Curricular Unit: Vocal Accompaniment II
Code: LPI060
ECTS: 2
Cientific area: Performance Practices
Learning outcomes:
– Foster technical and expressive mastery in the specialism of piano accompaniment for solo and ensemble singing;
– Develop a growing skill base that facilitates understanding of the art of vocal music accompaniment and begins to fulfil the expectations of the profession;
– Develop musical versatility and adaptability in a range of collaborative contexts across all organic units of Metropolitana, singing department of the Lisbon College of Music, Academia de Música de Santa Cecília and other music schools;
– Provide ample opportunities to develop wide ranging Repertoire, gaining experience through performance classes, masterclasses, competitions, festivals, auditions, concerts and recital exams;
By the end of this course, students will have:
1- Demonstrated technical and expressive mastery in piano accompaniment for singers
2- Projected a mature musical personality in-and-through piano accompaniment
3- Drawn together a range of theoretical, conceptual and experiential knowledge and understanding in-and-through practice
4- Demonstrated the ability to engage effectively within varied solo and ensemble settings
Syllabus:
Throughout this course unit students will acquire the following skills and knowledge:
1- Secure pianism, technical foundation, facility, accuracy, expressive detail and textual accuracy, as well as musical perception and projection, drawing on informed performance practice;
2- Knowledge of varied accompaniment singing repertoire; stylistic awareness; sensitivity; self-critical awareness; perception and responsiveness as a musician; choice of repertoire; interpretative decisions in collaboration on performing new works to be premiered; critical understanding of the collaborative process
3- Quick learning; sight-reading; expansive repertoire; transposition; choir reductions; textual and stylistic accuracy in studio recording projects; an informed and considered choice of recorded sound quality appropriate to the repertoire; an informed and considered choice of editing points appropriate to the recording; ownership of and engagement in all aspects of voice coaching; rationale for repertoire and interpretation; rationale for choice of sound; rationale for choice of edit points; an understanding of context with reference to other recordings.
4- Ability to control tonal qualities to compliment vocal (and instrumental, where applicable) timbres; ability in finely tuning balances with the solo voice or within ensembles, including tonal transparency and advanced pedalling techniques; technical control and freedom in order to fully realise musical intent; secure rhythmic foundation; rhythmic stylisation and flexibility in accompaniment; confident leading and sympathetic support within ensemble partnerships in collaboration on the creation of new works to be premiered; creative and effective collaboration with the performers and the composer (if applicable).
Teaching methodologies:
Methodologies:
The students will receive both individual (or group) lessons as well as support and guidance during their eventual collaborations within other music institutions. However, the collaborative nature of this course unit demands a highly proactive approach: students will be expected to engage comprehensively with the singing department of the Lisbon College of Music, the Academia de Música de Santa Cecília and other Vocal Music Schools, as well as within Metropolitana. Lessons will be focussed on the specialism of piano accompaniment for singers and will include aspects of piano technique, sound production, sight-reading and intimate chamber music and ensemble skills across a range of repertoire including songs, opera, cantata, oratorio, works for choir or vocal ensemble with piano accompaniment, amongst other accompanied pieces. Techniques for vocal coaching, transposition, and ensemble playing will also be explored.
Bibliography:
Adler, K. (1907, 1965) The art of accompanying and coaching. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press
Boulanger, N. (1926) Lectures on Modern Music. Huston: Rice Institute
Price, Nielsen D. (1991) Accompanying Skills for pianists. Culver Crest Publication
Spillman, R. (1985) The art of accompanying. Master Lessons from the Repertoire. Nova Yorque: Schirmer Books, A Division of MacMillan Inc.
Moore, G. (1985) The Unashamed Accompanist. Londres: Franklin Watts Inc.
Moore, G. (2013) Singer and Accompanist – The Performance Fifty Songs. Waterville: Thorndike Press
Neuhaus, H. (edição russa 1959, edição inglesa 2016) The Art of Piano Playing, Kahn & Averill
Teaching Staff:
Yan Mikirtumov (regent)
Paulo Oliveira