Keyboard

Keyboard Course

Audition Requirements

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Candidates
Online Audition

Candidates should complete their online application first.

In the online application, students should include a digital portfolio (Dropbox folder, YouTube, Vimeo) with a video of the candidate performing the audition programme as prescribed here below. The video needs to be one unedited performance of the required audition programme.
After the digital portfolios have been assessed, candidates will be informed whether the department has selected them for an audition in person (On-campus courses) or for an interview (both for On-Campus and for Online courses).

All the portfolios submitted should indicate the applicant’s name and ID number if any, the program applied to and the contents of the file.

For online courses only, portfolio needs to be submitted 2 weeks before the beginning of the term.
For full academic year enrolment starting in September, portfolios needs to be submitted by 31st January of the same calendar year.

Part One: Digital Portfolio

Piano: Candidates shall submit a digital portfolio containing:
• A brief written statement of purpose or goals in the programme
• A video of the candidate performing an audition programme subject to the following:
1. At least three contrasting pieces at their choice
2. Pieces written originally for piano solo (no arrangements or concerto repertoires)
3. Pieces can be movements taken from a sonata or suite or other similar
4. Programme length in the limits of 20 minutes for the undergraduates, 40 minutes for the postgraduates

Piano Accompaniment: Candidates shall submit a digital portfolio containing:
• A brief written statement of purpose or goals in the programme
• A video of the candidate performing an audition programme subject to the following:
1. Songs and/or instrumental works at their choice
2. One short and technically demanding piece for solo piano
3. Programme length in the limits of 20 minutes for the undergraduates, 40 minutes for the postgraduates

Repetiteurs – Postgraduate only
Candidates shall submit a digital portfolio containing:
• A brief written statement of purpose or goals in the programme
• A video of the candidate performing two ensemble scenes from two operas at their choice (to play and sing the vocal lines)
• A video of the candidate reading two Spoken texts in two languages different from their own (choice between German, French, English and Italian)

MMDip candidates must also include in their portfolio at least two examples of their academic written work, each piece of written work being 1000-2000 words in length and in English. The candidate’s written work should aim to demonstrate:
• Responsiveness to music and musical issues
• Quality of critical engagement
• Capacity for research enquiry

Part One-bis: In person Audition

For On-Campus enrolments, candidates short-listed from the digital portfolio examination will be invited for an audition in person.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate candidates will be asked to perform:
• The same programme presented in the digital portfolio
• Scales and arpeggios
• A quick-study or sight reading.

Piano: applicants will be invited to perform first a piece of their choice. The audition panel will select the following pieces and might interrupt the performance of longer pieces to allow the applicant to display a better variety of technical and musical skills within the time limits available.

Piano Accompaniment: applicants will need to contact the Registry at least three weeks ahead of the scheduled audition if they encounter problems in arranging their own soloist(s). Should a soloist not be arranged ahead of time, there will be a charge for each soloist that we will have to provide for the candidate’s audition.
We will aim to provide performers for the repertoire selected by the applicant, but cannot guarantee that this will be always possible.

Repetiteurs: applicants will be asked to coach a singer (provided by LPMAM) in an operatic aria given 30 minutes before the audition

Part Two: Panel Interview

Following the practical assessment, a panel interview will be conducted with the candidate. This will:
• Allow the panel to further examine the candidate’s knowledge of music and their suitability for the course
• Provide an opportunity for the candidate to ask questions and discuss their performance during the audition
• Allow the panel to gain a clear understanding of what the student hopes to achieve from the course if they are accepted

General Notes

Throughout the audition, candidates should note and strictly adhere to the following:
• In the videos, the camera needs to face the applicant
• Videos of the applicant performing over a soundtrack (instead of a live accompanist or ensemble) will be accepted.
• For in person auditions, no time will be available during the audition to rehearse or discuss any special arrangements the candidate may require with the accompanist or rhythm section provided by LPMAM.
• Wherever possible, candidates shall ensure that their instruments are fully ready and warmed-up prior to entering the audition room. A warm-up room will be available for this purpose close to the audition room. No warm-up will be allowed during the actual audition.
• Prior to commencing the audition, the candidate must provide the music they will be performing in the practical assessment. This should be given to the steward in a suitable folder which must be clearly marked with the candidate’s name and a list of contents. The folder must contain copies of the score or lead sheet for use by the panel along with the melodic and rhythm section parts.
• Additionally, undergraduate candidates must also complete the LPMAM written paper on the day of the audition in person. This requirement does not apply to postgraduate candidates

