Classical Piano

Preparatory course in classical piano

The Preparatory Classical Piano Course at the Saint Louis College of Music is a preparatory training course for direct admission to the Three-year Academic Level I course. It is intended for students who wish to build a solid and knowledgeable piano background through the systematic study of instrumental technique, repertoire and basic musical skills, in preparation for admission to academic courses.

The course takes the student through the development of basic piano technique through guided study of scales, arpeggios and technical studies. The study of piano repertoire is progressive and calibrated to the student’s level: from Baroque and Classicism to Romantic, Impressionist and modern repertoire, with the goal of developing stylistic and expressive maturity.

Duration 1 to 2 years, depending on entry level

Attendance from 6 to 10 hours per week, in regular or long-distance mode, depending on the curriculum and student need

Where Rome, Saint Louis College of Music

Language Italian and English

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INSIGHTS

The pre-academic Classical Piano course varies in length from 1 to 2 years, depending on the student’s entry level and learning pace.
The teaching structure is designed to accompany progressively toward admission to the Three-Year Academic Level I program at Saint Louis College of Music..

During the course you will acquire skills in the following areas:

Individual classical piano lessons aimed at developing instrumental technique, sound control, hand independence and interpretive awareness.
Systematic study of piano technique, through scales and arpeggios, graded technical studies and reference repertoires from the classical tradition, functional for academic preparation.
Piano repertoire, approached progressively from the Baroque and Classicism to Romanticism, Impressionism and the twentieth century, depending on the student’s technical level and artistic maturity.
Chamber music, to develop listening, coordination and musical interaction skills in ensemble settings.
Ear training and music reading, with exercises in sight reading, interval recognition, basic tonal structures, and development of autonomy in study.
Harmony and music theory, geared toward understanding musical language and preparing for academic entrance exams.
Elements of interpretation and performance practice, with attention to the style of different historical periods, individual study management, memorization and early performance experiences.
Music Technology, use of major music production software applied to study, practice and production in the classical field.

Upon successful completion of the pre-academic course, the student directly enters the Three-Year Academic Diploma Level I in Classical Piano, a degree recognized by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and issued by the Saint Louis College of Music..

The academic course enables the development of pianistic, interpretive and musical skills geared toward the professionalization of the classical pianist, both in performance and in artistic and institutional settings.

Career outlets of the Three-year Academic Level I Program in Classical Piano

Solo pianist for concerts, recitals and musical seasons in classical and contemporary fields.
Chamber pianist , in instrumental and vocal ensembles, with emphasis on chamber repertoire.
Piano accompanist for singers, instrumentalists, choirs, and educational and concert productions.
Musician included in ensembles and interdisciplinary projects that integrate music, theater and performance.

The Pre-Academic Classical Piano Course at the Saint Louis College of Music is designed for students who already have a piano and musical foundation, even if not academic, and wish to undertake a structured course of preparation for access to AFAM academic courses.

The course does not start from scratch: admission is by audition, aimed at assessing musicality, technical setting, reading ability and stylistic awareness, in relation to the candidate’s level of preparation.

Entrance test and pathway customization

Depending on the level demonstrated during the entrance test, it is possible to enter the first year of the pre-academic pathway or be placed directly into the second year, depending on the piano and musical skills possessed.

For each subject (piano, ear training, harmony), the student is placed in the level best suited to their skills. Each discipline follows an autonomous and progressive path, guaranteeing personalized training consistent with the student’s technical-artistic development, oriented toward the acquisition of the skills required for admission to the Three-Year Level I program.

How the entrance test is conducted

Entrance tests for Saint Louis pre-college courses are held:

in June
In September, exclusively for any places still available

The entrance test evidence includes:

Piano test, performance of two pieces from different eras, one from the Baroque or Classical repertoire and one from the Romantic or early 20th century repertoire, in-depth study required by the committee (see the admission program by clicking on “Download syllabus“)
Harmony test, structured as per the facsimile for access to the 2nd and 3rd levels of harmony
Ear training test, structured as per the facsimile for access to the 2nd and 3rd levels of ear training
Aptitude interview aimed at assessing the student’s profile, awareness of the chosen path, and motivation

The pre-academic course provides a choice of four different attendance modes, designed to meet different educational and organizational needs.

Ordinary Attendance: weekly meetings, with a commitment of between 6 and 10 hours of lectures, concentrated in 2-4 days per week. This mode allows for guided and continuous learning, with constant comparisons and regular progress checks. Requires an average individual study commitment of about 6 hours daily.Some subjects are available both in-person and entirely online.
Long-distance attendance: a mode designed for students who do not reside in or near Rome, or for those who work. Provides From 6 to 8 hours of classes concentrated all Friday afternoons online (Ear Training and Harmony) and Saturdays, one week in attendance and one week online, alternating one week in attendance and one week online. Long-distance attendance with Saturday classes is provided exclusively for pre-academic courses.
Teen Music Academy attendance: a mode optimized for students attending high school, with a personalized course that engages one or two afternoons a week. The goal is access to academic courses upon graduation from high school. If there is special ability and talent, admission to academic courses is possible even before graduation. Some subjects are available both in-person and entirely online.
DAD attendance: an entirely distance learning mode, aimed at students from all over the world, which allows students to attend training without any physical attendance requirements.