, stylistic nuances, and the intricate interplay between collaborative partners. The preparation for performances and the graduate recital demands extensive practical "research" into score analysis, interpretation, and effective communication with fellow musicians. The program cultivates an attitude of continuous learning and experimentation, treating each collaborative event as an ongoing experiment to enhance their skills and understanding.

Industry Engagement: Roosevelt University fosters exceptional industry engagement for its M.M. in Collaborative Piano program, leveraging its location in Chicago, a major center for performing arts. The faculty comprises preeminent collaborative pianists with extensive international performing careers, providing direct mentorship and invaluable connections to the professional world. Students are given abundant opportunities to perform with a wide range of distinguished singers and instrumentalists, both on campus and within Chicago's rich musical scene. The program's connections facilitate networking possibilities with other talented musicians and exposure to diverse performance settings, including concert halls, opera companies, and recording studios, preparing graduates for the multifaceted demands of a collaborative career.

Global Perspective: Roosevelt University's M.M. in Collaborative Piano program inherently fosters a global perspective through its engagement with a vast international repertoire of art songs, operas, and chamber music from various countries and historical periods. Students specializing in vocal collaboration delve into the linguistic and cultural nuances of German Lieder, French mélodies, Italian arias, and English art songs, which inherently broadens their global understanding. The program's faculty often have international performance and teaching experience, and the student body frequently includes individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, enriching the learning environment with varied musical and cultural insights. This prepares graduates to perform and collaborate with artists from around the world and to engage with the universally recognized language of music.