Keyboard Collaborative Arts

[emma_kate]

Hi there!

Has anyone taken the audition for Keyboard Collaborative Arts at USC Thornton School of Music? It says on their web-site the collaborative section of the audition contains of
-two complete instrumental sonatas,
-four songs from contrasting stylistic periods and
-one aria.
It also says that "The collaborative repertoire must be selected from an approved list..."

Does anyone know which pieces there are on that approved list? ...I know I could just call the office, but I just thought I'd ask you guys first.

Thanks, Emma

[brahms4me]

This is what I found - looks like you have to call them


USC Thornton School of Music : Admission: Application Requirements ...
... The collaborative repertoire must be selected from an approved list, available from the collaborative arts office by calling 213) 740-7703

[emma_kate]

Yes, I found that, too. I just thought I'd ask you first, because I'm not so sure about applying yet (just thinking about it) and I'm afraid they might take me too seriously if I called.

[faulty_damper]

"Collaborative Arts" is nothing more than a fancy and less insulting term for: Accompanist.

I wouldn't waste my time in such programs because your purpose at such schools that offer this program is to accompany the singers and instrumentalists, often at the expense of dignity.  If you've never accompanied a signer or instrumentalist and thought it would be a good idea, you are naiver than a toilet paper about to be used.  That's all you are as an accompanist.  You wipe their asses.

[retrouvailles]

I am actually at USC right now and can say that I agree with the previous poster, just not in as frank a manner. The Thornton School is really a great school and doing collaborative arts would not be taking advantage of what this school has to offer. Go for either the BA in piano or the BM in piano performance (very tough to get into here).

[emma_kate]

"Collaborative Arts" is nothing more than a fancy and less insulting term for: Accompanist.

I wouldn't waste my time in such programs because your purpose at such schools that offer this program is to accompany the singers and instrumentalists, often at the expense of dignity.  If you've never accompanied a signer or instrumentalist and thought it would be a good idea, you are naiver than a toilet paper about to be used.  That's all you are as an accompanist.  You wipe their asses.

Uhm... I have accompanied a lot of instrumentalist (and just a few singers) and I have to say I agree with you. Some of them tend to be quite... hm...strenuous... (I really don't want to offend anyone.) But thanks for the metaphore.

I am actually at USC right now and can say that I agree with the previous poster, just not in as frank a manner. The Thornton School is really a great school and doing collaborative arts would not be taking advantage of what this school has to offer. Go for either the BA in piano or the BM in piano performance (very tough to get into here).

Thank you for your answer. I'm actually looking for a graduate study (MM). I might just concentrate on MM in Classical Piano then. Who are you studying with, retrouvailles?

[brahms4me]

Hi Emma -

I added that post about the phone number thinking that you had already seen it.  I don't think they'd mind if you call them about the repertoire list.  It would be nice, however, if they would have it posted a repertoire list somewhere or provide a link.  With that being said, I don't know where you live but I received my MM from Cal State Fullerton in CA and found it to be very worthwhile.  I was not bombarded with students wanting me to accompany them.  Since I had grad classes in the late afternoon I hardly ever came in contact with undergrads and demands for my 'services' were never an issue.  My teacher earned her DMA from USC so she really knew what hoops to put me through.  In short, I'm very glad I went down this road and haven't regretted it.  But, if playing solo piano is your passion then I say go for it.  If you have accompanying skills then you will always find work.  Best to you!

[retrouvailles]

Thank you for your answer. I'm actually looking for a graduate study (MM). I might just concentrate on MM in Classical Piano then. Who are you studying with, retrouvailles?

Heh, sorry. It was late. Good luck getting into the MM program if you go for it. It is also really tough to get into, but I have met some MM students and they all say it's worth it, except if you get John Perry as a teacher (just kidding!). I am actually in between teachers right now, but I last studied with Antoinette Perry.