Overview
The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Performance is for students who want to focus on performance and build on their professional skills. The PGCert is designed as an option for postgraduate students who cannot meet the academic entrance requirements for a Master’s course.
The Ensemble Piano course (postgraduate only) allows students to develop the highest standards of musicianship and pianism through the study of ensemble repertoire.
The PGCert is designed as an option for postgraduate students who cannot meet the academic entry requirements for the MA. You are provided with the full range of MA tuition. If you meet the learning outcomes of the MA you will gain that award. The course path and length can be discussed at the entrance interview and adjusted as appropriate, you are not tied to the option you choose when you submit your application in UCAS Conservatoires.
Classes and Activities
Individual Lessons
You will receive specialist collaborative piano lessons and can also opt to receive a portion of tuition from a solo piano professor. Instrumental chamber music tuition is an integral part of the course.
Concert Performances
In addition to the weekly Accompanists at 5 concert, attended by all collaborative piano students, there are numerous external performance opportunities including recitals with the Academy’s prestigious ensemble Song Circle at the Wigmore Hall, Oxford Lieder Festival.
Masterclasses
Accompaniment students benefit from the vast range of expertise available within the Academy. Visiting Masterclasses are also given by distinguished artists such as Helmut Deutsch, Hartmut Hὂll and Graham Johnson.
Song Classes and Language Tuition
Students give prepared performances in weekly song classes (Lieder, French and English) taken by members of the Academy's Vocal Faculty. It is also possible to participate in language classes offed to vocal students.
Répétiteur Skills
Collaborative piano students have the opportunity to participate in Repetiteur Classes and to play for Vocal Faculty Opera Scenes.
Skills Test preparation
In preparation for the Skills Tests Exam in the final year, students receive tuition in Harpsichord playing, Sightreading, Transposition and Vocal Coaching.
Entry Requirements
- Performance: A performance standard at least equivalent to that of a recognised music performance diploma.
- Academic: There are no academic requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate.
See Entry Requirements for further information.
Auditions
We want you to view your audition as a recital rather than a rigid test. Our panel is looking for your unique musical personality, your advanced pianistic skill, and your collaborative instincts. Try to relax, focus on your communication with your musical partners, and let us hear who you are as an ensemble musician.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Ensemble Piano selection process is integrated into our collaborative piano framework, consisting of a Round One digital video assessment followed by a Round Two live practical recall.
Your Audition Repertoire (Round One)
Round One of the assessment process is conducted entirely by digital video submission via the Acceptd portal. You must upload a balanced performance programme demonstrating your capability in both instrumental partnership and vocal accompaniment.
Repertoire Guidelines:
- Instrumental Duo Work: One substantial movement from a major sonata or duo work for piano and strings or woodwind.
- Vocal Accompaniment: Two contrasting art songs or lieder displaying your lyrical styling and linguistic sensitivity.
- Solo Performance: One short solo piece or movement of your own choice, lasting no longer than five minutes, to demonstrate your independent technical command.
What to Expect at the Audition Recall (Round Two)
Following the panel's evaluation of your Round One video footage, shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a live Round Two recall assessment at the Academy in London.
1. Practical Elements & Collaboration
The live recall is designed to test your adaptability and real-time ensemble skills. During this session, you will be expected to demonstrate:
- Prepared Duo Performance: Performing designated instrumental or vocal repertoire alongside professional guest artists provided by the Academy.
- Quick Study and Sight-Reading: Real-time sight-reading of a collaborative score and a brief assessment of a quick-study piece sent to you a short time before the audition day.
2. Postgraduate Interview
Your practical assessment is paired with an interview with senior faculty members from the Ensemble Piano department. This conversation will explore your collaborative experience, your knowledge of instrumental and vocal chamber repertoire, your professional aspirations, and how this specific intensive certificate fits into your immediate career trajectory.
Digital Profile Requirements
In addition to your performance videos, all applicants must ensure their Acceptd digital profile contains the following core elements:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current copy of your CV detailing your musical education, chamber music experience, duo partnerships, and a comprehensive list of repertoire you have studied or performed.
- Spoken English Introduction: A brief recorded verbal introduction introducing yourself and detailing your collaborative background to the faculty panel.
Please note: The Postgraduate Certificate is designed for advanced pianists seeking a concentrated period of specialised collaborative study. Your ultimate course placement remains flexible; the panel can discuss alternative postgraduate pathways (such as the MMus or MA in Ensemble Piano) during your assessment if they feel a different option better aligns with your long-term academic and professional goals.
For more information see auditions.