Classes & activities
This programme is aimed at students who are professionally active and have the highest levels of technical and artistic expertise. In addition to refining professional standards in work patterns, preparation and performance, the programme encourages students to reflect critically and inventively on their work.
The course is highly flexible so that it can meet the specific and individual needs of students at this advanced stage of development. You will be expected to pursue a series of goals identified at the beginning of the year which might include a range of concerts, recordings, competitions and/or other projects. You will be encouraged to think innovatively about your work, and will be required to self-manage the implementation of your plans.
Your studies will be supported by regular one-to-one tuition with those who can best help you to develop your artistic and professional goals; this might include regular teaching from within your instrumental department, and/or sessions with teachers/coaches from other departments.
Provision will be individually discussed and agreed in consultation with your Head of Department and the Course Tutor at the beginning of the year. You will be given the opportunity to meet and discuss your work with other Advanced Diploma students and also (where appropriate) offered the chance to take part in masterclasses with international visitors.
Advanced Diploma students are encouraged to draw on the Academy’s staff (often across departments) to support the development of their career and artistry, and can expect a flexible schedule that will allow them to pursue a significant portfolio of external professional activity.
For more information see the course specification document.
Department Classes
And Activities
Individual Lessons
You will receive specialist ensemble 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 ensemble 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
Ensemble 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.
Artistic Excellence
We welcome the finest students from around the world to learn and perform alongside globally renowned artists, ensuring they benefit from a music-making environment of the highest quality.
