Classes & activities
The Academy’s Professional Diploma is a one-of-a-kind programme for students who are looking for a specially tailored extra year of study to provide a competitive edge in building a career.
It is a highly focused combination of one-to-one tuition and professional development activity built around the needs of each individual student in consultation with the ProfDip Programme Tutor and the relevant Head of Department. Applicants will normally have completed a master’s degree but the programme is available to all applicants of the appropriate standard.
Training: In addition to the 45 hours of one-to-one tuition, all postgraduate students undertake an extensive programme of departmental activity targeted to their specialist focus.
The following are examples of specialisms studied in recent years. There is no blueprint; the nature and scope of the specialism differs in each case.
Specialisms examples:
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Opera repetiteurship
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Historical Performance for modern instrumentalists
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Preparation for opera studies
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Orchestral Doubling specialisms (eg contrabassoon or piccolo)
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Ensemble piano
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Composition for television, film and media
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Flute and piano duo repertoire from the first half of the twentieth century
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Extended techniques on the cello
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The German school of tuba playing, with an emphasis upon orchestral performance
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The study of poets: lieder with texts by Shakespeare and Goethe
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The role of the principal viola in an orchestra
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.
