Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts and Music L-3 – Piano

Educational Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Educational objectives: At the end of the three-year Piano programme, students are expected to have acquired solid technical and artistic skills (tone quality, touch, articulation, and pedal technique), with particular attention to the study of solo repertoire at elementary–intermediate level, ensemble repertoire, and the related performance practices. The programme aims to build strong foundations in technique, repertoire, sight-reading, solo performance, and basic chamber music, while providing preparation for further academic studies. Students will also develop auditory, memory, and analytical skills, together with knowledge of the compositional and organisational models of music. Particular importance is given to postural and emotional control, as well as to the acquisition of an in-depth historical, stylistic, and aesthetic understanding.

Career opportunities: Preparation for careers as soloists, ensemble musicians, collaborative pianists, teachers, professional musicians, or for continuation towards a Master’s Degree programme. The course may form an integral part of an academic pathway.

1. 1. Chamber Music Performer: Chamber music represents one of the richest and most stimulating fields for professional pianists. The programme provides students with the necessary skills to actively collaborate in duos (e.g. with string instruments, wind instruments, or singers), trios, quartets, and other chamber formations, developing listening abilities, stylistic flexibility, sound balance, and ensemble awareness. Interaction with other musicians becomes an opportunity for continuous artistic growth.
   2. Chamber Orchestra Performer: Students trained within this programme acquire the specific skills required to perform in chamber orchestras and ensembles (for example, in orchestral keyboard parts or continuo roles). Particular attention is given to sight-reading skills, following the conductor’s indications, and integrating effectively into the collective sound of the ensemble.
   3. Soloist and Performer in Symphony Orchestras: The programme provides preparation for the Master’s Degree, during which the technical and stylistic requirements of the major piano and orchestra repertoire will be further explored. The course systematically develops essential skills such as interaction with the orchestral ensemble, sound projection, rhythmic precision, and knowledge of the great symphonic-concertante masterpieces.
   4. Collaborative Pianist for Musical Theatre / Dance: In addition to solo repertoire, the programme prepares students to approach the world of musical theatre (opera and ballet). By providing the essential skills required to accompany singers and dancers or perform in orchestras, the course develops stylistic versatility, sight-reading abilities, and score reduction skills for voice and piano, enriching the musician’s profile with highly applicable professional competencies.

Expected learning outcomes:

• Instrumental technical mastery: knowledge of the specific performance techniques of the Piano, aimed at achieving one’s personal artistic vision;
• Repertoire knowledge: systematic study of the technique and the most representative solo and ensemble repertoire for the instrument, focusing on elementary and intermediate-level repertoire;
• Chamber and orchestral skills: ability to interact effectively within different musical ensembles, developing ensemble awareness and collaborative skills;
• Perceptive and memory development: enhancement of critical listening and repertoire memorisation skills;
• Theoretical and analytical skills: acquisition of knowledge relating to compositional and analytical models in music and their interaction with performance practice;
• Postural and emotional control: adoption of specific techniques for managing posture at the piano bench and emotional response during study and public performance;
• Historical and aesthetic awareness: in-depth knowledge of the stylistic, historical, and aesthetic aspects of music, both from a general perspective and with specific reference to the instrumental field.

This document is subject to updates by the Professor responsible for the course.

Main Instrument Course Requirements

• Prerequisites: an entrance audition is required, including an assessment of basic technique, talent, and potential; in some cases, a music theory test may also be required. Upper secondary school diploma or equivalent qualification.
• General content (from the three-year study plan): includes scales/arpeggios, technical and concert studies, polyphonic, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary solo repertoire, sonatas, and piano concertos with orchestra.

Teaching Methods and Assessments

Teaching methods: Individual one-to-one lessons.

Assessment methods:

• Practical examination (solo recital)
  • Main requirements: performance of at least two pieces by composers from different periods and styles (e.g. a polyphonic piece and a Classical Sonata), including a mandatory movement from a Sonata or Concerto and one or more pieces chosen from the Romantic/modern solo repertoire.
  • Duration: typically 30–40 minutes of actual music performance (based on standard three-year programme practice).

• Oral examination
  • Main requirements: preparation and brief discussion of a written dissertation (thesis) on a topic agreed upon with a supervising Professor.

Main Instrument Course Requirements

• Prerequisites: an entrance audition is required, including an assessment of basic technique, talent, and potential; in some cases, a music theory test may also be required. Upper secondary school diploma or equivalent qualification.
• General content (from the three-year study plan): includes scales/arpeggios, technical and concert studies, polyphonic, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary solo repertoire, sonatas, and piano concertos with orchestra.

Teaching Methods and Assessments

Teaching methods: Individual one-to-one lessons.

Assessment methods:

• Practical examination (solo recital)
  • Main requirements: performance of at least two pieces by composers from different periods and styles (e.g. a polyphonic piece and a Classical Sonata), including a mandatory movement from a Sonata or Concerto and one or more pieces chosen from the Romantic/modern solo repertoire.
  • Duration: typically 30–40 minutes of actual music performance (based on standard three-year programme practice).

• Oral examination
  • Main requirements: preparation and brief discussion of a written dissertation (thesis) on a topic agreed upon with a supervising Professor.

Main Instrument Course Requirements

• Prerequisites: an entrance audition is required, including an assessment of basic technique, talent, and potential; in some cases, a music theory test may also be required. Upper secondary school diploma or equivalent qualification.
• General content (from the three-year study plan): includes scales/arpeggios, technical and concert studies, polyphonic, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary solo repertoire, sonatas, and piano concertos with orchestra.

Teaching Methods and Assessments

Teaching methods: Individual one-to-one lessons.

Assessment methods:

• Practical examination (solo recital)
  • Main requirements: performance of at least two pieces by composers from different periods and styles (e.g. a polyphonic piece and a Classical Sonata), including a mandatory movement from a Sonata or Concerto and one or more pieces chosen from the Romantic/modern solo repertoire.
  • Duration: typically 30–40 minutes of actual music performance (based on standard three-year programme practice).

• Oral examination
  • Main requirements: preparation and brief discussion of a written dissertation (thesis) on a topic agreed upon with a supervising Professor.