The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

 

The Vocal Accompanying faculty tells us they are looking for candidates with levels of performance development similar to those entering at the master's level in Piano. The critical difference at the audition is that Vocal Accompanying auditions will emphasize accompanying skills (a singer will be provided). In addition, there will be two memorized selections (one classical and one romantic) performed. The accept/reject decision will be made with primary input from both the Vocal Accompanying Faculty and the Piano Performance Faculty. The following points will help clarify how the program fits within the general world of piano performance at Peabody:

• Vocal Accompanying applicants do not audition in front of the entire piano faculty. The audition is specific to the major, and will be attended by a representive of the applied piano faculty.

• Although the names are similar (and confusing), this degree program is not the same as the "Ensemble Arts" program itself. "Ensemble Arts" students must first be accepted as Piano performance majors, after which they petition the faculty for entrance to the Ensemble Arts program. Ensemble Arts is a collaborative piano program encompassing both vocal and instrumental music. The "Ensemble arts: Concentration in Vocal Accompanying" program, in contrast, is focused entirely on vocal accompanying, and can be entered via a single audition--without first being accepted as a piano major by the entire piano faculty.

• Due to the concentrated nature of this program, it is not available as an "add on" to the piano performance program. In other words, if you want to apply for both Piano Performance and for Vocal Accompanying, there will be two separate auditions. If accepted to both programs you can choose between the two, but you can't pursue both at the same time.

 

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Here are the official audition requirements:

Applicants must present a live audition. In the case of international students who cannot audition in person, a taped audition may be submitted for conditional acceptance. Acceptance into the M.M. program remains conditional until the student has played a successful live audition and passed written entrance examinations in September. The criteria for the validating audition and written tests administered in September are the same as for regular entrance auditions.

Applicants must be prepared to perform from memory two works from the standard solo repertory, chosen from the following:

1. Classical: one allegro movement from a sonata by Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert.
2. Romantic/20th century: one major solo work by a 19th or 20th-century composer.

In addition, applicants should prepare six selections from the following list, in the printed high (soprano) keys. A singer will be provided. Memorization is not required.

1. Barber: The Daisies
2. Schubert: Liebesbotschaft or Die Forelle or Der Musensohn
3. Strauss: Allerseelen or Standchen
4. Debussy: Green
5. Faure: Clair de lune
6. Puccini: Quando me'n vo

All candidates will be asked to sight-read excerpts from the vocal literature.

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To further explain the intent of this program, we have included the text of a letter sent to prospective applicants by Eileen Cornett, Director.

The purpose of this letter is to inform you of a new degree program now offered at Peabody Conservatory.

We are now offering a Master of Music degree program in Ensemble Arts with a concentration in Vocal Accompanying. This program is designed for pianists who wish to expand their musical experience to include collaborative playing in the study of art song, vocal chamber music, opera, and oratorio.

Today's world places increasing demands on a pianist to be not only an excellent solo musician but also one who is flexible enough to work with others in a variety of areas. Opportunities for concert virtuosos are very limited, but the potential for working as a collaborative pianist remains encouraging. One can pursue a career as a professional recital accompanist, opera coach, symphonic pianist, private studio pianist, chamber musician, audition pianist, church musician, choral pianist, commercial studio musician, and musical theatre/show/cabaret keyboardist. All of these careers demand excellent musicianship, collaborative skills, and a versatility that extends beyond the solo repertoire.

This program includes advanced technical study while emphasizing the ensemble skills, interpretation, and linguistic skills necessary for a realistic, multifaceted career in music.

If you are interested in pursuing this sort of degree program, please feel free to contact me by e-mail at EileenCornett@aol.com

I would be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Although the application deadline for solo piano performance auditions at Peabody has passed, it is not too late to apply for this program. Please contact the Admissions Office at Peabody for an application package. Depending on when they receive the application, admissions will schedule an audition in either February or May. Since this is a new program, the Admissions Office will accept applications for February auditions as late as mid January.

I wish you all the best in your pursuit of a successful musical career.

Sincerely yours,

Eileen Cornett

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