Keyboard Course Syllabus

The course is run over a period of four years, each comprising the following core elements: Principal Study lessons, Performance Classes, and Academic and Supporting Studies with the chance to take part in concerts and masterclasses. Students are also given the option to partake in Specialisms in Organ and Harpsichord.
Assessment will be focused on the student’s attitude and ability in practical studies and attendance – to include punctuality, preparation for lessons, classes & rehearsals and performance skills.

All year students will benefit from:
• 60 minutes individual tuition each week
• Weekly classes in Academic and Supporting Studies
• Opportunity to undertake a second or related study

The following outlines the performance and coursework expectations required from students for each year of this programme:

Year 1

Performance 1 [Piano Duo Assessment]:
Students are expected to prepare and perform in duo with a fellow first year student:
1. One or more pieces originally written for four-hand piano or 2 pianos (12 minutes max).

Performance 2 [Non-public recital]:
Students will prepare and present a programme of 20 minutes to include:
1. One Etude,
2. A free choice of pieces of varied style and techniques.
They will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme, give a spoken presentation to the recital and perform from memory

Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the first year include:
Principal Study Lessons, Performance Classes, Masterclasses, Events and Concerts.

Optional coursework components of the first year include:
Second/Related Study Lessons, Chamber Music, Vocal Accompaniment, Conducting, Organ/Harpsichord Seminars, Teaching Technique Class, Keyboard Literature, Contemporary and Early Music.

Year 2

Performance 1 [Piano and Voice Assessment]:
Students are expected to prepare and perform in duo with a fellow second year vocal student:
1. one or more song/lieder originally written for voice and piano (12 minutes max).

Performance 2 [Non-public recital]:
Students will prepare and present a programme of 25 minutes to include:
1. One Etude
2. A free choice of pieces of varied style and techniques
They will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme, give a spoken presentation to the recital and perform from memory

Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the second year include:
Principal Study Lessons, Performance Classes, Vocal Accompaniment, Masterclasses, Events and Concerts.

Optional coursework components of the second year include:
Second/Related Study Lessons, Chamber Music, Conducting, Organ/Harpsichord Seminars, Teaching Technique Class, Keyboard Literature, Contemporary and Early Music.

Year 3

Performance 1 [Chamber Music Assessment]:
Students are expected to prepare and perform in duo with a fellow third year String or Wind or Brass student:
1. One or more pieces originally written for duo of string/wind/brass and the piano (20 minutes max).

Performance 2 [Public Recital]:
Students will prepare and present a programme of 35 minutes to include:
1. One Etude
2. A free choice of pieces of varied style and techniques for solo piano
3. Option to include a piece of chamber music of no more than 20 minutes
They will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme, give a spoken presentation to the recital and perform from memory (only the solo part of the programme)

Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the third year include:
Principal Study Lessons, Performance Classes, Chamber Music, Masterclasses, Events and Concerts.

Optional coursework components of the third year include:
Second/Related Study Lessons, Vocal Accompaniment, Conducting, Organ/Harpsichord Seminars, Teaching Technique Class, Keyboard Literature, Contemporary and Early Music.

Year 4

Performance 1 [Concerto Assessment]:
Students are expected to prepare and perform in duo with a fellow piano student:
1. One or more movements of a Piano Concerto (15 minutes max)

Performance 2 [Public Recital]:
Students will prepare and present a programme of 45 minutes to include:
1. A free choice of pieces of varied style and techniques for solo piano and/or
2. Chamber music or Song accompaniment depending on the aspiration of the performer in the profession

They will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme, give a spoken presentation to the recital and perform from memory (only the solo part of the programme).

Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the fourth year include:
Principal Study Lessons, Performance Classes, Masterclasses, Events and Concerts.

Optional coursework components of the fourth year include:
Second/Related Study Lessons, Chamber Music, Vocal Accompaniment, Conducting, Orchestra, Organ/Harpsichord Seminars, Teaching Technique Class, Keyboard Literature, Contemporary and Early Music.