Keyboard

        

The core of the Keyboard Department is its distinguished team of teachers, whom also enjoy active performing and recording careers. The current faculty brings a wealth of experience and sensitivity to the development of our students and the department is proud of the achievements of its past and present students, many of whom have won prizes at National and International Competitions.

 

Each student receives 90 minutes of one-to-one tuition and there are weekly performance classes that are dedicated to solo or chamber music. There is also a busy programme of masterclasses and celebrity recitals, which enhance the student experience. Recent distinguished artists visiting the Academy for recitals and classes include Dr. Leslie Howard, Dr. Roy Howat, Martino Tirimo and Alexander Korsantia. The current year will continue to draw pianists of international reputation to the Academy for concerts and masterclasses. In close co-operation with the BBC, this year’s guest artists will include Louis Lorte, Mikhail Rudy, Alexander Melnikov and Yevgeny Sudbin. The Hungarian pianist, Gergely Boganyi will also make his debut at the Academy.

 

The Undergraduate Course for keyboard has been designed to offer maximum flexibility in terms of repertoire and collaborative opportunities. In addition to developing experience and high level skills as soloists, participation in chamber music is strongly encouraged and firmly structured within the course. All students are examined in piano duo, song accompaniment and varying piano and instrumental ensembles throughout the four-year duration of the course. Orchestral piano and contemporary ensembles also feature strongly throughout the year and the Academy’s historic and reproduction instrument collection, including a newly refurbished Erard Grand from 1850, allows students to explore core repertoire in their appropriate, historical context.

 

Distinguished artists, Steven Osborne and Malcolm Martineau have been appointed as International Fellows in the keyboard department. The Academy’s visiting professor in contemporary improvisation, Anto Pett, continues to enjoy plaudits from staff and students for his highly inclusive and innovative classes in this fascinating art form.

 

The performing and practise facilities at the Academy are highly regarded. Piano students are assured daily practise time on the Academy’s high quality, new fleet of Steinway and Yamaha grand pianos and a generous free loan system also operates to provide students with free upright pianos during the academic year – thus, ensuring the best possible environment for unhindered development.