
Keyboard Studies
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Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Performance Double Counting General Education Courses KEYBOARD STUDIES FACULTY
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Keyboard students at the University of Oregon have a number of opportunities to develop their instrumental skills and their ability to present music in public performance. Each professor provides students with individual lessons and a weekly performance class in which students play for each other in an informal setting, with opportunities for discussion and experimentation. Other performance opportunities include optional recitals of solo or ensemble repertoire, a student chamber music recital series, a concerto competition for performance with the University Symphony, and required degree recitals.
Accompaniment and Chamber Music
Accompaniment and Chamber Music are an integral part of keyboard study at the University of Oregon, as these increase and enhance all musical skills and prepare the pianist for a broader performing and teaching career. Numerous opportunities are available for collaborative piano work, including a new yearlong accompaniment course, chamber music, opera workshop, choral groups, and studio accompaniment for instrumentalists and singers. Offered for the more advanced student is a Master of Music in Piano Performance with emphasis in accompaniment. This program includes study of song literature, lyric diction, chamber music, and other topics related to collaborative piano performance.
Piano Pedagogy
Piano Pedagogy is a comprehensive program that includes study of various teaching methods, learning theories, sequencing of repertoire, piano technique, performance practices, and the business of operating an independent piano studio. Students are given private, class, and group teaching experiences with many different age groups. In addition, the pedagogy program looks to the 21st century with its creative and practical applications of electronic keyboards, Disklaviers, and computers.
Jazz Keyboard
Jazz Keyboard Studies at the University of Oregon exist in a variety of formats. In their sophomore year, students gain beginning jazz keyboard skills as part of the Basic Jazz Theory course. Functional Jazz Piano, a course which is designed to provide a means for obtaining a practical, working knowledge of jazz harmony at the keyboard, is offered immediately following Jazz Theory. Qualified students interested in furthering their skills can do so through private study. Outside the classroom, jazz pianists can perform in a number of different ensembles, including three 17-piece big bands, and nearly a dozen small ensembles.
Organ and Harpsichord
Organ and Harpsichord majors have several superb instruments for lessons and practice, including the Baroque style organ by German builder Jürgen Ahrend and practice instruments by Schlicker and David Petty. Harpsichords include French Double by William Dowd, German Double by Keith Hill, Flemish Single from a Zuckerman kit, and Italian by Owen Daly.