University of Miami

Frost School of Music

Piano Preparatory Program

Ensemble/Sight-reading

The Piano Preparatory Program offers a unique opportunity for students to experience a group piano class dedicated to ensemble playing along with sight-reading.  The course is divided into different levels from beginner to advanced*.  Each class works on ensemble playing through pieces that require two or more players. 

The Weeks Music Library and state of the art Technology Center allows students to record, arrange, notate music and to interact and share with other students.  Sight-reading drills along with rhythm reading are also incorporated into the class.  Students can enjoy the camaraderie that comes with playing in a group environment. 

*Placement auditions will be held September 6th at 11:00a.m. in the Weeks Technology Center

Level 1 (Late Elementary)

This class is for second and third year piano students.  Classes use the Alfred ensemble library text which consists of four part keyboard orchestration pieces.  Students are assigned duets by composers such as Diabelli and Wohlfahrt. 

Level 2 (Intermediate)

Students in level two play duets for eight hands-two pianos along with duets for four hands.  The repertoire includes pieces such as Grieg’s Norwegian Dances.

Level 3 (Late Intermediate/Early Advanced)

Materials covered in this course include duets- two to four parts and eight hands-two pianos.  Pieces include Moszkowski Spanish dances along with arrangements of popular and classical pieces.

Level 4 (Advanced)

Students in the advanced level work on duets for two pianos four hands along with duets for four hands one piano.  Advanced piano literature is studied in the course.  Pieces include Brahms Hungarian Dances and arrangements of Beethoven and Mozart symphonies for four hands.