Graduate Performance Diploma - Piano and Collaborative Piano

Counts and Recounts: Music and Politics

Curate a concert of music—to be performed on the eve of Election Day— that communicates a political message. Each week, the class will briefly cover an historical topic, delve into current issues in the classical music world, and analyze works for listening, study, and reflection.

Contemporary Piano Performance Practice

Learn and practice extended performance techniques, which are often called for in piano music of the 20th and 21st century, but are often unfamiliar to college-aged students. Begin with “inside the piano” techniques such as stopped notes, pizzicato notes, harmonics, and sustained pitches with a violin bow, then explore prepared piano techniques and contemporary notation devices.

Studio Lessons

Collaboration with a faculty mentor is the cornerstone of conservatory education at Longy. Together you will explore your unique artistic and professional goals while expanding technical and musical insight.

Master Classes and Seminars

Through workshops, master classes, discussions, and presentation, frequent seminars offer insight regarding interpretation, repertoire, analysis, and performance practice. Recent guests have included Irma Vallecillo, Andreas Klein, Nelita True, and Anne Koscielny. Through a special partnership with Celebrity Series of Boston, emerging artists in its Debut Series present exclusive workshops and master classes with Longy students throughout the year.

Chamber Music

Georges Longy’s belief in the power of collaboration inspires the central role of chamber music in our conservatory. You will work closely with faculty coaches every semester and will explore ensemble playing through coursework, informal readings, and community outreach.

Pedagogy

We believe that teaching should be a form of heightened, enlivened communication. Rather than focusing solely on acquiring pedagogical skills, we seek to draw out your latent expertise and help you communicate authentically. Students are placed in partnering schools and youth music organizations for a teaching practicum.

Accompanying

All piano majors engage in assigned accompanying to hone their collaborative skills with singers and instrumentalists. Some graduate pianists also have additional accompanying assistantships where they can further refine their abilities. Additional coursework explores the standard repertoire of instrumental and vocal literature.

Teaching Artist Program

Required of all students, this two-semester program includes active learning experiences, discussions, foundational readings, and interactive presentations. It culminates in student-designed and student-led musical projects in various community venues throughout the Greater Boston area.